August Revolution of 1945 forever imprinted in legacy

In the early days of autumn, walking through the streets of Tran Bien, one can see familiar roads adorned with fluttering flags and banners, in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the successful August Revolution (August 19, 1945-2025) and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945-2025).

The Song Pho Square area (now part of Tran Bien Ward) - where the rally took place to welcome the revolutionary government and the success of the August Revolution General Uprising of 1945.

The August Revolution General Uprising of 1945 was a glorious historical event that will forever be etched in the hearts of the Vietnamese people and permanently inscribed in the nation's cultural heritage.

THE OLD DAYS ECHO BACK

Eighty years have gone by, marked by numerous historical highs and lows, yet the remarkable legacy of the August Revolution in 1945 on the land of Tran Bien endures. It inspires the younger generation, those who have never known war, to always feel proud of and eager to connect with the heroic past of their grandfathers and fathers who fought valiantly for the nation's independence and freedom, securing today's peace.

Looking back to 1945, when the time was ripe, thoroughly implementing the Resolution of the Regional Party Committee on the general uprising across all of Southern Vietnam, the Provisional Provincial Party Committee of Bien Hoa decided to launch the uprising to seize power. On June 3, 1945, a Party cadres’ Conference was held at Buu Hung Pagoda to thoroughly grasp the uprising policy and establish the Uprising Committee, with Comrade Hoang Minh Chau as its Head. The conference addressed key issues regarding policies, action directions, and preparations to mobilize the masses, the vanguard youth forces, and the Combat Self-Defense Team to rise up and seize power in August. The conference emphasized that, despite the challenges, the uprising to seize power must succeed, viewing it as the fundamental principle and highest goal of the revolution.

Under the clear-sighted and timely guidance of the Provisional Provincial Party Committee and the Bien Hoa Provincial Uprising Committee, from August 24 to 26, 1945, the people across the province’s districts and counties united to seize power. In the provincial capital, on August 26, 1945, the Bien Hoa Prefecture/Provincial Governor’s residence swiftly fell under the control of the people, becoming the leadership center for the general uprising of Bien Hoa province.

Walking through the heart of today’s urban landscape, interspersed with modern constructions, historical and cultural heritage sites bearing the imprint of Tran Bien still endure. The blend of contemporary urban areas with traditional cultural features along the path of innovation and integration gives Dong Nai a unique charm, reflecting a land with over 325 years of formation and development.

Under the bright autumn sun, the red flag with a yellow star atop the prefecture building fluttered. The vanguard youth and the Combat Self-Defense Team were stationed to guard government offices and outposts throughout the town, districts, and counties. Shortly thereafter, the Uprising Committee assigned several comrades to localities such as Tan Uyen, Chau Thanh, Long Thanh, and Xuan Loc to lead the forces and prepare banners and slogans for the upcoming rally and march.

At approximately 7 a.m. on August 27, 1945, at Song Pho Square, in front of the Bien Hoa Prefecture building, a solemn rally and march occurred, featuring over 20,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds, including workers, farmers, youth, students, intellectuals, and followers of various religions. They carried red flags adorned with yellow stars, red flags displaying the hammer and sickle, along with slogans and weapons, in a show of support for the revolutionary government and the triumph of the August Revolution General Uprising. Their marching steps, accompanied by resounding chants, echoed like cannon fire, blending with the joy of the entire nation.

Song Pho Square is located at the intersection of what are now August Revolution Street and April 30 Street. The landscape has undergone significant changes due to urban development, yet remnants like the fountain, the ceramic statue of a carp transforming into a dragon, and the intersecting roads still reflect the imprint of that historic moment.

SPREADING HISTORICAL STORIES THROUGH HERITAGE

Upon the arrival of every August since the historic autumn of 1945, the “red addresses” marked by the vibrant memories of the revolutionary spirit in Dong Nai have drawn many visitors to come and pay tribute, remember, and experience. As such, the locality’s invaluable revolutionary historical values in the new era of independence are preserved and promoted.

Today, at the start of Phan Dinh Phung Street in Tran Bien Ward, Dong Nai Province, stands the ancient pagoda known as Buu Hung Tu, a site commemorating the significant revolutionary event of the Party Cadres Conference in Bien Hoa, which prepared all aspects for the August General Uprising to reclaim power for the people. Although 80 years have passed and urban buildings now stand densely around it, and despite renovations and restorations altering its architecture, the pagoda remains a vestige and a living testament to a period of steadfast struggle against French colonialism by the people of Dong Nai to regain independence and freedom. Since being recognized as a provincial-level historical relic, Buu Hung Pagoda has become a significant “red address” for educating the younger generation about revolutionary traditions, as well as a pilgrimage and sightseeing destination for numerous visitors from across the country.

Buddhist nun Thich Nu Dieu Minh, who has been the custodian of the pagoda for over 60 years, stated: “For decades, alongside Buddhist activities, the pagoda has actively organized charitable and social initiatives. On the anniversaries of the successful August Revolution, the pagoda frequently holds chanting sessions to pray for peace for the people and for the souls of fallen soldiers who sacrificed for their homeland and country.”

The Binh Truc Office, also referred to as Binh Truc Meeting Hall (often mispronounced as Binh Truoc), is situated approximately 100 meters from Song Pho Square. This administrative building was built during the French colonial era (1936-1939) to facilitate the administrative functions of the Binh Truc Ward Committee at that time. It is regarded as the sole remaining administrative building featuring a uniquely artistic architecture that blends both traditional and modern elements. According to historical records, the Meeting Hall was built by a group of skilled artisans from the Bien Hoa Practical Fine Arts School. Consequently, the design featured a substantial amount of materials made from bronze-engraved blue-glazed ceramics. Notably, six ceramic murals on the Meeting Hall’s walls illustrate ancient tales, including “The Tale of Kieu”, “Returning Home to Pay Tribute to Ancestors after Achieving Academic Honors”, singing, “Rivers and Waters of a Newly Formed Residential Area”, and “Moonlit Pavilion”.

At that time, the Meeting Hall served dual purposes, both as an administrative workplace and a venue for religious activities. In September 1945, the Meeting Hall hosted a significant historical event that marked a major development for the provincial Party Committee - the Bien Hoa Provincial Delegates Conference. This conference established the first Provincial Party Committee after seizing power and outlined several policies and measures for the government to implement immediately to stabilize the situation in all aspects. Today, the Meeting Hall, located on April 30  Street, has become a heritage site that marks a revolutionary event of the nation.

By: Xuan Nam
Translated by: Huyen Trang - Thu Ha