September 2nd: From the Declaration of Independence to the Aspiration for Prosperity – From Gratitude to National Pride.

September 2nd is not merely a commemoration of a past historical event, but an eternal symbol of the resilient spirit and aspiration for independence of the Vietnamese people. This report comprehensively synthesizes historical perspectives, analyzes the enduring values of the Declaration of Independence, and describes the vibrant atmosphere of the National Day celebration in a contemporary context.

September 2nd not only marked the declaration of national sovereignty but also opened a new era, linking national independence with socialism. The Declaration of Independence, drafted by President Ho Chi Minh, was officially announced at 2:00 PM on September 2, 1945, at Ba Dinh Square. As the first legal document of supreme value, it strongly affirmed the national sovereignty of the Vietnamese people to the whole world. The Declaration of Independence not only completely ended centuries of colonial and feudal rule in our country but also opened a new era for the entire nation. The Declaration of Independence is not just a historical document but also a compass for current policy direction. It serves as the legal basis for building a state of the people, by the people, and for the people. The connection between the values of the Declaration and the current achievements in the “Doi Moi” (Renovation) and international integration process shows a continuity, a consistent path from the past to the present.

More than 80 years have passed, and the ideas of President Ho Chi Minh in the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, have become the great strength for the entire Vietnamese nation to overcome all difficulties and challenges, fulfilling the sacred oath of the Independence Day: “The entire Vietnamese people are determined to use all their spirit and strength, lives, and property to maintain that freedom and independence.”

From a Historical Moment to the Current Glorious Chapter.

Since September 2, 1945, Vietnam has gone through countless hardships and obstacles. The country has endured much suffering and adversity, from war and embargoes to the current period of renovation and development. To have the Vietnam of today, many generations of our forefathers had to fall, sacrificing their youth. They not only sacrificed their lives for the nation to achieve freedom and independence, but also continuously studied and worked to help Vietnam overcome countless challenges. As a result, today’s Vietnam can stand on equal footing with countries in the region, is respected by world powers, and is a destination for many international investors. All of this stems from one special day, National Day, September 2, 1945.

The Country Today: A Vietnam Integrating and Developing.

Since National Day on September 2, 1945, Vietnam has made significant strides in international integration. From an embargoed, economically underdeveloped country in the 1980s, Vietnam today is a more beautiful country. Its GDP in 2024 is estimated at around 476.4 billion USD, placing it among the top 40 largest economies in the world. GDP per capita has exceeded 4,717.29 USD (2024), compared to only about 100 USD in the late 1980s. From an economy dependent on agriculture, Vietnam has now become a hub for manufacturing and exporting electronics, textiles, and footwear.

Moreover, Vietnam is a safe destination for international friends. This is demonstrated by the total registered FDI in Vietnam, which reached a record 36.6 billion USD in 2023 for the 2008-2023 period, maintaining its third position in the ASEAN bloc for registered FDI. In 2024, Vietnam’s tourism industry welcomed over 17.5 million international visitors. The strong 38.9% increase in international tourism compared to the same period in 2023 shows that Vietnam is a safe and increasingly attractive destination for international tourists.

Commemorative Ceremonies and Activities for September 2nd: National Pride, Gratitude to the Past, Responsibility to Build the Country, and Passing the Torch to the Youth.

The parade, march, fireworks, and a series of commemorative activities (including full rehearsals, dress rehearsals, fireworks display locations, and public viewing areas) for this year’s National Day on September 2nd are being joyfully welcomed across the country. In Hanoi, people and tourists from all over are coming to watch the full rehearsal, hotels around the city center are fully booked, and streets are closed/rerouted to accommodate the great ceremony. Many people are traveling from other provinces to Hanoi just to watch the parade in person or on a large screen. This shows the excitement of the people for a major national day.

National Strength and Pride.

The parade and march celebrating the 80th National Day is a major event, attracting special attention from the public and tourists. The event involves six main forces. The detailed schedule includes many joint rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and full rehearsals, which have been taking place from late July until the official day, September 2nd, at Ba Dinh Square and in the central streets.

Notably, this year’s parade also includes military blocks from China, Russia, Laos, and Cambodia. The presence of foreign delegations indicates that this is a significant diplomatic event. The government’s strong investment in public facilities reflects a dual objective: both to showcase military strength and to provide the maximum opportunity for people to participate in and enjoy the holiday. This is a testament to the government’s confidence and care for its people in the context of international integration.

Looking Back at the Glorious Memories of the Previous Generation, a Generation of History, a Generation of National Pride.

