At the latest government press conference, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Hai Binh shared highlights from the military parade and march marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2.

He noted that the public continues to feel the emotional resonance of the celebrations. The success of the event was the result of coordinated efforts by numerous agencies at both central and local levels, under the close guidance of the Politburo, the Party Central Secretariat, and General Secretary To Lam.

“The internet has humorously but meaningfully referred to a missing 80th marching unit. The answer: the 80th block was the people,” Binh said, highlighting the critical role the public played in making the parade extraordinary.

The global community paid close attention to Vietnam’s National Day celebrations. The presence of armed forces, including the People's Army and Public Security Forces, showcased strength - but the most beautiful image was them marching in the embrace of the people. International observers were especially struck by the masses who lined the streets, eagerly waiting and sharing in the experience, something not commonly seen elsewhere.

Deputy Minister Le Hai Binh summarized: “The essence of this commemoration lies in the special role of the people, emphasized throughout General Secretary To Lam’s speech delivered at the historic Ba Dinh Square. In approximately 1,480 words, the General Secretary mentioned 'the people' 17 times, 'nation' 13 times, 'independence' 10 times, and 'homeland' 9 times.”

He also recalled a line from the speech: “Strength originates from the people, belongs to the people, and serves the people.”

A vision of national pride unlike ever before

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Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Hai Binh speaks at the press conference. Photo: VGP

The exhibition on national achievements, part of the 80th anniversary celebrations, attracted 5 million visitors. This, along with numerous other programs across agencies and ministries, reflected the spirit of patriotism that defined the occasion.

Deputy Minister Le Hai Binh emphasized that, under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnamese people have walked a righteous path over the past 80 years - through wars for independence and unification, toward building today’s peaceful and proud Vietnam.

He identified three major themes in the anniversary’s meaning: first, faith in the strength of the nation, encompassing hard power, soft power, and internal resilience; second, profound gratitude to ancestors and those who sacrificed over the past 80 years; and third, the hope and drive to build a prosperous future.

“People described this National Day as having a unique combo: watching the military parade, visiting exhibitions, and grandparents and grandchildren lining up to watch the film Red Rain together,” he added.

The State also gave gifts to the people in celebration of the National Day. With the support of digital transformation, gift distribution was efficiently managed across the country.

“When someone starts singing As if Uncle Ho were here on this joyful day of victory, the crowd joins in unison. That’s a beautiful expression of Vietnamese patriotism,” Binh remarked.

He reiterated the national aspiration for development, referencing a quote from General Secretary To Lam’s speech: “Looking to the future, our Party has set the goal that by 2045 - on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the country - Vietnam will be a powerful, prosperous, and happy nation. This is the aspiration of the entire people, our sacred oath before history and the people.”

Deputy Minister Binh also shared impressive statistics from the event: 4,600 spectators filled the grandstands; 1,600 participants joined the red flag formation; 160 artists marched in designated units; 80 singers represented all three regions; and 2,000 amateur performers contributed to the program.

“There were 15,844 news stories about these events, which sparked a wave of pride through hashtags such as Radiant Vietnam, Proud of Vietnam, and Tự hào Việt Nam. Around 600,000 short video clips were shared, garnering 20 million likes, 2 million shares, and a staggering 1 billion views. Never before has the image of Vietnam been spread so beautifully and widely,” he concluded.

Tran Thuong