National celebration marks Ha Noi’s 70th Liberation Day

The event was jointly organized by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the National Assembly, the President, the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, and Ha Noi.

This is the most significant event in the series of activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital.

It also drew the participation of leaders and former leaders of the Party and State, central agencies, the city of Ha Noi, as well as international delegates and representatives from provinces and cities across the country.

Among those attending the event were also revolutionary veterans, heroic Vietnamese Mothers, Heroes of the People’s Armed Forces, Labor Heroes, former soldiers, former youth volunteers, artists, intellectuals, religious representatives, and various strata of the people and armed forces of the capital.

The ceremony opened with an art performance, depicting historical moments from the resistance against French colonialism by the army and people of Ha Noi, the heroic spirit on the day of liberation, and the glorious historical events of Ha Noi over the past 70 years.

General Secretary and President To Lam delivered the commemorative speech on behalf of the Party and State leadership.

Representatives of historical witnesses and the younger generation also shared their feelings and pride about the capital and the Vietnamese state.

This is the most significant event in the series of activities commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital.

The celebration was broadcast live via the national radio and television system.

Seventy years ago, after a nine-year-long war of resistance for independence, the brave and resilient spirit of the Vietnamese army and people, especially with the victory of the Dien Bien Phu campaign in 1954, compelled the French colonialists to sign the Geneva Agreement on July 21, 1954, to cease hostilities in Viet Nam, recognizing the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Viet Nam, Laos, and Cambodia, and agreeing to withdraw their troops from northern Vietnam.

On the morning of October 10, 1954, the city's military units were divided into large groups carrying out the historic march into Ha Noi. Over 400,000 residents of the capital eagerly welcomed the victorious troops amid a sea of flags and flowers, filled with immense joy.

By 3pm of the day, the military and people of Ha Noi, representing compatriots nationwide, held a flag-raising ceremony and listened to a letter from President Ho Chi Minh: "Over the past eight years, the Government had to evacuate the capital to wage a war of resistance for the country's independence. Though far apart, the Government's heart has always been close to the people of Hanoi. Today, thanks to the unity and the army's bravery, peace has prevailed. The Government has returned to the capital. We are now reunited as one family, and our joy is immeasurable."

The takeover of the capital was a great success. The military safely and swiftly took control of 129 government offices, public works, enterprises, hospitals, and schools, including military positions and key agencies such as Bach Mai Airport, Gia Lam Airport, the Governor-General's Office, and the Federal Secret Police. The lives of the people remained normal and stable. The electricity, water, and transportation sectors operated smoothly, and political security and social order were ensured.

Over the past 70 years, Ha Noi made significant achievements, consistently maintaining robust growth and positively contributing to national development. 

As the capital and the political-administrative center of the nation, a major hub for culture, science, education, and economy, Ha Noi always harbors the 'aspiration to become a dragon,' embodying the vision of a smart, modern city that lives up to its stature.