On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of national reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025), General Secretary To Lam authored an important essay titled "Vietnam is one nation, one people."

At noon on April 30, 1975, when the flag of liberation flew atop the Independence Palace, a historic chapter was written for Vietnam. It marked the complete liberation of the South, the reunification of the nation, and the moment the country truly became one.

This was not only a monumental military victory for the Vietnamese people in their arduous resistance against the United States, but also a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism, national self-determination, and the great power of unity.

The dream of a peaceful, united, independent, and free Vietnam has kindled the nation’s spirit for thousands of years. From the founding of the nation by the Hung Kings to the present day, through countless struggles against foreign invasion, patriotism and national identity have remained a constant thread in Vietnam’s long history.

Under the leadership of the Communist Party and President Ho Chi Minh, that dream became an unparalleled spiritual force. It drove the people to fight as one, overcoming hardship to reclaim independence in 1945, defeat colonialism in 1954, and unify the country in 1975.

The victory on April 30, 1975, did not merely end the longest and most brutal war in modern Vietnamese history; it became a luminous milestone in the nation's journey of building and defending the homeland. It was a triumph of faith, of the longing for freedom and unity, of the strength of national solidarity under the wise leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam. It affirmed the truth that “nothing is more precious than independence and freedom” and demonstrated the unbreakable will of the Vietnamese people, bolstered by international solidarity and the global peace movement.

This victory was the steadfast assertion that Vietnam is a unified nation, indivisible by any force. President Ho Chi Minh’s immortal words echoed that truth: “Vietnam is one nation, the Vietnamese people are one. Rivers may dry up, mountains may erode, but this truth will never change.”

His words were more than a declaration of territorial integrity; they were a guiding light, an enduring source of inspiration and strength for generations. The triumph of April 30, 1975, vividly embodied the era's philosophy that “nothing is more precious than independence and freedom.”

This was not only a military victory but also a culmination of the Vietnamese people's intelligence, courage, and profound desire for enduring peace and self-determination after years of colonial rule and division. As former Party General Secretary Le Duan declared, “That victory belongs to the entire Vietnamese nation.” And as poet To Huu wrote, “No pain belongs to one alone - this triumph belongs to all humanity.”

Vietnam’s 1975 Spring Victory left a powerful international legacy. It inspired liberation movements across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, encouraging oppressed peoples to stand against neo-colonialism and fight for freedom.

It was a victory of justice over tyranny, affirming to the world that even a small nation, if united and guided by righteousness, can overcome forces far stronger - with the sincere support of international friends and progressive movements.

Through 30 years of resistance against colonialism and imperialism (1945–1975), the Vietnamese people endured unspeakable hardship and loss. Yet the desire for independence and unity never wavered.

In his National Day address in 1955, President Ho Chi Minh stated: “Vietnam will certainly be unified, because our country is one whole - no one can divide it.” In 1956, he wrote, “National reunification is the lifeline of our people.” Amid the war’s fiercest phase in 1966, he resolutely proclaimed: “The war may last 5, 10, 20 years or more… Cities and factories may be destroyed, but the Vietnamese people are not afraid! There is nothing more precious than independence and freedom. When we win, we will rebuild our country to be greater and more beautiful.”

Indeed, under President Ho Chi Minh’s leadership and that of the Party, the Vietnamese people overcame tremendous adversity, defeating modern military strategies with steadfast faith in justice and national independence.

President Ho Chi Minh’s declaration that “Vietnam is one nation, one people” was not only a guiding principle but a heartfelt command from the soul of the nation. In the flames of war, those words became a profound force, stirring millions to take up arms with the will to “sacrifice for the survival of the Fatherland.” His message became a sacred call, a symbol of unwavering determination to achieve independence, reunify the country, and bring prosperity to the people.

Throughout the war and the postwar nation-building period, millions of Vietnamese sacrificed their lives. Families were torn apart, villages and cities destroyed, and generations of youth abandoned dreams of education to fight for their homeland with the vow: “I will not return until the enemy is gone.”

Mothers sent sons, wives sent husbands to the front, unsure if they would return. Children grew up under air raids, learning in bunkers, eating cassava instead of rice. Soldiers, youth volunteers, and laborers gave their lives across the S-shaped country. Urban commandos, guerrillas in the countryside, liberation soldiers crossing Ben Hai and the Truong Son Mountains - all carried the unshakable belief that Vietnam would be whole again.

The victory of April 30, 1975, was the crystallization of idealism, the will of an unconquerable nation, the blood of millions, and an enduring love for the homeland. It was the triumph of courage, belief, and an unyielding spirit.

Half a century later, the echoes of that triumph still resonate in the heart of the Vietnamese people. On this solemn anniversary, we remember President Ho Chi Minh - the brilliant leader of the Party and the nation, the great teacher of the Vietnamese revolution, a hero of national liberation, a world cultural icon, and a distinguished soldier of the international communist movement. We pay tribute to former Party leaders, martyrs, intellectuals, and citizens across the country who gave their lives for this noble cause. Present and future generations must always remember their sacrifices - for the independence of the Fatherland, the happiness of the people, and the enduring future of the nation.