September 2nd is an unforgettable historical milestone for those who directly experienced the event. Even at their “rare old age,” they still hold sacred feelings, love, and national pride in their hearts. The moving stories about Uncle Ho and National Day are retold, touching the hearts of millions of people.

These historical memories are preserved and spread in many forms. In museums, artifacts such as the microphone President Ho Chi Minh used to read the Declaration of Independence, as well as documents and images, vividly recreate the historical atmosphere of that day. This shows a systematic effort to keep the flame of memory burning brightly, especially for the younger generation.

Aspirations and Responsibilities of the Young Generation and the Tradition of “Drinking Water, Remembering the Source.”

For the younger generation, born in peacetime, National Day is not just a holiday but also an occasion to “remember the great merit of the ancestors who sacrificed their blood.” From this remembrance, they become aware of their responsibility in the cause of building and developing the country.

The gratitude of the youth for the past is not just in words but is expressed through concrete actions. For the 80th National Day anniversary, over 8,800 volunteers, mostly young people, participated in serving the commemorative activities, from directing traffic to assisting tourists. Furthermore, Vietnamese youth also demonstrate their patriotism by achieving significant milestones on the international stage in academia, sports, and culture. They are considered the pioneering force, with the “aspiration to unite with the aspiration of the country,” especially in the cause of entrepreneurship and innovation. This active participation shows a shift in how patriotism is expressed: from remembering the past to acting to build the future.

The tradition of “drinking water, remembering the source” is deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese consciousness, showing gratitude to parents, grandparents, and those who sacrificed for peace and freedom. In the modern context, this tradition has been creatively continued by the younger generation. They not only show gratitude by remembering history but also by acting to build a better future for the country.

Vietnamese youth are actively contributing to the country’s development through achievements in academics, sports, and culture. They have the “aspiration to establish themselves, start a career, and be determined to become an entrepreneurial nation.” This spirit is a powerful social driver, promoting sustainable development. Honoring the past and creating the future have created a strong link, providing a constant motivation for Vietnam’s development.

International Friends and the Perception of Vietnamese People’s Love for their Country.

Hanoi has made careful preparations regarding tourism infrastructure and events to welcome tens of thousands of domestic and international visitors for National Day on September 2nd. The vibrant festive atmosphere with flags, flowers, and art programs has left a strong impression on international tourists.

A South Korean tourist, Jeong Jonghyeok, expressed surprise at the patriotism and excitement of the Vietnamese people. He said this “does not happen in Korea,” where people usually just take National Day as a holiday, while in Vietnam, the festive atmosphere can last for a whole month. He was also impressed to see Vietnamese people participating in volunteer activities to help compatriots affected by natural disasters and contributing to friendly nations. A Japanese tourist, Kaneya Manabu, was also surprised to see thousands of people lining the streets to cheer for the military during the parades, something he had never seen in Japan.

These comments are not random but are the result of a purposeful preparation effort by the government. National Day, with its parades, marches, and concerts, is a way to reinforce and showcase these cultural values. According to one report, 80% of foreign tourists describe Vietnamese culture as “optimistic” with a “strong sense of community.” This shows that National Day is an effective tool to promote culture and enhance the national position, contributing to building a positive image of Vietnam in the eyes of international friends.

The Glorious History Continues to Be Written as Pages of History are Remembered and a Young Generation is Full of Gratitude.

September 2nd is not just a historical milestone but an eternal symbol of independence, freedom, and a compass for Vietnam’s aspiration for development. From the historical event in 1945, the country has undergone an 80-year journey full of challenges but has also achieved great accomplishments, from eliminating poverty and backwardness to becoming one of the leading dynamic economies in Asia.

Based on the analysis of the national spirit, the patriotism of the youth, and the joyful reception of this great event, it can be said that Vietnam has a solid foundation to continue to rise and affirm its position on the international stage. It is clear that not only those who have gone through the ups and downs of Vietnam’s history feel proud of September 2nd. This pride is also spread by Vietnamese youth to the international community. However, the journey ahead still holds many challenges, including the quality of institutions, the technology gap, global competition, and climate change.

To realize the aspiration for a strong and prosperous Vietnam, maintaining the creativity and solidarity of the entire nation is a key factor. The values of the Declaration of Independence of 1945 and the spirit of “drinking water, remembering the source” will continue to be a compass, inspiring all Vietnamese people on the path of building and defending the Homeland.

Wishing Vietnam always Independent, Free, and Happy. Wishing the Vietnamese people always preserve the beautiful cultural tradition of “drinking water, remembering the source.”

Author: M.Q.P