Vietnam marks 85th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s return
The cultural event brought together history, art and contemporary reflections as Vietnam commemorated President Ho Chi Minh’s return to the homeland 85 years old.
THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam on January 28 aired a nationwide television program marking the 85th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s return to the country and his direct leadership of the revolution, an event widely regarded as a historic turning point in modern Vietnamese history.
Communist Party General Secretary To Lam delivers remarks during the event. Photo: QDND
The live broadcast, titled "Building a Nation with Two Hands", was staged simultaneously at four hiítorically significant locations of Cao Bang, Hanoi, Nghe An and Ho Chi Minh City and transmitted nationwide.
Senior leaders, including Communist Party General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, along with Vietnamese heroic mothers and other delegations, attended events at the respective venues.
Speaking in Cao Bang site, where President Ho Chi Minh returned to Vietnam in January 1941 after years abroad, General Secretary To Lam described the anniversary as carrying deep political, historical and cultural significance for the Party and the Vietnamese people.
He said the occasion offered a moment to honor President Ho Chi Minh’s contributions while prompting reflection on responsibilities toward the country’s future development.
He said the people remain “the most enduring source of strength for the revolution, noting that the 14th Party Congress set out a vision focused on translating political resolve into tangible results.
The program draws significant public attention at the four broadcast locations. Photo: Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports
“Vietnam aims to become a self-reliant, secure and prosperous developed nation by 2045, with people placed at the center of development, guaranteed social security and opportunities for comprehensive growth,” he said.
The program combined live performances, music and short documentaries retracing President Ho Chi Minh’s journey from China back to Vietnam, which marked the start of the struggle for national liberation. Artistic segments featured contemporary interpretations of songs from different historical periods, blending folk traditions and regional music linked to each broadcast location.
Organizers said the program underscored the idea that every individual represents a “hand” contributing to the nation’s progress and that shared purpose and clear direction can produce transformative outcomes.
A vibrant stage set for a large-scale artistic performance.
Structured around the theme “from decision to action, from history to the present,” the broadcast is divided into three chapters. The first, “Hands Paving the Way”, focused on President Ho Chi Minh’s return in early 1941 and his choice of Cao Bang as a strategic base for revolutionary leadership.
The second chapter, “The People’s Embrace”, highlighted the central role of the people and national unity, culminating in the August 1945 General Uprising that aligned the Party’s leadership with popular aspirations and ushered in independence.
The final chapter, “Raising the Flag”, linked President Ho Chi Minh’s legacy with the post-14th Party Congress era, emphasizing strategic priorities, internal strength, self-reliance, national unity and steadfast commitment to long-term national goals.
The program closed with a quiet reflection on President Ho Chi Minh’s enduring legacy and the shared responsibility of successive generations in carrying forward the nation’s aspirations.
Throughout its history, the Communist Party of Vietnam has upheld the principle of placing the people at the center of its policies.
The performance reflects on defining moments in Vietnam’s history.
Songs with tender melodies themed "Uncle Ho" (President Ho Chi Minh) that evoke a sense of emotion among audiences.
The songs also evoke memories of defining periods in the country’s history.
The outdoor stage at the Ho Chi Minh Museum during the live broadcast from Hanoi.
