The Spirit of the Declaration of Independence – Vietnam rising into a new era (Part 4)

On the morning of September 2, 1945, at the historic Ba Dinh Square, President Ho Chi Minh solemnly read the Declaration of Independence – an immortal epic that shattered the chains of colonial and feudal oppression, founding the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The entire nation enjoyed independence, freedom, and happiness, implementing its aspiration for national prosperity and stepping into a new era, the era of the nation’s rise.

The Spirit of the Declaration of Independence was ignited by President Ho Chi Minh from the revolutionary cradle of Pac Bo, Cao Bang (1941–1945) – a “red address” on the path of national liberation. Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio-Television proudly present a series of five articles: “The Spirit of the Declaration of Independence – Vietnam rising into a new era,” portraying the history of the struggle for national liberation, kindled by President Ho Chi Minh in Pac Bo, Cao Bang, culminating in the sacred moment when He read the Declaration of Independence, and offering enduring lessons for the cause of building and defending the Fatherland in the new era.

ARTICLE  4:

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE – AN IMMORTAL EPIC

With the success of the August Revolution, on the morning of September 2, 1945, at the historic Ba Dinh Square, President Ho Chi Minh solemnly read the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. This document was not only a declaration to the world of the nation’s right to self-determination, but also the crystallization of the intelligence, will, and blood of millions of Vietnamese people, opening a new era for the nation and illuminating the path toward independence, freedom, and happiness.

On the morning of September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the declaration of independence, founding the Democratic Republic of Vietnam – Photo: Archive

Declaration of Independence – A nation’s proud proclamation

On the morning of September 2, 1945, Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi, stood as a vivid testament to the nation’s spirit of freedom and independence. Tens of thousands of people from all walks of life gathered, while red flags featuring gold stars fluttered in the air, in an unprecedentedly solemn and glorious atmosphere. When President Ho Chi Minh appeared on the podium, his voice was resonant and full of resolve, every word echoed across the square: “All men are created equal. They are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. Among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness; All the peoples on the earth are equal from birth…” millions of hearts across the nation burst into joy, fully enjoying independence, freedom, and happiness — the very joy of the nation that had shattered the chains of slavery of colonialism and feudalism.

The Pác Bó Returning to Roots Festival is held annually with great solemnity, attracting large numbers of domestic and international visitors. Photo: Truong Ha

The Declaration of Independence was a strong assertion to the world of Vietnam’s right to self-determination. President Ho Chi Minh denounced the crimes of French colonialists and Japanese fascists, declaring: "Vietnam has the right to be a free and independent country.... The entire Vietnamese people are determined to mobilize all their physical and mental strength, to sacrifice their lives and property in order to safeguard their independence and liberty." The document drew upon the U.S. Declaration of Independence (1776) and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1791), while affirming the equality and freedom of all peoples. It provided the legal and political foundation for the Democratic Republic of Vietnam — a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

The Declaration of Independence stands as a brilliant testament to the art of seizing and making the most of revolutionary opportunity: when the time was ripe, the entire nation rose in unison, turning the aspiration for independence into a magnificent reality. This lesson remains fully relevant today, reminding us to awaken the strength of the nation and seize opportunities to achieve breakthroughs. Eight decades later, the Declaration still radiates enduring value: illuminating the path, inspiring, and reminding every Vietnamese today and in the future of their responsibility to safeguard independence, uphold sovereignty, and ignite the nation’s aspiration for development to build a prosperous and strong nation, standing shoulder to shoulder with the world.

Every line of the Declaration embodies the wisdom, fighting spirit, and patriotism of the entire people, especially of the soldiers who once kept the revolutionary flame alive at the borderlands. It stands as a vivid testament to the important role of Cao Bang — the revolutionary cradle — in contributing to the success of the August Revolution, ushering the nation into an era of independence, freedom, and happiness.

Magnitude and enduring value

The Declaration of Independence is not merely a legal document; it is also a sacred symbol of the Vietnamese people’s aspiration for freedom and their right to determine the destiny of their country. It is an epic testament to the courage, intelligence, and will of a nation rising to claim independence after more than 80 years of French colonial domination and nearly a year under Japanese fascist occupation. The Declaration of Independence strongly inspired national liberation movements around the world, becoming a resonant voice across continents and a testament to the awakening of oppressed peoples.

The road to the Pac Bo Special National Relic Site (Cao Bang) is adorned with colorful flags in celebration of Independence Day

Legally, the Declaration of Independence laid the foundation for building the national legal system, affirming human rights, national rights, and the Vietnamese people’s right to self-determination, while also providing a firm basis for the country to step into a new era with confidence in the future. Cao Bang, as the “cradle of the revolution,” serves as a vivid testament to the contributions of local ethnic communities: protecting the leaders, nurturing cadres, maintaining strategic communication lines, and providing a solid rear base. It was the unity, loyalty, and determination of the people here that directly contributed to the success of the August Revolution and the Declaration of Independence.

The significance of the Declaration lies not only in asserting independence but also in its enduring value: inspiring generations, guiding national development, and reinforcing confidence in the revolutionary path led by the Party and President Ho Chi Minh. Eighty years on, its message still resonates in every action to build, protect, and develop the country, testifying to its lasting vitality and timeless humanity.

Mission and aspiration today

Today, looking back on the historical journey from Pac Bo to Ba Dinh, from the August General Uprising to the Declaration of Independence, we clearly see a resilient, united nation that has always turned difficulties into strength to achieve freedom and defend its legitimate rights. The Declaration of Independence is not only a historical legacy but also a spiritual, moral, and political foundation to guide the process of renovation, integration, and the building of a prosperous nation.

The road to Pac Bo, Truong Ha Commune, Cao Bang Province, is decorated with flags during the celebrations of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2. Photo: Truong Ha

In today’s context of international integration, the Declaration of Independence continues to retain its full value: reminding every Vietnamese of their right to determine their own destiny and their duty to safeguard the country’s independence and freedom, while also fostering a spirit of innovation, creativity, and nation-building. From history classes in schools to international academic research, the Declaration is still cited as evidence of the fighting spirit, unity, and aspiration for freedom of a small yet resilient and heroic nation.

For the current generation, the Declaration of Independence serves as a compass for the aspirations to build and develop the country in the new era. It urges every citizen not only to take pride in the past but also to actively contribute to the present and future: through learning, working, innovating, participating in innovation and entrepreneurial movements, defending sovereignty, and promoting sustainable development. In the digital era, as technology, knowledge, and international integration open unprecedented opportunities, the spirit of the Declaration becomes a source of motivation for Vietnamese youth to step out, think boldly, act decisively, and face challenges, while preserving cultural identity, national values, and pride.

It also serves as a reminder to leaders and citizens alike of their dual responsibility: to develop the economy and society while safeguarding sovereignty, the environment, and social justice. When every action is guided by this spirit, from bustling cities to remote rural areas, from government offices to individual households, the Declaration of Independence shines as a guiding light, connecting history, the present, and the future, awakening firm confidence that the Vietnamese nation will continue to write new heroic chapters in the era of renewal and integration.

By: Truong Ha

Translated by: Thu Hien - Thu Ha