Vietnam commemorated two historic milestones in 2025 with sweeping celebrations across the country - 50 years since national reunification and 80 years of independence. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi became the epicenters of emotional tributes, military parades, cultural performances, and public unity.

In Ho Chi Minh City, more than 20 large-scale events were organized, including four signature programs: “The Peace Symphony,” “A Nation’s Complete Joy,” fireworks displays at 30 locations, and an epic military parade. Countless memorial, artistic, and cultural activities also took place nationwide, honoring the sacrifices of generations past and inspiring the future.

The highlight was the April 30 parade and celebration, held in the heart of former District 1. The procession featured 38 blocks from the armed forces - 25 military and militia units, and 13 public security divisions - along with 12 mass organization formations. Notably, military parade contingents from China, Laos, and Cambodia also joined the event.

Held with solemn grandeur, the ceremony once again reaffirmed the profound historical significance of the 1975 Spring Victory - a defining moment in Vietnam’s fight for reunification and sovereignty.

In his speech, General Secretary To Lam emphasized: “Time may pass, but the victory of our people in the resistance war against the US will forever shine in our nation’s history as a symbol of revolutionary heroism - a triumph of justice, courage, and Vietnamese intellect; of passionate patriotism and the yearning for independence, freedom, and unity. Vietnam is one nation, one people.”

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Statistics Office, the series of commemorative events spurred a boom in the city’s service sector. Total retail and consumer service revenue reached nearly $5.3 billion, an increase of almost 38% year-on-year. Revenues from food and lodging services surged over 86% and 97% respectively. Many central hotels were fully booked during the holiday peak.

Four months later, the historic Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi hosted an equally grand celebration for National Day on September 2. The event combined solemn reverence with dazzling pride, evoking deep patriotic emotions.

Leading up to the event, socio-economic initiatives flourished nationwide, including tourism stimulus campaigns and movements like “Join hands to eliminate temporary and dilapidated housing across the country in 2025.”

In a historic first, on August 28, the Politburo approved a policy to gift every Vietnamese citizen $4 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day.

The September 2 ceremony brought together 40,000 military personnel and civilians, accompanied by an impressive display of weaponry, tanks, UAVs, radar, and artillery systems. Fighter jets, transport helicopters, and armed rotorcraft performed thrilling maneuvers above, symbolizing the armed forces’ modern capabilities.

On the ground, modern military vehicles rolled past cheering crowds in a powerful show of unity. For the first time in Vietnam’s history, naval forces also participated in the parade. The event welcomed international contingents from China, Russia, Laos, and Cambodia.

Hanoi’s streets were drenched in red and gold, creating a breathtaking national tableau. The atmosphere echoed the sacred moment 80 years ago when President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed independence at Ba Dinh Square on September 2, 1945.

Amid this profound moment, General Secretary To Lam delivered a rousing message: “Under the glorious banner of the Party, guided by the light of Ho Chi Minh, and relying on the people’s strength and national unity, there is no difficulty we cannot overcome - no noble goal we cannot reach. Nothing can prevent our journey toward peace, prosperity, and eternal development.”

Over the past 80 years, Vietnam has risen from hunger and war to independence, unification, reform, and global integration. Every step forward reflects the strength of national solidarity and determination.

“Looking to the future, our Party has set a goal: by 2045, when we celebrate 100 years since our founding, Vietnam will be a powerful, prosperous, and happy nation. That is the dream of the entire nation - a solemn pledge to history and to the people,” the General Secretary affirmed.

The dual commemorations stirred the hearts of millions of Vietnamese both at home and abroad, evoking pride, emotion, and renewed commitment.

The 50th anniversary of reunification and the 80th anniversary of independence served as unifying milestones for all Vietnamese - regardless of ethnicity, religion, or geography - to come together and build a strong, prosperous, civilized, and happy nation.

Tran Thuong