Vietnam marks 80 years of independence in record celebrations
Vietnam marks 80 years of independence in record celebrations
Vietnam held its largest-ever public celebrations on Tuesday to mark 80 years since the declaration of independence, with legions of lock-stepped patriots marching under fluttering flags.
Around 40,000 troops and civilians began parading in the capital Hanoi after dawn, feting the date when communist revolutionary Ho Chi Minh declared a « Democratic Republic of Vietnam » free from French rule in 1945.
Tanks, drones and missile batteries filed through the streets as helicopters and planes streaked above crowds which were hundreds-of-thousands strong in the sweltering morning sun.
Pham Thanh Van, a 78-year-old veteran, wore his military uniform pinned with medals earned fighting American troops as he watched from a front row seat at the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum.
« This will be my final memory. Don’t forget us, » he told AFP. « I feel so proud. Independence brought development and prosperity to the country. I felt it worth fighting for. »
Hanoi’s top leader To Lam marked the top of the parade with a speech as China’s number-three official — National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji — looked on, alongside influential former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel.
« In this sacred moment, we respectfully remember our ancestors, » Lam said.
« Our nation has overcome countless difficulties and challenges. Our country has transformed from a colony into an independent and unified nation, steadily advancing towards modernity and deep integration. »
Chinese and Russian troops marched alongside their Vietnamese counterparts in the procession lasting around two hours, beginning with a squadron of helicopters trailing the national yellow-star flag and hammer-and-sickle banners over the capital.
Underneath, youngsters in traditional dress twirled giant floral tributes after artillery fired off a ceremonial salute, and an honour guard of police goose-stepped in pristine dress whites.
« It showcased Vietnam’s strength, » said impressed spectator 34-year-old Tran Nguyen Trung Chien. « We the people welcomed them all — this showcased Vietnam’s high patriotism.
– Economic transformation –
The tightly-choreographed celebrations out-scaled those staged in April to mark the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, when communist North Vietnam sealed the defeat of the US-backed South.
The festivities, which state media called « unprecedented in scale », also broke the record 30,000-strong show of force that the one-party state mustered for emancipation celebrations back in 1985.
University student Vu Thi Trang staked out her position to spectate from midnight on Sunday — a full 30 hours before the parade’s start — her spirits undampened by monsoon season downpours.
« Something inside just pushed me to be here, » the 19-year-old told AFP on Monday.
« I am grateful for the sacrifices of the previous generation, so that we have peace and freedom to grow up. »
French influence is still visible throughout Vietnam — in the colonial facades of Hanoi’s mansions, in its fusion cuisine and schools where the French language is taught as a marker of prestige.
But the celebrations focussed on Vietnam’s independent accomplishments, including its economic transformation into a global manufacturing powerhouse.
Ho Chi Minh’s 1945 independence proclamation was not recognised by France, which ruled Vietnam — as well as neighbouring Laos and Cambodia — as colonial assets prized for their rubber, rice and coffee.
But a disastrous military defeat at Dien Bien Phu in 1954 led to France’s full-scale retreat from the region.
« We gained independence through the blood and sweat of previous generations, » said 36-year-old flag vendor Dang Khoa on Saturday.
Agence France Presse – September 2, 2025