April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025: 50 Years – An Indelible Milestone In The Nation’s History

All for a Historic Day

On the anniversary of April 30, 2025, flags and banners adorn the streets of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province. Across localities, solemn ceremonies are held to offer incense and flowers in tribute to fallen heroes at martyrs' cemeteries and historical relic sites, especially at Hang Duong Cemetery – Con Dao, the resting place of thousands of steadfast revolutionaries.

Accompanying these events is a political-artistic program staged on a large scale in Con Dao, co-organized by Ba Ria – Vung Tau province and Vietnam Television, leaving a deep cultural and emotional imprint. Media outlets simultaneously launched special sections and features providing extensive coverage of the commemorative activities.

Honoring the Past, Proudly Advancing to the Future

The victory of April 30, 1975, was the culmination of a persistent and arduous 21-year struggle by the entire Party, army, and people. The Spring 1975 General Offensive and Uprising, starting with the Central Highlands Campaign, followed by the Hue – Da Nang campaigns, and climaxing with the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, utterly dismantled the military apparatus and the Saigon regime.

With the spirit of “faster, faster still; bolder, bolder still; seize every hour, every minute, rush to the battlefield, liberate the South” – per the order of General Võ Nguyên Giáp – our forces completely liberated the South within just one month, ending the war of resistance against the United States in victory.

Con Dao, once known as the “hell on earth,” was also liberated on May 1, 1975, just one day after the capture of the Independence Palace. Thousands of political prisoners, once subjected to brutal torture, were set free. This event remains a vivid testament to the resilience and undying spirit of the Vietnamese people.

Defining the Nation’s Development Path

The victory of April 30, 1975, affirmed an enduring truth: the Vietnamese people's determination to gain independence and unification and pursue the socialist path was a correct and unwavering choice. Marxism-Leninism and Hồ Chí Minh Thought remain the ideological foundations guiding the revolutionary cause of the Party and people.

From this triumph, Vietnam gradually rose, embarking on the Renew process from 1986, advancing industrialization, modernization, and deep international integration. Today, the country has made significant progress: its economy is among the fastest-growing in the region, political and social stability is maintained, and the people's living standards continue to improve.

Spreading the Spirit of Patriotism

On this momentous occasion, widespread and deeply humane activities were organized to express gratitude – including visits, gifts for policy families, people with meritorious services, war veterans, and Heroic Vietnamese Mothers. Political and social organizations launched movements such as “Repaying Gratitude” and “Remembering the Source,” along with heritage trips and traditional storytelling to help the younger generation understand historical values and their responsibilities in national construction.

Especially notable are the special history lessons, documentary screenings, interactions with historical witnesses, and contests like “Proud of Vietnam” held in schools. These activities not only rekindled patriotism but also nurtured revolutionary ideals in youth – the future bearers of the country's legacy.

Media – The Bridge Between History and the Present

During this celebration, the media played an essential role as a “bridge of information,” helping to spread historical values and awaken national pride and confidence. Local journalists, editors, and artists actively created and promoted literature, art, and journalistic works that captured the vibrant, determined spirit of the people during this historic milestone.

Fifty years have passed, yet the victory of April 30, 1975, remains a brilliant symbol of Vietnamese patriotism, resilience, and ambition. On this sacred anniversary, every Vietnamese citizen feels even more proud, respectful of the past, and responsible for the present and the future.

Now more than ever, the spirit of April 30 must continue to be strongly upheld as a powerful source of motivation for our people to confidently advance on the path of building a wealthy, democratic, just, and civilized nation – fulfilling the heartfelt wish of President Ho Chi Minh: “To make our country more beautiful, more dignified.”