By Ameh Gabriel
Fifty years ago, on April 30, 1975, Vietnam achieved a hard-won victory that fulfilled the nation’s greatest aspirations/reunification. This milestone marked the culmination of extraordinary sacrifice, the unwavering will of the Vietnamese people, and the enduring legacy of President Ho Chi Minh, a legacy that continues to shape Vietnam’s destiny today.
For 30 long and arduous years (1945–1975), the Vietnamese people waged a protracted struggle against colonial and imperial powers. Through immense hardship, sacrifice, and loss, their determination for an independent and unified Vietnam never wavered.
On National Day, September 2, 1955, President Ho Chi Minh famously declared, “Vietnam will certainly be reunified, as our country is an indivisible whole, and no one can divide it.” A year later, in a letter to the nation, he reaffirmed, “Reunifying the nation is the lifeline of our people.”
Even at the height of the anti-U.S. resistance war, on July 17, 1966, Ho Chi Minh’s resolve remained unshakable: “The war may last five years, 10 years, 20 years, or even longer. Hanoi, Hai Phong, and some cities and factories may be devastated. But the Vietnamese people will never be afraid! Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom. When victory comes, our people will rebuild our country, stronger and more beautiful than ever before.”
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the Party, the Vietnamese army and people overcame staggering odds. Their faith in justice, their commitment to national independence, and their unbreakable spirit enabled them to withstand modern warfare strategies and triumph over foreign powers.
As Ho Chi Minh so powerfully reminded the nation, “Vietnam is one, the Vietnamese people are one.” These words were more than a slogan—they were the heartbeat of the nation. Amid the flames of war, they became a rallying cry, inspiring millions to take up arms with the conviction that “we shall not return until the enemy is defeated.”
Over the decades, countless Vietnamese sons and daughters sacrificed their youth and dreams for the future of their homeland. Families bid tearful farewells, uncertain if they would ever reunite. Children learned to read in underground shelters, surviving on cassava and sweet potatoes when rice was scarce. From special forces behind enemy lines to village militia and the liberation soldiers crossing the Bến Hải River and the Trường Sơn mountain range, all were united by a singular belief: that the Vietnamese people would reclaim their homeland and reunite North and South as one.
The historic victory of April 30, 1975, was the culmination of these sacrifices and the embodiment of a nation’s indomitable will. It was forged from the blood and determination of millions, from love of country, faith in victory, and an unwavering resolve never to retreat.
Today, half a century since reunification, the echoes of that triumph still resonate in the soul of Vietnam. As they commemorate this monumental anniversary, they pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh—the beloved father of the nation, brilliant revolutionary strategist, national hero, and global cultural icon.
They honor the Party’s early leaders, heroic martyrs, intellectuals, compatriots, and soldiers from every corner of the Fatherland whose sacrifices lit the path to independence and unity.
They also extend their deepest gratitude to the international community, progressive movements, fraternal socialist nations, humanitarian organizations, and peace-loving people worldwide—who stood beside Vietnam during its struggle for liberation and its journey of rebuilding. Their solidarity and support are forever etched in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.
As Vietnam continues to advance on its path of development, today’s and future generations will always remember the great sacrifices made for national independence, the people’s happiness, and the country’s enduring prosperity. Indeed, “the aspiration for national reunification, once a burning dream, has become a proud reality” and a lasting legacy for generations to cherish.
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This article was prepared by Ameh Gabriel, a journalist and commentator focusing on history, national resilience, and international relations.
