Continuing to write the heroic epic of peace, prosperity, and happiness

On September 2, 1945, at the historic Ba Dinh Square, President Ho Chi Minh, on behalf of the Provisional Government, solemnly read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam - the first worker-peasant state in Southeast Asia. This declaration was not only an affirmation of the Vietnamese people's right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness, but also a definitive statement to all humanity: "Vietnam has the right to enjoy freedom and independence, and in fact has become a free, independent country."

From that sacred moment, 80 years have passed, and our country has gone through two prolonged resistance wars against French colonialists and American imperialists, with immense losses and sacrifices. Millions of outstanding people laid down their lives, countless mothers lost their children, wives lost their husbands, and families lost their loved ones. Peace and independence are not gifts bestowed upon us; they were achievements paid for by the blood and bones of an entire nation. They are invaluable, sacred values that current and future generations need to preserve, cherish, and promote.

After the day of independence, the Vietnamese people continued to face countless challenges: wars fought to protect the Fatherland, economic embargoes, post-war difficulties... However, with indomitable will, fervent patriotism, solidarity, and the outstanding leadership of the Party, our people have transformed ruins into works and achievements of epochal stature.

Forty years of renewal has been a great journey. From a poor, underdeveloped country, Vietnam has risen strongly, becoming a middle-income country with an increasingly important role in the international arena. Its economy has grown steadily, socio-political stability has been maintained, and national defense and security have been safeguarded. Vietnam is a reliable destination for international friends, a symbol of aspiration for progress and success.

The foundation for today's sustainable development is the stability of the socialist regime. Under the leadership of the Party and the State, and with the consensus of the people, Vietnam has built a solid political, national defense, and security posture. The country's overall strength has been continuously consolidated, contributing to thwarting all hostile forces' schemes and firmly protecting the Fatherland in all situations. At the same time, Vietnam's position and prestige in the international arena have been increasingly enhanced.

In that glorious 80-year journey, Dong Nai - one of the key economic centers in the South - has made important contributions to the cause of national construction and development. As a province with rapid urbanization and strong industrial development, Dong Nai has always played a leading role in economic development, attracting foreign investment, and creating jobs for millions of workers inside and outside the province.

In addition to focusing on the economy, Dong Nai also pays attention to cultural and social fields, improving people's lives, ensuring social welfare, and caring for people with meritorious services and policy families. Many programs on developing civilized urban areas and building advanced, model new-style rural areas have given a face-lift to the locality. Dong Nai is continuing to write the story of peace with concrete works and achievements, contributing to the country's common goal of rapid and sustainable development.

In recent years, despite many difficulties, especially in the context of implementing the two-tier local government model, the province has still set the goal of strong development, striving for double-digit growth. With the efforts of the entire political system, the business community, and the people, Dong Nai continues to be a bright spot for attracting investment, developing industry, services, and high-tech agriculture. National key projects such as Long Thanh International Airport and regional connectivity transport systems are being strongly implemented, opening up new development spaces for the province and the entire region.

Looking back at the past journey, we increasingly appreciate the value of independence and freedom, and become more aware of the great responsibility for preserving the achievements of the revolution. Today, Vietnam is no longer a country under invasion or oppression. We have truly mastered our own destiny, have a voice at the international negotiating table, and have friends and partners all over the world.

The road ahead still holds many challenges, but also opens up many opportunities. With the solid foundation built over the past 80 years, and with the unity, wisdom, and aspirations of the entire nation, it is believed that Vietnam will continue to write golden pages of history, realizing the goal of becoming a high-income developed nation by 2045 - precisely on the occasion of the 100th founding anniversary of the nation.

From the historic Ba Dinh to today, from the Declaration of Independence to the miraculous achievements after an 80-year journey, from poor rural villages to vibrant urban areas, from the early days full of difficulties to the aspiration for prosperity - all have been interwoven into a new heroic epic of peace, prosperity, and happiness.

By: Dong Nai

Translated by: Mai Nga – Thu Ha