The unfading memories of Autumn 1945

“This morning, September the Second / The capital in bloom, with Ba Dinh Square bathed in golden sunlight/ Millions of hearts await, even the birds fall silent/ Suddenly resounds a song of deep gratitude/ Ho Chi Minh! Ho Chi Minh!...” -  These opening verses from “The Morning of September the Second” by poet To Huu continue to stir the hearts of Vietnamese people living in peace today, as well as those who witnessed the historic August Revolution 80 years ago, still brimming with excitement over the nation’s first Independence Day.

They were direct witnesses to the jubilant crowds flooding the streets to celebrate that first Independence Day. Now, eight decades later, in the twilight of their lives, these veterans continue to inspire and empower younger generations as the nation enters a new era - an era of development, prosperity, and strength. Such are the stories of veteran Party members Huynh The Thien of Thien Hung Commune and Vo Van Na of Binh Phuoc Ward, Dong Nai Province.

Unfading Memories

Party member Huynh The Thien, affectionately known as "Old Gentleman Tu Thien", now nearly 95 years old with over 75 years of Party membership, resides in the border commune of Thien Hung. With a kind face and a long white beard, his recollections of the historic autumn days in 1945 remain vivid and detailed. His eyes brighten as he recounts the uprising in the Southern region during the August Revolution and the day President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam - transforming the Vietnamese nation from slavery to freedom, and affirming its rightful place on the world map.

Huynh The Thien recalled:

“Before 1945, our ancestors lived under dual exploitation – feudal and colonial - and life was miserable. Peasants toiled across hundreds of rice fields all year round yet had nothing to eat because landlords took everything. My parents worked as hired hands, they worked so hard that their shoulders wore out, and even when they begged and cried for a handful of rice to feed us children, they were refused and even beaten and insulted. Farmers were enslaved both materially and spiritually, with no civil rights!”

"So when Uncle Ho called upon the people, 25 million compatriots across the country, from provinces to communes to villages, rose up, armed with bamboo spears and farm tools, shouting slogans in unison: ‘Long live the Communist Party of Viet Nam!’ And when we heard the radio broadcast of President Ho reading the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of an independent Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, happiness was overwhelming! along with other youths of the southern waterways, singing revolutionary songs and praises for Uncle Ho," Thien recalled.

Veteran Party member Huynh The Thien (Thien Hunng Commune, Dong Nai Province) recalls the jubilant August 1945 days. Photo: Viet Bang

Also over 90 years old, with more than 65 years of Party membership, Vo Van Na, from Binh Phuoc Ward, still vividly remembers the first Independence Day either. At that time, Na said, he was just 10 years old, herding buffaloes for hire. Adults talked a lot about freedom and independence. He too longed for such a life.

"While tending buffaloes, I often saw squadrons of 5 to 7 airplanes flying overhead. The adults said it was the Japanese and French fighting each other. Then, after some time, the planes stopped coming, and people no longer talked about that war. One day, while out in the fields, I saw crowds of people surging onto the roads with sticks, shouting: ‘Viet Minh won! Viet Minh brought us independence! Long live Viet Nam!’ I let the buffaloes go and ran to join the masses, celebrating the victory of the General Uprising, singing songs about President Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh. The joy was boundless. Everyone waved red flags with yellow stars, rejoicing in the very first Independence Day," he recounted.

Veteran Party member Vo Van Na (Binh Phuoc Ward, Dong Nai Province) recalls the August 1945 autumn. Photo: Viet Bang

The joy of meeting Uncle Ho

Beside a display of medals and commendations from his revolutionary journey, Vo Van Na recounted the immense joy of meeting President Ho Chi Minh on three occasions – memories he treasures deeply.

Each meeting, he said, was unforgettable. The first time was when Uncle Ho visited the Tay Nguyen Regiment (a regiment composed of Central Highlands ethnic minorities) as they regrouped in the North. Fortunately, Na's unit was stationed in the same area. The image of Uncle Ho smiling warmly and asking after the southern troops deeply moved everyone present.

The second meeting came near the end of 1956. While on night guard duty at the Presidential Palace, Na saw Uncle Ho and Prime Minister Pham Van Dong step out for a smoke during a government meeting. Spotting Na with his rifle in the courtyard, President Ho waved him over and gently asked about his health and hometown. He then asked: “Do you smoke?”. “Yes, sir, I do,” Na replied. President Ho then returned the cigarette to his pocket, instead handing him two candies with a gentle remark: “A soldier on duty must not smoke.” Na took the candies with immense joy, later running to share the story with his comrades.

"The third time was while I was studying and working at the Thai Nguyen Iron and Steel Complex. I volunteered to stay behind to run the kitchen while others attended a conference with President Ho. Unexpectedly, after the meeting, President Ho visited the communal kitchen and walked directly to where two comrades and I were preparing soup. He observed, asked about our work, and advised us to be economical and make the most of available ingredients to improve meals for the workers. Those encounters - his words of encouragement and thoughtful advice - became invaluable guiding principles in my life of service and unshakable trust in the Party,” Na shared.

Party member Vo Van Na shares with the reporter his lifelong dedication to the revolution. Photo: Viet Bang

Huynh The Thien also recalled: "Five years after being ordered to regroup in the North, I had the honor of meeting President Ho. It was in April 1960, during an unannounced visit to the Ha Bac Nitrogen Fertilizer Plant, where my unit was helping with construction. President Ho spoke at length with the soldiers and workers on site. We were overjoyed and proud. I have always remembered and passed down to my children and grandchildren his words: ‘Whatever benefits the people, we must do; whatever does not, we must not. Live with thrift, integrity, uprightness, selflessness, and impartiality.”

Unwavering faith in the Party

Though advanced in age, veteran Party members Huynh The Thien and Vo Van Na remain dedicated to the Party and the people. They continue to participate actively in meetings of senior Party members and in local Party-building conferences – particularly in contributing input on draft documents for Party congresses at all levels for the 2025-2030 term.

Vo Van Na, a 65-year Party member, shared emotionally: "Throughout my revolutionary life, I have always believed in the clear-sighted leadership of the Party. I am overjoyed to witness our Party grow stronger, more transparent, and more resilient. Without the Communist Party, there would be no peace, prosperity, or happiness as we have today. The current period has seen many visionary and revolutionary policies. Development from the grassroots level is a strategic and correct path."

Veteran Party member Huynh The Thien attends the 1st Party Congress of Thien Hung Commune, Dong Nai Province, for the 2025-2030 term. Photo: Character provides

"I hope that in 30 to 50 years, we will see a strong and prosperous Viet Nam among the ranks of developed nations. However, for our country to remain strong and enduring, Party-building must go hand in hand with internal rectification. In particular, we must not allow Party officials - especially those in key positions - to engage in corruption or embezzlement, which would squander national resources and erode public trust," Na emphasized.

"Comrade Huynh The Thien joined the revolution at the age of 15–16 and held many different responsibilities throughout his service. In every role, he demonstrated the unwavering loyalty of a Communist Party member, fulfilling the tasks entrusted to him by the Party, the State, and the people – a shining example for future generations to learn from and follow." Former Secretary of the Bu Dop District Party Committee (part of former Binh Phuoc Province), Duong Thanh Huan, stated at the ceremony held in February 2023 to award the 75-year Party membership badge to Huynh The Thien.

Cam Lien

Translated: Thuc Oanh - Thu Ha