The Party Committee - People's Council - People's Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City recently hosted a special event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025).
The ceremony unveiled 50 significant events and activities that have shaped the city's development over the past five decades, reflecting its dynamic spirit and inspiring a new generation of civic dedication.
At the top of the commemorative list is the "Complete Victory of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign", a defining moment in Vietnam's history.
On the morning of April 30, 1975, Liberation Forces launched coordinated attacks on key targets. By 11:30 a.m., the Liberation Flag was raised atop the Independence Palace, marking the official end of the Vietnam War.
The "Complete Victory of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign" symbolized the victory of the revolution and heralded the start of a unified, peaceful Vietnam progressing toward socialism. In 1976, the Sixth National Assembly session passed a resolution renaming the city Ho Chi Minh City in honor of the country's great leader.
From left to right: Historian Nguyen Dinh Tu, Hero of the People's Armed Forces and intelligence officer Colonel Nguyen Van Tau, and former Vice Secretary of the City Party Committee Pham Chanh Truc at the event. Credit: VNA
Beyond this seminal event, the list includes milestones across politics, national defense, economy, culture, education, healthcare, environment, transportation, and diplomacy.
Politically, the city was honored with titles such as Hero of Labor during the Renovation Era and Heroic City, recognizing its resilience and innovation.
Economically, Ho Chi Minh City led bold reforms, pioneering new management models and becoming Vietnam's economic powerhouse.
In the cultural and social realm, initiatives like the Ho Chi Minh Cultural Space, Tao Dan Spring Flower Festival, and Nguyen Hue Flower Street have become emblematic of the city's vibrant urban identity.
An emotional highlight of the event was the participation of individuals who have played key roles in the city's transformation. Among them were historian Nguyen Dinh Tu (105 years old), Hero of the People's Armed Forces and intelligence officer Colonel Nguyen Van Tau (97), and former Vice Secretary of the City Party Committee Pham Chanh Truc (86).
Their personal stories not only honored the past but also instilled pride and patriotic ideals in younger generations. Colonel Tau movingly stated, "The independence we gained was paid for with the blood of generations before us."
Deputy Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, emphasized the importance of the initiative not just in recognizing historical achievements but also in fostering civic pride and motivation.
"Through this selection process, we affirm the resilience, adaptability, and commitment of the city's government and people throughout history," she said.
The selection aims to pass on historical values to the youth and inspire them to continue building a prosperous and resilient Ho Chi Minh City.
