(VOVWORLD) - Vietnamese people across the globe are joyfully celebrating National Day on September 2. On this day 79 years ago, in the historic autumn of 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. This date became a pivotal moment, uniting the entire nation in the quest to overcome immense challenges, preserve independence, and build a nation with a strong position in the international arena.
 (Photo: chinhphu.vn) |
The Declaration of Independence, though brief, carries timeless significance, underscoring the values of independence, freedom, national rights, and human rights.
Historical significance of the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is not only a cornerstone for the Vietnamese people but also holds profound historical significance. President Ho Chi Minh’s assertion that "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom" remains a timeless truth, a prerequisite for building a prosperous, developed nation with happy, prosperous people. National independence and freedom are sacred. Safeguarding national independence and freedom, while respecting the independence and freedom of other nations, is crucial for fostering a world of peace and development.
Professor Pham Hong Tung of Hanoi National University said: "President Ho Chi Minh made strong arguments for the undeniable value of independence. The right to live in freedom and to pursue happiness are the universal values acknowledged in the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen and the United States Declaration of Independence, and by all humanity."
President Ho Chi Minh’s thought, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, has empowered the Vietnamese people to safeguard their sovereignty, build their nation, and achieve significant progress across various fields.
Dr. Nguyen Duc Quyen of Hanoi University of Science and Technology said: “The Declaration of Independence is a historical document, which serves as a legal foundation for building a rule-of-law state in Vietnam, with the goals of independence, freedom, and happiness. The Vietnamese people’s enduring aspiration for peace has been a key factor in establishing a state of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
Independence and freedom are a timeless motto and aim
79 years have elapsed but the eternal values of national independence and freedom continue to be the foundation and purpose of the Vietnamese state. In the new development era, the values of freedom and independence are manifested in Vietnam’s independent policy on national construction and defense, foreign policy of independence and self-reliance, and extensive international economic integration policy to build a strong and stable economy.
National independence is also reflected in Vietnam’s efforts to cultivate an advanced culture imbued with national identity, and preserve and promote traditional values while embracing the positive aspects of global culture. Since the August revolution, the values of national independence, freedom, and happiness have been preserved and promoted, helping Vietnam become one of the fastest-growing countries in the region and the world. Vietnamese people’s material and spiritual lives have steadily improved and Vietnam’s international status has risen.
Nguyen Thanh Quang, a veteran from Dak Nong province, shares his national pride on National Day: "Every time we celebrate National Day, we reflect on how our country has progressed from one victory to another. Life today is so much better than before; it’s incomparable."
Over the past 79 years, the core values of national independence, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence, remain vital in Vietnam’s national development cause. Speaking at an international press conference following his election as General Secretary of the 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, General Secretary and President To Lam, said: "We must uphold the principles of independence, self-reliance, and resilience in foreign relations. The interests of our country and people come first. We are not dependent on anyone and are not swayed by international trends. Vietnam’s tradition is to cultivate as many friendships as possible, which will help enhance our strength regardless of the size or proximity of the countries involved."
To achieve the goal of a strong, prosperous, democratic, equitable, and civilized country, Vietnam remains steadfast in maintaining national independence—the core value defined by President Ho Chi Minh in the Declaration of Independence. This is the fundamental premise for the nation to grow steadily and stay resilient against global uncertainties.