We also express deep gratitude to international friends - progressive forces, socialist nations, humanitarian organizations, and peace-loving people worldwide - who supported Vietnam during the struggle for liberation and the postwar rebuilding effort. Their sincere and selfless support will always be cherished in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.

Over the past century, the Vietnamese nation has endured unimaginable pain and loss under colonialism, feudalism, and more than three decades of devastating war. The consequences - physical, emotional, economic, and environmental - still affect generations born long after the war ended. No place in Vietnam escaped suffering; no family was spared grief. We continue to address the lingering scars of war, from unexploded ordnance to Agent Orange.

Yet time, compassion, and forgiveness have helped Vietnam move forward. Fifty years after reunification, we are strong, confident, and resilient enough to overcome pain and look ahead together. The war must no longer divide us - we are one people, bound by blood and heritage.

National reconciliation has always been a long-term strategic policy of the Party and State, and a pillar of national unity. We understand the historical causes of the war - external interventions, divisions, and political schemes. But we also understand that all Vietnamese, at home or abroad, regardless of past alignments, share a common origin, a common language, and a deep love for their homeland.

In my travels across continents, I have met thousands of overseas Vietnamese - from young intellectuals to entrepreneurs, artists, and laborers, even former adversaries. Despite political differences or life experiences, they all share pride in their roots and an enduring love for Vietnam.

I have witnessed moving reunions between Vietnamese and American veterans - former enemies who now shake hands and speak with empathy and respect.

Today, Vietnam and the United States, once bitter foes, are now comprehensive strategic partners, working together for peace and mutual benefit. If former enemies can build such bonds, then surely Vietnamese people - sharing a common ancestry - can rise above hatred and division.

National harmony does not mean forgetting history or erasing differences. It means accepting diverse perspectives with tolerance and respect, and focusing on the greater goal: building a peaceful, united, strong, civilized, and prosperous Vietnam, so future generations never again endure war and loss.

We believe that all Vietnamese, wherever they live, can contribute to building a bright future. The Party and State always welcome contributions and ideas from the overseas Vietnamese community - a vital link between Vietnam and the world.

We cannot rewrite history, but we can shape the future. The past is to remember, to honor, and to learn from. The future is for us to build together. This is our solemn promise to the fallen and our shared mission for a brighter tomorrow.

Fifty years ago, the Vietnamese people composed a resounding anthem of will, unity, and peace. Today, we are writing a new one - an anthem of innovation, global integration, development, and a determined rise in the 21st century.

No true Vietnamese ever wanted a divided nation. Today, no true Vietnamese can wish for anything less than a strong, prosperous Vietnam standing tall among global powers.

We understand now that independence and reunification are not endpoints - they are the beginning of a new journey: to build a peaceful, wealthy, civilized, and enduring Vietnam.

If our forebears etched the truth “Vietnam is one nation, one people” with blood and sacrifice, then this generation must turn that ideal into a driving force - our wings for a new era.

National unity must evolve from an unshakable belief to political will, innovation, and concrete action - protecting sovereignty, improving people’s lives, and ensuring pride and opportunity for every Vietnamese.

In a rapidly changing world, Vietnam must stay resolute and clear-headed, avoiding the traps of geopolitical turmoil. Each global turning point brings risks or opportunities - our strength lies in preparation.

More than anyone, we know the horrors of war. We love peace and will do everything to prevent conflict. But if forced to bear arms, we will prevail - again.

To secure that peace, we must build a resilient economy, a comprehensive and modern defense, an efficient and streamlined political system, and a united, cultured society rooted in human values.

That requires mobilizing the full strength and intelligence of the entire nation - including the overseas Vietnamese community, an inseparable part of our great national unity.

In this digital and globally connected era, every Vietnamese across five continents can help build the nation - through knowledge, creativity, patriotism, and civic responsibility.

This new era - of AI, digital transformation, green economy, and sustainable growth - demands new thinking, new models, and new people. We still face institutional, productivity, workforce, environmental, health, and security challenges. But our history shows: Vietnam never backs down. We need courage to change, will to rise, and unity to turn challenges into opportunity.

Today’s generation - from officials and workers to farmers, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, students, and youth - must understand: we inherit a priceless legacy. We are responsible for honoring our country in this new age. Every action must be worthy of the sacrifices that built our nation.

We must not allow our country to fall behind. We must not miss our moment. We must not repeat history’s mistakes. The national interest must come first. We must act for the long-term, not short-term gain. We must preserve sovereignty and peace while boldly reforming governance and economic policy to match the times.

Looking ahead, we can take pride in Vietnam’s inner strength. We have defeated invaders, rebuilt from ashes, and earned respect. With our thousand-year legacy, unyielding spirit, and rising generation of talented, patriotic youth, Vietnam will succeed.

The 21st century belongs to nations that control their destiny. With the lessons of history and unity of today, Vietnam will surely write new, radiant chapters on the world stage - for an independent, free, happy, prosperous, and civilized Vietnam.

General Secretary To Lam

(Title as given by VietNamNet)