Hanoi has always played a particularly important role, closely linked with numerous milestones in the glorious revolutionary career of the Party and the nation, under the brilliant leadership of Uncle Ho, the Central Committee of the Party, and the Government, said General Secretary and President To Lam at the opening ceremony of the solemn celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2024), held at the National Conference Center in Hanoi today.

General Secretary and President To Lam at the celebration ceremony. Photos: The Hanoi Times

Speaking at the event, attended by top leaders of the Party and State, government officials, and grassroots citizens, Lam recalled that on August 19, 1945, the August Revolution achieved complete victory in Hanoi, quickly spreading throughout the country and encouraging and strongly motivating the people to rise up and seize power.

On September 2, 1945, at the historic Ba Dinh Square, President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the Declaration of Independence, founding the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, marking the beginning of a new era—an era of independence, freedom, and socialism, opening a glorious new age of Ho Chi Minh.

“Article 3 of the 1946 Constitution—the first constitution of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam—declared that 'the capital is located in Hanoi,'” said Lam.

We will never forget the historic moment on the morning of October 10, 1954, when the city’s military units were divided into large groups carrying out the historic march into Hanoi. Over 400,000 residents of the capital eagerly welcomed the victorious troops amid a sea of flags and flowers, filled with immense joy.”

On the afternoon of that day, tens of thousands of citizens, along with armed forces, joyfully and emotionally participated in the flag-raising ceremony organized by the Military Committee at the Cot Co Stadium and listened to the call from President Ho Chi Minh to the people of the capital on the occasion of liberation. That historic moment was a testament to the strength of the nation, the spirit of solidarity, and the yearning for peace of our people, marking the beginning of a new development era for the capital and the country, signaling the complete defeat of French colonialism in Vietnam and ending nine years of prolonged resistance.

Hanoi—the capital of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam—was free of enemy forces. The Vietnamese people seized control of their destiny and the nation, eagerly embarking on the construction of a new society that opened a new and glorious chapter in the millennia-long history of culture and heroism of Thang Long - Hanoi in the era of Ho Chi Minh.

The civilized and modern Appearance

According to General Secretary and President To Lam, from a city with a relatively small scale, area, and population, along with outdated infrastructure and an economy severely ravaged by war after liberation, Hanoi has now transformed into the political-administrative center of the nation, a major hub for culture, science, education, economics, and international integration. It is now one of the 17 largest cities in the world, characterized by a civilized, modern, dynamic, and creative appearance, infused with the historical and cultural values of the thousand-year-old Thang Long - Hanoi.

“The Party and State hope Hanoi will continue to make even greater efforts to become a model and exemplary city, a source of pride for the people and soldiers across the country, in line with the vision of President Ho Chi Minh,” said Lam.

He wants Hanoi to soon become a globally connected city, deeply integrated with high competitiveness in the region and the world. The city must be a place where locals enjoy a high standard of living and quality of life. With harmonious economic, cultural, and social development, the city must serve as a center for the convergence and essence of the nation’s culture and the civilization of humanity, achieving a level of development on par with the capitals of developed countries in the region and around the world.

“Hanoi needs to strengthen and expand cooperation with the capitals of other countries, enhance the promotion of Thang Long - Hanoi's culture, and build a positive image of Hanoi's culture and people to the fellow citizens across the country, international friends, and our expatriates abroad,” said Lam.

The moment of glorious history remains ever-present

Speaking at the celebration ceremony, 92-year-old Nguyen Thu, a war veteran from Hai Ba Trung District, said: “When I think of October 10, 1954, the day we took over the capital of Hanoi, my heart swells with memories. At that time, I was just 22 years old, filled with the aspirations and fervor of youth, serving as a squad leader in the infantry of the Capital Regiment, Vanguard Division 308.”

Veteran Nguyen Thu speaks at the celebration ceremony.

Thu sent a message to today's younger generations: “To enjoy the beautiful life we have today, the previous generations endured countless hardships and sacrifices, giving their blood and tears to achieve independence and freedom. We should remember the beloved words of Uncle Ho: 'Whether Vietnam would become prosperous and the Vietnamese nation would stand proudly as equals to major powers of the five continents, depends largely on your efforts in learning.' From this, all of you should learn to cherish, nurture, and strive in your studies and work, contributing with determination to uphold the independence and sovereignty of the homeland, building a nation of prosperity and happiness.”

Representing the youth at the ceremony, Nguyen Phuong Chi said her generation was born into a time of peace and did not witness the historic moments when the troops marched to liberate the capital 70 years ago. However, they understand that this day of victory was achieved thanks to the countless outstanding individuals from the capital and across the country, who were ready to go anywhere and to be present in difficult situations when the homeland called, willing to sacrifice for the national independence, dedicating themselves to the cause of national liberation and unification.

"In this solemn and emotional moment, we, the youth of Vietnam, would like to express our deep gratitude to the glorious Communist Party of Vietnam, to the great President Ho Chi Minh, and to the immense sacrifices of the generations that came before us for the peace, independence, and freedom of the Vietnamese nation," said Chi.

Nguyen Phuong Chi, a student of Hanoi makes a speech at the event.

Chi said the commemoration today, along with the activities celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital, is not only an opportunity for young people to reflect on the glorious history of nation and the capital, but also inspires today's youth and future generations, igniting a sense of national pride and encouraging us to uphold revolutionary traditions.

“We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining independence, resilience, and a sense of responsibility in preserving and actively contributing our efforts and intellect to the construction and protection of our beloved Hanoi and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam,” said Chi.

“We pledge to merge the youthful aspirations of our generation with the shared dreams of our capital and our country, contributing to the construction of Hanoi as a 'Cultural, Civilized, and Modern' city, and working towards a prosperous and happy nation."