IN a deeply important and emotionally charged ceremony held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) To Lam delivered a powerful address marking the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and the reunification of Vietnam. The programme, attended by top national leaders, revolutionary veterans, and international guests, celebrated one of the most significant milestones in the country’s modern history.

In his speech, To Lam recalled the heroic victory of 1975 that ended decades of colonial domination and foreign intervention. “The liberation of the South and reunification of the country marked the brilliant end of a 30-year struggle for independence and freedom,” he stated. The triumph, he added, was not only a military and political achievement but also “a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism and national unity.”

Paying homage to President Ho Chi Minh, To Lam invoked the revolutionary’s enduring faith in the Vietnamese people’s resilience and the certainty of national reunification. “No matter how difficult or arduous, our people will definitely win. Our Fatherland will definitely be reunified,” he quoted, praising Ho Chi Minh’s vision and leadership.

The general secretary expressed deep gratitude to generations of fighters, martyrs, and civilians who contributed to the resistance and to the rebuilding of the country. He also thanked international friends, particularly socialist countries and global progressive movements, for their support during the resistance war against the US.

To Lam recounted the immense challenges Vietnam faced during and after the war, including massive destruction, loss of life, and the lingering effects of warfare. Yet, he emphasized, through the Party’s leadership and the people’s unity, Vietnam not only survived but also thrived.

He highlighted the monumental achievements Vietnam has made in the past 50 years, especially under the nearly 40-year Doi Moi (renewal) reform process. From a war-torn, impoverished nation, Vietnam has emerged as a dynamic developing country with an economy ranked 32nd globally and among the top 20 for trade and investment. Poverty rates have plummeted from over 60 per cent in the 1980s to under 2 per cent today, while the country now maintains diplomatic relations with 194 UN member states and strategic partnerships with major global powers.

The address concluded with a call for continued unity, reform, and determination. “Being proud of the nation’s glorious history and the sacrifices of our forebears, we must now rise to the challenge of building a stronger, more prosperous Vietnam,” To Lam affirmed.

The event served not only as a commemoration of past victories but as a rallying cry for a confident future, rooted in patriotism, unity, and socialist ideals.