An exhibition in Hanoi showcases Vietnam’s first national currency and pivotal historical artifacts, honoring the 80th anniversary of independence.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, the Vietnam Military History Museum is hosting a special exhibition titled "Upholding the oath of independence," featuring more than 300 photos, documents, and artifacts.
On January 31, 1946, the government issued Decree No. 18B, authorizing the circulation of Vietnamese banknotes in the South Central region. This marked the introduction of the very first currency issued by the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. These historical banknotes are now on display at the exhibition.
The exhibition consists of three main parts: Autumn of independence, Upholding the oath, and Vietnam’s glory.
Several notable artifacts, closely linked with major historical milestones, are being introduced to the public for the first time. These include: President Ho Chi Minh’s Declaration of Independence dated September 2, 1945; a collection of revolutionary newspapers from 1941 to 1945; and a restored imperial seal named Hoang de chi bao (The Emperor’s Treasure) - a symbol of supreme power from the feudal era, now standing as a testament to the pivotal transition in Vietnamese history.
Also featured is a collection of banknotes known as “Uncle Ho banknotes,” issued by the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. These were a significant expression of the nation’s economic and financial sovereignty following independence.
The exhibition does more than recount the historic atmosphere of autumn 1945 - it serves as a poignant reminder to current and future generations of the sacred value of independence and national sovereignty. It aims to educate, inspire, and encourage military personnel and the public to uphold the patriotic spirit and revolutionary traditions of the August Revolution and National Day.
It also emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and national resilience, urging continued efforts in national defense and development. The exhibition reflects on past victories to motivate the completion of new historical missions in today’s era - an era of growth, prosperity, civilization, happiness, and national pride.
Part 1 - Autumn of independence: An overview of Vietnam’s history beginning with the French invasion in 1858.President Ho Chi Minh’s Declaration of Independence, dated September 2, 1945.The golden seal Hoang de chi bao (limited edition) was passed down from Emperor Minh Mang to Emperor Bao Dai. On August 30, 1945, at Ngo Mon Gate in Hue, Emperor Bao Dai formally abdicated and handed over the seal and sword to representatives of the Revolutionary Government. This event marked the end of the monarchy and the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam - the first independent, democratic state in Vietnamese history. Emperor Bao Dai’s abdication proclamation, dated August 25, 1945 (right image).On September 2, 1945, at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and ushering in a new era for the nation.The exhibition displays rare images, documents, and artifacts - some shown to the public for the first time. They are preserved by the Vietnam Military History Museum, other national museums, and both military and civilian archives. A standout highlight is President Ho Chi Minh’s Declaration of Independence. Additionally, the exhibition uses augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to help bring history to life and enhance visitor engagement.Part 2 - Upholding the oath: Displays provide a comprehensive view of the Vietnamese people’s long and arduous struggle for independence - from the resistance against French colonialism and American imperialism, to border defense efforts and fulfilling international obligations, securing the nation's unity and territorial integrity.Ve Quoc Quan newspaper. Special edition commemorating August 19 and National Day, September 2, 1949. The first currency notes of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Issued under Decree No. 18B on January 31, 1946, authorizing the release of banknotes from the South Central region. These “Uncle Ho banknotes” not only addressed urgent economic needs but also symbolized financial sovereignty - a key marker of national independence. They represented the revolutionary government’s first strong step toward establishing a legitimate, independent, and democratic state.AR and AI technologies help recreate the historic Dien Bien Phu victory and allow interactive experiences for visitors.The flag of the 2nd Army Corps, carried during the April 1975 march into Saigon.Part 3 - Vietnam’s glory: This section highlights the country’s remarkable achievements in building socialism, evident across politics, culture, economics, and society. The Vietnam People’s Army continues to play a central role in national defense, sovereignty protection, and peacekeeping efforts under the United Nations, contributing to Vietnam’s rising global standing.The exhibition not only revives the historic spirit of 1945 but also deeply reminds all generations of the invaluable significance of national independence and sovereignty.It serves as a powerful tool to educate, inspire, and mobilize both the armed forces and the general public to carry forward the patriotic legacy of the August Revolution and National Day. The exhibition calls for self-reliance, determination, and collective will to transform past victories into momentum for fulfilling new historic responsibilities in a new era - one of national revival, prosperity, civilization, happiness, and sustainable development.AR and AI applications help bring history to life and foster interactive learning for visitors. The exhibition opens to the public on August 12 at the Vietnam Military History Museum, Km 6+500, Thang Long Boulevard, Xuan Phuong, Hanoi.
Vietnamnet.vn
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