Recalling unforgettable memories of a brave Hanoi 

THE HANOI TIMES — This autumn, as the nation marks the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2), many Hanoians are recalling the emotions and enduring memories of those historic years.

Pre-revolution cadre Nguyen Huu Tai, 96, recalled the famine of 1945 and the severe challenges the government faced before the resistance’s victory eight decades ago.

“When the uprising succeeded, power returned to the people. We were overjoyed and proud, going from being slaves to becoming masters of the nation. On September 2 that year, Ba Dinh Square was filled with flags and flowers. I will never forget each word of our beloved President Ho Chi Minh as he read the Declaration of Independence," said Tai.

The vast crowd stood in complete silence, not missing a single word,” Tai shared his memories at a meeting on August 14 between Hanoi’s leaders and veteran revolutionary cadres, exemplary contributors to the nation, and former city leaders from various periods.

Lieutenant Colonel Ngo Thi Ngoc Diep, a performer with the Vanguard Division’s (Division 308) art troupe, proudly recalled that at that time, Hanoians, no matter where they were, always tried to adapt to life, even under the harshest and most challenging conditions. 

"During the days in the Viet Bac resistance base, living conditions were extremely difficult. We lived on cassava and sweet potatoes. When French troops parachuted into Phu Tho, we had to retreat into the forest," said Diep.

But no matter how hard life became, Hanoians always believed the resistance would succeed. I felt that every Hanoian loved their country and had a very special affection for Hanoi.”

Professor and Doctor Phung Huu Phu, former Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, grew emotional as he reflected on 80 years of a proud revolutionary journey under the Party’s leadership.

“In every period and stage of the revolution, Hanoi steadfastly took the lead, stood alongside the nation, and made worthy contributions to the struggle for liberation, national defense, and the building and development of the country,” he said.

Phu said throughout this 80-year journey, under the Party’s glorious banner, the Hanoi Party Committee and people, the city has written illustrious pages of history with many proud milestones. In every step forward, the efforts of millions of its citizens have been deeply embedded.

"These immense yet often quiet contributions must be honored, remembered, and repaid. They remind us to love Hanoi more, take greater pride in it, and live more responsibly toward it," said Phu.

Politburo member and Hanoi Party Committee Secretary Bui Thi Minh Hoai voiced deep gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s heroic martyrs, and generations of Party and State leaders.

She also paid tribute to veteran revolutionaries, Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, Armed Forces Heroes, wounded and sick soldiers, families of martyrs, and all who had contributed to the country. Hoai honored their sacrifices of blood, lives, and labor for national liberation, independence, freedom and reunification.

“In every stage of the capital’s development, the Party Committee, government, and people of Hanoi have always valued the encouragement, support, and sincere contributions of veteran revolutionaries, people with meritorious service, and former city leaders from different periods,” said Hoai.

She affirmed the city’s confidence that they will continue to uphold and promote Hanoi’s heroic revolutionary tradition, working in unity with the Party Committee, government, armed forces, and citizens to develop a prosperous, happy capital and nation, and to advance confidently into a new era of national growth.