Meeting in Hanoi to celebrate the success of the August Revolution in 1945 (File photo)

August 1945 was the month of a revolutionary Autumn from which Vietnam dazzled out the mud after gaining a “shock the Earth” victory of the August Revolution.  The revolution has abolished the feudal-colonialist  regime to establish a democratic republic and opened up a new era for the Vietnamese.

The August Revolution was such an important milestone in the anti-foreign aggressors history of the country. 70 years have gone by but its tremendous values and significance are kept the same to the present situation and will be deeply imprinted in the minds of the Vietnamese people as a profound pride.

In its first Political Platform, the Party pointed out: “Vietnamese revolution is a nonstop course from national democratic revolution to socialist revolution”. The August Revolution’s victory represented for the sound national democratic guideline under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh; the profound revolutionary process with three stages, namely 1930-1931, 1936-1939 and 1939-1945; the long time of resource creation during 15 years from 1930 to 1945; and the art of  creating and seizing opportunity. It can be affirmed that the August Revolution was the first victory to start a new great cause of liberating the nation, liberating the class, liberating the society and liberating people in Vietnam in the 20^th century. The revolution was also of time and international significance. It was a powerful blow at the imperialism and colonialism and was a symbol and an encouragement for  the world’s national liberation movements, particularly in colonies.

Success of the August Revolution as well as the successive victories in the cause of national liberation and protection was a strong illustration of a matter of principle in the Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought that: “The fundamental issue in any revolution is the gaining of power”. The August Revolution has fulfilled the noble mission of gaining power and maintaining the newly-established revolutionary government.

Shortly after the success of the revolution, on the second of September 1945, President Ho Chi Minh, on behalf of the whole country, read the Declaration of Independence, solemnly announcing to the world the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the first people’s democratic state ever in Southeast Asia. This day has become the National Day of Vietnam – an important event to the whole nation and its people either domestic or abroad.

Today, we are building socialism and protecting the socialist Fatherland amid opportunities and challenges of the domestic and international context. More importantly, we are fighting against the threats to the regime and the country’s sovereignty, especially the “Peaceful Evolution” of hostile forces and the complicacies of disputes over territorial sovereignty in the East Sea.

Facing the issue, more than ever, the whole Party, people and troops need to be steadfast with the aim of national independence and socialism, believe in the Party’s leadership and the management of the state; combine the strength of the nation with that of time; promote the great solidarity of the whole nation and political system; strengthen the country’s status and strength to fufil the two strategic tasks of building and protecting the country.

There comes the new Autumn, the one of hope and belief after great achievements we have gained through 30 Autumns of renovation under the leadership of the Party! On this occasion, we can’t help remembering the Revolutionary Autumn of 1945 with pride. Promoting the spirit of the August Revolution and National Day, the whole Party, people and troops continue to strive for greater achievements and fulfil the aim of “a wealthy people, a powerful, democratic, equitable and civilized country”, build and firmly protect Vietnam socialist Fatherland.

National Defence Journal