Post by : Rameen Ariff

Photo : AFP

Vietnam marked the 80th anniversary of its independence from colonial rule on Tuesday with grand celebrations, including the country’s largest military parade in decades, cash handouts for citizens, and the release of nearly 14,000 prisoners.

Grand Celebrations in Hanoi

Tens of thousands of people flooded the streets of Hanoi, the nation’s capital, wearing red shirts and waving Vietnamese flags, showing strong patriotism in the Communist-run country.

The parade displayed Vietnam’s most advanced military equipment, including Russian-made Mi-171 helicopters, Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, and domestically produced drones. Thousands of Vietnamese soldiers marched in formation, alongside military personnel from China, Russia, and other countries.

A separate event at sea featured Russian Kilo-class submarines and frigates, demonstrating Vietnam’s growing naval capabilities.

Leaders’ Statements

Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam addressed the crowd, saying,
"We are unwavering in our commitment to defend the independence, freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of our Fatherland, down to every sacred inch of land."

National leaders and foreign dignitaries, including top lawmakers from China and Russia, watched the parade at Ba Dinh Square. This historic square is where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam’s independence on September 2, 1945, ending nearly a century of French colonial rule and brief Japanese occupation during World War II.

The announcement of independence in 1945 marked the birth of an independent Vietnam, though the French initially refused to recognize it, leading to a decade-long war, which ended in 1954 with the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu.

International Reactions

The United States sent a representative from its embassy to witness the parade. In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Vietnam, saying the country had become
"a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific region and a leader in addressing shared global challenges."

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Preparations and Festivities

Roads in central Hanoi were blocked for three working days to allow rehearsals for the main parade. The event involved careful planning to showcase Vietnam’s military strength and national pride.

In addition to the parade, Vietnam announced unprecedented cash handouts for its citizens. Last week, the government declared that each of the country’s 100 million citizens would receive 100,000 dong (around $3.80). The total cost of this program could reach $380 million, making it one of the largest direct cash distributions in Vietnam’s history.

Prisoner Release

Vietnamese President Luong Cuong also announced a major prisoner amnesty. A total of 13,920 prisoners will be released early from their sentences, including 66 foreigners. The move is part of the anniversary celebrations and is seen as a gesture of goodwill.

Historical Context

The 80th anniversary celebrations reflect Vietnam’s journey from a colonial past to a sovereign nation. After centuries under French control and a brief Japanese occupation during World War II, Vietnam fought to secure its freedom. The legacy of Ho Chi Minh’s leadership and the struggle for independence remains a central part of national pride.

The grand parade, cash handouts, and prisoner amnesty all underline the government’s effort to celebrate independence, strengthen national unity, and showcase Vietnam’s military and economic progress to both citizens and the world.