As Vietnam marks the 80th anniversary of its National Day on September 2, 2025, a series of cultural and historical events have captured the nation’s attention, blending remembrance with creative innovation. In Hanoi, two major book launches and a landmark musical donation have not only honored the country’s storied past but also inspired new generations to reflect on—and contribute to—Vietnam’s ongoing narrative of unity, sacrifice, and peace.
On August 28, 2025, the Exhibition of Socio-Economic Achievements opened with a special showcase of two significant publications, as reported by the National Political Publishing House Sự Thật. The timing was no accident; this exhibition was designed as a cornerstone event leading up to the 80th anniversary of National Day, commemorating one of the most luminous chapters in Vietnam’s history. The books on display, "Lúc dân cần, lúc dân khó, có Công an" and "Đảng Cộng sản Việt Nam qua các kỳ đại hội - Những quyết sách lịch sử," each offer a unique lens on the nation’s journey and the forces that have shaped it.
The first book, "Lúc dân cần, lúc dân khó, có Công an," stands as a tribute to the People’s Public Security forces. According to Sự Thật, the book is a rich compilation of stories, images, and documents that chronicle the unwavering loyalty and silent sacrifices of these forces throughout Vietnam’s revolutionary history—especially in times of peace. The stories within speak to a deep, almost familial bond between the security forces and the people they serve, echoing the mantra: "For the country, forget oneself; for the people, serve." The book’s detailed accounts not only highlight acts of bravery and commitment but also underscore the everyday, often unseen efforts that have helped maintain stability and security across generations.
Speaking at the event, Associate Professor Dr. Vũ Trọng Lâm, Director and Editor-in-Chief of the National Political Publishing House Sự Thật, emphasized the importance of the book as a resource for Party committees and organizations within the People’s Public Security forces. "The content of the book truly reflects the spirit of being close to the people, understanding the people, and serving the people," he noted. "It clearly shows the 'blood and flesh' relationship between the police and the people." Dr. Lâm further highlighted that the book’s creation was part of an ongoing effort to concretize the coordination regulations for protecting national security and ensuring social order—a collaboration between the Ministry of Public Security and Sự Thật Publishing House.
The second publication, "Đảng Cộng sản Việt Nam qua các kỳ đại hội - Những quyết sách lịch sử," edited by Dr. Lâm, serves as both a historical analysis and a practical guide. The book meticulously examines the resolutions and decisions made at each of the Communist Party’s national congresses, tracing how these pivotal moments have guided Vietnam through changing times. As Dr. Lâm explained, "Since its inception, the Communist Party of Vietnam has undergone 13 national congresses. Each congress marks a significant historical milestone, recording victories, achievements, and valuable lessons, along with the Party’s maturing theoretical thinking and leadership activities." Over the past 95 years, the Party has consistently adapted its strategies to meet the demands of both domestic and global realities, steering the country through hardship, sacrifice, and ultimately, remarkable triumphs. The book is positioned as a crucial resource for understanding how these decisions continue to shape Vietnam’s development and aspirations.
To amplify the reach and impact of these works, Sự Thật Publishing House presented copies to Party and state leaders, ministries, and units under the Ministry of Public Security during the exhibition. This gesture, as described by the organizers, was meant to spread the values and insights contained within the books, ensuring they serve as reference points for political education and organizational strategy across Vietnam’s leadership landscape.
Just two days later, on August 30, the National Exhibition Center in Đông Anh, Hanoi, became the stage for another remarkable event: the launch of "Viết tiếp câu chuyện Hòa bình," a multimedia book by celebrated musician Nguyễn Văn Chung. Organized by the University of Education Publishing House, this event was more than a traditional book launch—it was a vibrant celebration of creativity, memory, and hope, set against the backdrop of the 80th anniversary of both the August Revolution and National Day.
Nguyễn Văn Chung, already a household name in contemporary Vietnamese music thanks to heartfelt hits like "Nhật ký của mẹ" and "Gia đình nhỏ hạnh phúc to," used the occasion to officially donate 300 children’s songs to the Voice of Vietnam radio station (VOV). This extraordinary archive, previously recognized by the Vietnam Records Organization in 2022, now becomes a national treasure, accessible to future generations of young listeners and educators. During the event, Chung also introduced two new compositions—"Việt Nam - Tự hào tiếp bước tương lai" and "Nỗi đau giữa hòa bình"—which have quickly gained traction on digital platforms, resonating with audiences hungry for messages of peace and national pride.
What sets "Viết tiếp câu chuyện Hòa bình" apart is its innovative format. As described by the University of Education Publishing House, the book is an integrated multimedia experience, blending narrative, illustration, music, and video into a single, interactive journey. Readers can not only immerse themselves in stories and memories but also scan QR codes to listen to songs and watch the author’s reflections. The book traces Chung’s path from childhood through school, first love, family, and artistic maturity—a symphony of personal and collective memory, all woven together by the thread of peace.
At the launch, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyễn Bá Cường, Director and Editor-in-Chief of the University of Education Publishing House, offered his congratulations and highlighted the project’s significance. The event also featured lively exchanges between Chung and his readers, including book signings and heartfelt discussions about the role of art in shaping national identity. According to the organizers, the book’s release was timed to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for Vietnam’s independence, while also encouraging young people to cherish and extend the story of peace. "Let us be grateful, live fully, and continue to write the story of peace for ourselves and our country," Chung urged in his message to the next generation.
As the nation reflects on eight decades of independence and transformation, these events—rooted in both tradition and innovation—offer a powerful reminder of the enduring values that bind Vietnam together. Through books, music, and memory, the country celebrates its past while looking confidently toward the future, inviting every citizen to play a part in the unfolding story of peace and progress.
