On the morning of April 30, 2025, during the grand ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of national reunification, General Secretary To Lam delivered a powerful speech, emphasizing the importance of implementing robust policies of national harmony and reconciliation with the spirit that “we all share the blood of Lac Hong - we are brothers and sisters, branches of the same tree, children of the same homeland.”

Reflecting on Vietnam’s revolutionary journey, the General Secretary recounted that after the August Revolution of 1945 and the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the country immediately entered two prolonged resistance wars to defend its independence and reunify the nation.

With an unyielding desire to protect national independence and unity, and guided by the principle that “nothing is more precious than independence and freedom,” the Vietnamese people from north to south united in the struggle against invaders. Every region of the country, from Muc Nam Quan to Cape Ca Mau, bears witness to acts of valor and sacrifice.

Fueled by the unwavering resolve to liberate the South, the armed forces and people of Vietnam advanced step by step, eventually achieving complete victory in the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, which reunified the nation.

Though time passes, the victory in the resistance war against the United States will forever remain a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism, righteousness, resilience, and the wisdom of the Vietnamese people.

This monumental event fulfilled the heartfelt wish and lifelong instruction of President Ho Chi Minh - to fully liberate the South and bring the North and South together as one.

Seven lasting lessons from the 1975 Spring Victory

According to General Secretary To Lam, the 1975 Spring Victory left behind deeply valuable lessons, both theoretical and practical, for the continued revolution of the Party and the Vietnamese people.

These include the lesson of harnessing the strength of the people and the great national unity bloc, creatively combining national power with the power of the times. It underscored the importance of patriotism, pride, independence, self-reliance, courage, and the unwavering will to fight and win across the entire Party, people, and armed forces.

It also taught the importance of flying the banner of national independence and socialism, pursuing a clear, correct path tailored to Vietnam’s revolutionary conditions. Another key lesson was the creative application of revolutionary strategy and comprehensive warfare tactics, leveraging people’s war theory and military art with agility, flexibility, and boldness - "the few defeating the many," "benevolence overcoming brutality."

Another lesson was seizing the moment, launching a bold and rapid general offensive and uprising in Spring 1975. Most importantly, the greatest lesson and decisive factor behind the victory was the absolute leadership of the Communist Party, ensuring a strong Party, enhanced leadership, and the fighting strength necessary for national liberation and defense of socialist achievements.

Realizing the dream of a “better Vietnam”

Fifty years after reunification and nearly four decades of renewal, Vietnam has overcome countless challenges, achieving historic milestones that have elevated its global stature, strength, and reputation.

The General Secretary stressed that the nation now stands at a historic new starting point, ready to rise and reach greater heights, to “stand shoulder to shoulder with world powers.”

“To realize the dream of building a ‘better Vietnam,’ we must unleash all productive forces, unlock every resource, and tap into all national potentials to accelerate socio-economic development,” he said.

Proud of Vietnam’s heroic history and deeply grateful for the sacrifices of fellow citizens and soldiers, the General Secretary reaffirmed the call made by President Ho Chi Minh before his passing: “The Party must have a sound plan to develop the economy and culture in order to continually improve the people's living standards.”

He called for bold action in social justice, welfare, and care for those with meritorious service, including universal free education and eventually free healthcare.

General Secretary To Lam emphasized the unmatched power of the people and the national unity bloc, underscoring the Party’s consistent view that “the people are the root,” and must be the center, the driver, and the goal of national development and defense.

“We must vigorously implement policies of harmony and reconciliation with the spirit that all Vietnamese - wherever they are - share the same heritage and are members of one family. Every Vietnamese has the right to live, work, pursue happiness, and contribute to the homeland,” he said.

With a policy of closing the past, respecting differences, and focusing on the future, the entire Party, people, and army must work together to build a peaceful, united, happy, prosperous, and developed Vietnam.

Having suffered immense pain and loss from war, but also having benefited greatly from decades of peace and cooperation, Vietnam now aspires to join the global community in building a future of peace, prosperity, solidarity, and development.

Marking this anniversary is also a historic moment for all Vietnamese - regardless of ethnicity, religion, political views, or residence inside or outside the country - to unite as one and contribute to building a strong, civilized, and thriving Vietnam.

General Secretary To Lam concluded his speech with a powerful message of pride and unity:

“The spirit of the 1975 Spring Victory is eternal!
Long live the glorious Communist Party of Vietnam!
Long live the Socialist Republic of Vietnam!
Eternal glory to the people!
President Ho Chi Minh lives forever in our revolutionary cause!”

Tran Thuong