Vietnam on Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and national reunification, with solemn ceremonies, joyful parades, and an outpouring of international congratulations recognizing the country’s transformation from war-torn past to a modern, dynamic nation.
The historic occasion, officially known as the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day, was observed across the country with pride. In Ho Chi Minh City — formerly Saigon — crowds lined the streets for military processions and cultural performances, commemorating the day in 1975 when North Vietnamese forces captured the southern capital, bringing an end to decades of conflict and division.
At a central ceremony in Hanoi, President Vo Van Thuong and other top leaders delivered remarks emphasizing peace, unity, and development. “The past five decades are a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Vietnamese people,” said President Thuong. “From the ashes of war, we have built a peaceful, independent, and growing Vietnam.”
Global Leaders Congratulate Vietnam
The anniversary drew praise from foreign heads of state and dignitaries, highlighting Vietnam’s growing role on the world stage. According to Vietnam News Agency, more than 60 letters and messages of congratulations were sent from global leaders, including those from China, Russia, Laos, Cuba, Cambodia, and the United Nations.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised Vietnam’s “remarkable progress since reunification,” noting the country’s active contributions to global peacekeeping, climate action, and sustainable development. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message highlighting the “comradely and brotherly relations” between China and Vietnam, reaffirming close diplomatic and economic ties.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also extended his congratulations, praising the Vietnamese people’s “heroism and dedication,” while reaffirming long-standing cooperation between the two nations in trade, energy, and defense.
From Conflict to Prosperity
The Vietnam War, which lasted nearly two decades and drew in major global powers, claimed millions of lives and left widespread devastation. Yet in the years following the war’s end, Vietnam launched the “Đổi Mới” (Renovation) reforms in 1986, transforming its centrally planned economy into a more market-oriented model.
Today, Vietnam stands among Asia’s fastest-growing economies. According to the World Bank, Vietnam’s GDP per capita rose from just $230 in 1985 to over $3,800 in 2024. The country is now a manufacturing powerhouse, a major player in global trade, and a magnet for foreign investment.
Veterans, students, and families gathered in cities and villages nationwide to honor the lives lost during the war and reflect on the country’s achievements. In Quang Tri province, once among the most heavily bombed areas, local leaders held a memorial service at the Ben Hai River, the former border between North and South Vietnam.
Nguyen Van Hoa, a 73-year-old veteran who served in the North Vietnamese Army, shared his emotions during the ceremony. “Fifty years ago, I never imagined Vietnam would become what it is today — peaceful, independent, respected,” he said.
Moving Beyond the Past
Diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the United States — once bitter wartime adversaries — have deepened significantly since normalization in 1995. In 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden upgraded the relationship to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” underscoring cooperation in trade, climate action, and regional security.
American and Vietnamese officials have also collaborated on efforts to heal wartime legacies, such as Agent Orange remediation and clearing unexploded ordnance. The U.S. Department of State reports more than $185 million in funding has supported UXO clearance in Vietnam since 1993.
A Unified Future
As the sun set on Tuesday, fireworks lit up the skies over Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Television screens across the nation broadcast scenes of jubilant crowds waving flags, singing patriotic songs, and sharing stories of resilience and pride.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, speaking at an evening event at the Reunification Palace, declared: “Reunification was our greatest victory. Our mission now is to ensure peace, justice, and prosperity for future generations.”
For Vietnam, the 50th anniversary of reunification was more than just a commemoration — it was a celebration of survival, progress, and the unwavering strength of a nation once divided, now united in hope.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
