Vietnam marks 80 years of independence with grand celebration
The celebration began with a traditional dance performed to the resounding rhythm of battle drums. The performance evoked memories of Vietnam’s proud and unyielding history, a history built on courage, resilience and sacrifice.
THE HANOI TIMES — At the historic Ba Dinh Square, a solemn ceremony was held on September 2 to commemorate the successful 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – August 19, 2025) and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025).
The celebration began with a traditional dance performed to the resounding rhythm of battle drums. The performance evoked memories of Vietnam’s proud and unyielding history, a history built on courage, resilience, and sacrifice. Photo: VGP
Lotus flowers appeared in the dance, symbolizing purity and strength. The lotus, which blossoms in mud yet rises clean and bright, was chosen to represent the eternal vitality of the Vietnamese people, who endured hardships but always stood firm in the face of adversity. Photo: VGP
Following this, a torch relay team of 80 athletes entered the square, their torches blazing against the morning sky. The number 80 carried profound meaning, symbolizing the nation’s remarkable journey across eight decades. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times
The eternal flame rose in the sky. From a fledgling country born in September 1945, Vietnam has grown into an active member of international organizations and forums, with a respected position on the global stage and a reputation as a trustworthy partner of nations around the world. Photo: VGP
From My Dinh National Stadium, the sound of cannons echoed across the skies of Hanoi, filling the capital with solemn pride. Photo: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times
From military airports surrounding the city, helicopter squadrons soared high, proudly carrying the National Flag and the Party Flag against the clear autumn sky. Photo: VOV
This year’s parade also made history. For the first time, Vietnam’s National Day featured the participation of air force and navy forces, alongside the traditional land army. The presence of all three branches of the armed forces reflected the strength, unity, and growing capability of the nation in safeguarding its independence and sovereignty.
A Vietnam national flag shaped at the audience stand. The entire ceremony stood as a vivid reminder of Vietnam’s long struggle, its victories, and its enduring aspiration to rise ever higher on the path of peace and development. Photo: VGP
The flag of the Communist Party of Vietnam created on the stand. On the screen above the stand, Party General Secretary To Lam delivers his remarks, calling for national unity, determination, devotion and enhanced effort to take the country into the new era of development. Photo: VGP
