Bulletins Friendship and cooperration
Every year, as August approaches, the Vietnamese people are filled with pride and emotion, as they recall the autumn of the August Revolution in 1945. They remember the resilient and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people under the wise, correct, and creative leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Seventy-nine years have passed (August 19, 1945 - August 19, 2024), yet the August Revolution of 1945 remains a source of pride for the Party, the military, and our people in the ongoing task of nation-building.
Reflecting on this historical moment, on August 16, 1945, the National Congress convened and endorsed the Party’s policy for a general uprising. The Congress also established the national flag and anthem, approved ten major policies of the Viet Minh Front, and appointed the Vietnam Liberation Committee, which served as the provisional government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, with Ho Chi Minh as President. Under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, over 20 million compatriots rose up in a general uprising. Within just 15 days, from August 14 to August 28, 1945, the Vietnamese people succeeded in the nationwide uprising. The government fell into the hands of the people, from Lang Son in the north to Ca Mau in the south, and from rural and mountainous areas to the cities of Hanoi, Hue, and Saigon. On September 2, 1945, coinciding with Japan’s surrender to the Allies aboard a U.S. battleship, President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi. The August Revolution stands as a monumental chapter in Vietnam's quest for independence and sovereignty.
From the victory of the August Revolution, the Vietnamese people took control of their destiny. Vietnam became an independent, free, and democratic nation. The Communist Party of Vietnam became the ruling party. Under its leadership, our people achieved remarkable feats, culminating in the historic victory at Dien Bien Phu in 1954 and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975, which liberated the South and unified the country, ushering our nation into an era of independence and socialism.
The August Revolution of 1945 has attracted significant attention from historians and international scholars. International historians have published numerous articles, books, and research projects. These works recognize the significance of the August Revolution not only for Vietnam but also for many colonized countries worldwide at the time.
Argentinian journalist Jorge Tuero once praised: “The success of the August Revolution is a testament to the correct strategy and leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Viet Minh Front. Their wise and skillful leadership, along with making necessary decisions at the right time, played a crucial role in the great victory of the Vietnamese people. This success, combined with thorough political and military preparation to ensure national unity based on the worker-peasant alliance, led to the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam on September 2, 1945.”
Russian Professor Aleksandr Sokolovsky stated that the August Revolution of 1945 and the formation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam were of immense significance. The driving force behind this revolution was the patriotism of all Vietnamese people. He emphasized: “I cannot imagine what would have happened to Vietnam without this revolution; even the concept of a unified Vietnam might not exist. It can be said that the August Revolution opened a new chapter, a new era in Vietnam’s history,” said Aleksandr Sokolovsky.
French historian Charles Fournieau, during his lifetime, remarked that the August Revolution was extremely important not only for Vietnam but also for oppressed and exploited peoples worldwide, especially in Africa. This was a true revolution, with the unity and collective effort of the entire nation. Fournieau also expressed his respect for the great President Ho Chi Minh - the national liberation hero who dedicated his life to leading the Vietnamese people to regain independence and freedom for the homeland.
Commemorating the 79th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2 enhances our understanding of the profound historical and practical values this revolution brought. We fully recognize the responsibility of today’s and future generations in applying and developing the valuable lessons and epochal ideas of the August Revolution. The national liberation revolution of autumn 1945 has inspired and strengthened the entire Party, people, and military to confidently stride forward on a new path. This revolution continues to influence the writing of heroic chapters in the cause of national liberation, construction, and defense, as well as in today’s renewal and international integration efforts.
Uyen Nhi