The 50th anniversary of the liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country will feature a grand parade and march, including 34 contingents from the armed forces and 11 civilian contingents.

The Central Steering Committee for the Commemoration of Major National Holidays and Historic Events for the 2023-2025 period recently held a meeting in Ho Chi Minh City to prepare for the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

Permanent member of the Party Secretariat, Luong Cuong, noted that the Central Commission for Popularisation and Education has issued guidelines for organizing activities to commemorate major national holidays and historic events over the next three years.

Among these are three significant events: the 70th anniversary of the historic Dien Bien Phu Victory (already commemorated), the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification, and the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Recently, the Central Steering Committee successfully organized five major activities, particularly the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, which included nearly 70 related events, leaving a profound impression on the people of Vietnam and international friends.

According to Luong Cuong, the Central Steering Committee has drawn valuable lessons, gained good experiences, and identified effective methods, while also addressing limitations to continue leading, directing, and successfully organizing upcoming major national events.

In 2024, two important events are planned: the 70th anniversary of Hanoi's Liberation and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army and the 35th anniversary of the All-People National Defense Festival. The Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defense, and Hanoi are actively preparing for these events.

In 2025, five major anniversaries will be commemorated, including the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 135th birthday of beloved President Ho Chi Minh, the 80th anniversary of the tradition of the Vietnam People's Public Security Forces, and the 20th anniversary of the All-People Movement for National Security Protection. Most notably, the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification and the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, will be celebrated.

At the meeting, leaders of Ho Chi Minh City, the Central Military Commission, and the Ministry of National Defense reported on the preparations for the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification.

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, Phan Van Mai, stated that the anniversary celebration will include a grand parade and march, with 34 contingents from the armed forces and 11 civilian contingents, involving a total of 11,220 participants. The city will also organize cultural, artistic, and sporting events, as well as launch patriotic emulation movements.

Head of the Commission for Popularisation and Education, Nguyen Trong Nghia, emphasized that the time remaining to prepare for these national-level commemorations is limited, and the workload is extensive.

Regarding the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification, Nghia stressed that beyond the purpose of widespread historical education and reinforcing public confidence, the commemoration should contribute to creating a favorable socio-political atmosphere, motivating the entire Party, military, and people.

The Politburo and the Secretariat have set high standards for organizing the commemorative activities, focusing on large-scale Central-level events that should not only express gratitude and serve as political-ideological education but also be innovative, engaging, practical, safe, and economical, with the public at the center.

The Central Steering Committee urged Ho Chi Minh City to quickly develop and complete the comprehensive plan for the commemorative activities by the end of August. Relevant agencies and units should focus on preparing for the successful organization of the central-level events.

Tran Thuong