Hanoi's spirit of "for the nation, with the nation" endures

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has always played a leading role both in the struggle for national reunification and in the country's development.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - 2025), Professor and People's Teacher Do Thanh Binh, former Head of the History Department at the Hanoi National University of Education, speaks to Kinh te & Do thi (Economic and Urban) Newspaper about Hanoi's enduring contributions.

What role did Hanoi play in the struggle for the liberation of the South and national reunification?

During the 21 years of the war, Hanoi, as the capital of Vietnam, played a significant role in supporting the South. In the spirit of "All for the beloved South," the people of Hanoi contributed both manpower and material resources until the final victory. Hanoi became a center of unity, inspiration, and action for the whole country.

As the seat of the Party, the National Assembly, and the government, it was in Hanoi that many historic and strategic decisions were made. The entire country looked to Hanoi for guidance and assurance. The saying "As long as Hanoi stands, the nation stands" became a symbol of confidence and resilience.

What were some of Hanoi's notable undertakings in the dual tasks of socialist construction in the North and support for the South?

After peace was restored in 1954, Hanoi focused on reconstruction and socio-economic development, always with the goal of national reunification in mind. This desire translated into many projects and movements in the city. Several factories and public buildings were named to express the dream of reunification, such as Thong Nhat (Reunification) Park, Thong Nhat Match Factory, Thong Nhat Electric Plant, and Giai Phong (Liberation) Mechanical Factory.

When the Geneva Accords were broken, the people of Hanoi organized protests and acts of solidarity, affirming that the nation could not be divided. On October 8, 1960, Hanoi held a symbolic "twinning" ceremony with Hue and Saigon. On May 28, 1961, more than 300,000 Hanoians took part in a mass protest against US intervention in the South.

Many patriotic campaigns were born in Hanoi. In April 1962, the Gia Lam Train Factory launched the "Saturday for National Reunification" movement. The Third Congress of the Hanoi Party Committee in July 1963 officially promoted the campaign.

After the US bombing in August 1964, Hanoi youth launched the "Three Readies" movement, led by the Hanoi National University of Education. Millions of young people throughout the North volunteered to serve on the battlefields in the South. In 1972 alone, over 15,000 Hanoi youth joined the army, including thousands of university students.

As the political and military center, Hanoi became a major target of US air raids. But its people and military stood firm. Beginning on May 10, 1972, they began shooting down American planes, culminating in the famous "Dien Bien Phu in the Air" victory in December 1972. Hanoi's resistance forced the US to sign the Paris Peace Accords in 1973.

How decisive was the role of Hanoi and the North as a rear base for the Vietnamese victories?

The rear base often determines the success or failure of a war. During the resistance against the US and the southern puppet government, Hanoi and the North served as the great rear and provided both human and material resources to the front lines in the South. The famous motto was: "Not one grain of rice or one soldier less than necessary."

The Third National Party Congress in 1960 confirmed that socialist construction in the North was crucial to national success. The North fought against bombing and built up strength to support the South. The Party and the government took many measures to strengthen the North for this purpose.

A key lesson of the war was the importance of building a strong rear. Without it, the front lines would suffer greater casualties and the war would last longer. Vietnam defeated the most powerful military in the world because it had a solid base behind it.

The North also supported the revolutionary movements in Laos and Cambodia. Despite its own struggles, the North continued to provide aid and fulfill Vietnam's international responsibilities. Today, this spirit continues through a new mindset: to help others is to help ourselves.

The force behind the North's support was the sacred aspiration for independence and unity. Whether fighting directly or working in factories, the people of the North were deeply aware of their duty to the South, always remembering the words of President Ho Chi Minh: "The country of Vietnam is one, the Vietnamese nation is one." In every situation we must continue to strengthen our rear. Without the rear as a solid foundation, victory is impossible.

What was the significance of the "Dien Bien Phu in the Air" victory in Hanoi in 1972?

This victory was a turning point. It changed the course of the war and forced the US to sign the Paris Peace Accords, paving the way for peace and eventual reunification.

After military failures in the South and North, the US began negotiations with Vietnam in 1968. The talks dragged on until October 1972, when the US appeared to accept Vietnam's terms. However, on December 14, 1972, President Richard Nixon ordered a massive B-52 bombing campaign dropping on Hanoi and Haiphong.

Haiphong was the entry point for foreign aid, while Hanoi was the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country. By bombing Hanoi, the US hoped to force Vietnam to accept a disadvantageous agreement.

From December 18 to 29, 1972, the US launched an intense bombing campaign. Hanoi's forces fiercely resisted, shooting down 38 B-52s and 43 other aircraft. This stunning defeat led the US to sign the Paris Accords with Vietnam on the original terms.

How does Hanoi continue to embody the spirit of "Hanoi for the Nation" in peacetime?

As the capital, Hanoi remains committed to helping provinces and cities in need. The city, its people and businesses have contributed funds to help build houses, alleviate poverty, and provide aid to remote and disaster-stricken areas. Hanoi's efforts last year to repair the damage caused by Typhoon Yagi are a testament to this.

During the storm, many provinces suffered severe devastation. Despite the destruction caused by the storm, Hanoi did not ask for assistance, but instead donated necessities, food, and equipment to hard-hit areas.

Students in Hanoi even gave up their Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations to use the money saved to buy school supplies for flood-affected children. The city government donated VND51 billion (US$2 million) to 11 affected localities.

The people of Hanoi are warm-hearted and always ready to help when needed. The city also takes good care of meritorious families, keeping alive the Vietnamese tradition of "remembering the source when drinking water." These efforts reflect Hanoi's image as a city of civility, heritage, and modern progress.

Thank you for your time!