Ba Dinh flag raising honors 80 years of August Revolution

THE HANOI TIMES — Despite heavy rain, thousands of citizens, veterans, Youth Union members and international guests gathered in front of President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum at dawn today (August 19) to witness the moment when the red flag with a yellow star soared into the sky over Hanoi.

Reflections on the Autumn of Revolution

Exactly 80 years after the historic autumn of 1945, the national flag was solemnly raised at Ba Dinh Square, a place imbued with the nation’s sacred spirit. The August Revolution of 1945 remains an immortal epic of determination and a burning desire for freedom in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.

Under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, the entire nation rose to seize power, breaking nearly a century of colonial chains, ending a feudal system that had lasted for millennia, and opening a new era of national independence linked to socialism.

In her essay on the event, Hanoi Party Secretary Bui Thi Minh Hoai stated, “The success of the August Revolution of 1945 in Hanoi was decisive, creating the momentum and strength for the General Uprising to triumph nationwide.”

On August 19, 1945, Hanoi was awash in yellow star red flags. From every street, tens of thousands of workers, farmers, intellectuals and students marched, chanting “Long live an independent Vietnam” and “Support Viet Minh" (League for Independence of Vietnam). 

The Opera House Square blazed with flags, banners and revolutionary fervor. That afternoon, power in Hanoi was in the hands of the people.

From there, the flames of uprising spread across the North, Central, and South, ushering the Vietnamese nation into a new chapter of history.

That victory was not only a historic turning point for the nation but also an inspiration for liberation movements worldwide.

“Today, the spirit and lessons of the August Revolution remain invaluable, serving as both a legacy and a driving force for Hanoi to lead the nation in writing new chapters of glory,” said Hoai.

Even after more than three-quarters of a century, the spirit of the August Revolution continues to light the path of Hanoi’s development, she continued.

Eighty years later, as dawn broke over Hanoi, the flag-raising ceremony began at 6 a.m. to the resounding march of “Marching Under the Flag.”

Leading the procession was the Victory Flag, followed by the honor guard of 34 soldiers, recalling the 34 members of the original Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army in 1944, the forerunner of the heroic Vietnam People’s Army.

As the red flag with the yellow star was raised, the National Anthem thundered across the square.

Everyone, from elderly veterans with silver hair to children experiencing the moment for the first time, stood at attention with their hands on their chests and eyes fixed on the flag climbing the 29-meter pole. Tears welled in many eyes as emotion filled the square.

The national flag, flying proudly against the stormy sky, symbolized the eternal survival of the Vietnamese nation and the enduring aspirations for peace, independence, and freedom - values won through blood and sacrifice.

Symbolism of the Flag Raising Ceremony

Since May 19, 2001, marking President Ho Chi Minh’s 111th birthday, the daily flag-raising and lowering ceremonies have been performed at Ba Dinh Square, rain or shine.

More than a military ritual, the ceremony has become a national tradition, honoring the beloved President and embodying Vietnamese pride.

For over two decades, the flag-raising at Ba Dinh has drawn citizens and visitors alike, especially on national holidays such as the National Day on September 2, President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday on May 19, and the anniversary of the August Revolution on August 19.

Each occasion stirs pride, responsibility, and devotion in the hearts of the people.

These days, Hanoi is filled with sacred red. From streets and schools to offices and neighborhoods, the national flag waves proudly.

The sight recalls the heroic atmosphere of that revolutionary autumn, when tens of thousands rose to seize power.

Central streets are adorned with banners and slogans commemorating the August Revolution’s 80th anniversary. At historic sites, lines of people offer incense to heroes, martyrs, and President Ho Chi Minh.

Exhibitions, art programs, and intergenerational exchanges with historical witnesses add to the celebrations, deepening the event’s significance.

For many, attending the ceremony on this anniversary was unforgettable.

Nguyen Thi Lien, 72, said that she walked from 4 a.m. to be at Ba Dinh Square for the flag raising ceremony.

"When the national flag was hoisted, I felt as if I were reliving those days when our people took over power from foreign invaders. It is such a pride to live in independence and freedom today.”

Over the past 80 years, from the independence won through sacrifice, Vietnam has endured immense hardships and achieved remarkable progress.

From a poor agricultural country, Vietnam is now one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, deeply integrated into the global community.

As the Hanoi Party Chief emphasized, Vietnam is entering a new era. Citing General Secretary To Lam, she said that the period from now until 2030 is the most decisive, both a strategic opportunity and a critical sprint for Vietnam to achieve its centennial goals under Party leadership.

According to Hoai, Hanoi prioritizes driving rapid and sustainable growth through bold and targeted measures that deliver real breakthroughs.

“Hanoi aims for double-digit GRDP growth in the next five years, positioning itself as a creative city, a financial, technological, and cultural hub with a unique Vietnamese identity, and a deeply integrated global capital,” Hoai said.

The city will accelerate green transformation across  energy, transportation, tourism, services, and agriculture sectors and others.

Urban economic development, creative industries, fintech, smart logistics, healthcare, high-quality education, and cultural tourism are considered core growth drivers.

"Hanoi must lead this vision. We must leverage our heritage, traditions, and strengths to spearhead innovation and development," said Hoai.

The flag-raising at Ba Dinh on August 19, 2025, is a reminder of the sacred responsibility of every Vietnamese citizen. 

As the national flag fluttered in the wind, generations relived the revolutionary spirit of autumn 1945. It is a solemn message: independence and freedom are won through courage and sacrifice.

From Ba Dinh Square, where 80 years ago the words rang out, “Vietnam has the right to be free and independent and, in fact, has become free and independent”. Today, the people’s faith and aspirations for a strong nation have been renewed.

Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the sacred flag-raising ritual at Ba Dinh Square is a symphony of patriotism that evokes national pride and reaffirms the path chosen by the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, and the Vietnamese people.

Under the bright red of the national flag and the stirring rhythm of military music, every Vietnamese is reminded of their duty to preserve, protect, and advance the revolutionary legacy, and honor the sacrifices of predecessors.

For as the immortal motto declares: independence, freedom, and happiness will forever remain the nation’s highest aspiration and ultimate goal.