As Vietnam approaches the 80th anniversary of its August Revolution and the nation’s National Day on September 2, 2025, a wave of commemorative activities, special publications, and cultural exhibitions has swept across the country, blending history, art, and community pride into a vibrant tapestry of remembrance and celebration. The milestone, marking eight decades since the declaration of independence, is being honored through a series of innovative and heartfelt initiatives designed to inspire both reflection and forward-looking ambition among the Vietnamese people.
On August 29, 2025, Báo Nhân Dân, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of Vietnam, unveiled a suite of special publications and launched an interactive exhibition titled “80 năm rạng rỡ non sông – Con đường Độc lập” (“80 Years of Glorious Homeland – The Road to Independence”). According to Báo Nhân Dân, the centerpiece is a special September 2 issue, meticulously structured into five major sections that guide readers through the nation’s journey from its revolutionary past, through the present, and toward its aspirations for the future. This ambitious publication combines editorial commentary, historical narrative, and cultural-artistic materials, all enriched with rare documentary images. The result is a work that not only preserves historical data but also seeks to inspire readers with the enduring spirit of the August Revolution and National Day.
One of the most striking features of this commemorative issue is its special supplement, which is divided into two parts. The first part vividly re-enacts the historic moment when President Hồ Chí Minh read the Declaration of Independence at Ba Đình Square, and includes a complete printed version of this foundational document. The second part introduces readers to 80 prominent events that have shaped the nation over the past 80 years, spanning politics, economics, society, diplomacy, and culture. The publication’s artistic design, crafted by artist Kim Duẩn, leverages hand-drawn techniques and visual artistry to evoke national pride—especially among younger generations—by connecting them with their country’s storied past.
But this is no ordinary print supplement. Embracing digital innovation, the issue offers a variety of “digital gifts” that allow readers to immerse themselves in history. These include augmented reality (AR) 3D models of the Independence Monument, VR360 experiences that transport users to pivotal moments, and audio versions of the Declaration of Independence available on Spotify and TikTok. Such interactive features, as Báo Nhân Dân reports, are designed to make history accessible and engaging for a tech-savvy audience, bringing the past to life in new and unexpected ways.
Beyond the printed page, Báo Nhân Dân has joined forces with Vietravel Hanoi to stage an interactive exhibition at its headquarters in Hanoi, overlooking the iconic Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Running from August 29 to September 3, the exhibition invites visitors to walk “The Independence Road,” an immersive experience tracing the revolutionary flow from 1930 to 1945 through eight key milestones. The exhibition employs documentary images, 3D models, LED lighting, and VR360 technology to create a multi-sensory journey. Visitors can also explore a reconstructed model of the Ba Đình ceremonial platform, complete with VR360 screens that allow them to relive the electrifying atmosphere of September 2, 1945, when independence was first proclaimed.
The “80 năm rạng rỡ non sông” cluster within the exhibition systematically displays the nation’s key achievements from 1930 to 2025, highlighting the evolution from the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam to the country’s current aspirations for development and prosperity in the 21st century. As Lê Quốc Minh, Central Party Committee member and Editor-in-Chief of Báo Nhân Dân, explained, “With the special September 2 issue and this interactive exhibition, our aim is not only to revisit history but also to instill renewed faith, aspiration, and the spirit of unity and determination to build a strong and prosperous Vietnam in the new era.”
Community celebrations are not limited to the capital. In Mường Giôn commune, local pride found expression through a two-day Cultural Camp held on August 29 and 30. According to Báo Sơn La, the event featured 10 booths from 23 villages, showcasing ethnic costumes, traditional tools of the Thai and Mông communities, and a variety of local agricultural products such as cinnamon, trám fruit, cardamom, and glutinous rice. The camp drew crowds of residents and tourists alike, who came to browse, shop, and participate in the festive atmosphere. More than just a marketplace, the camp served as a platform to promote the region’s distinctive culture and the potential of its agricultural products, reinforcing the sense of community and shared heritage during this momentous national celebration.
Meanwhile, on August 28, 2025, the National Exhibition Center in Đông Anh, Hanoi, hosted the launch of two special books as part of a broader exhibition on Vietnam’s economic and social achievements. As reported by the Ministry of Public Security’s official website, the Central Public Security Party Committee and the Ministry of Public Security, in partnership with the National Political Publishing House, introduced “Lúc dân cần, lúc dân khó, có Công an” (“When the People Need, When the People Struggle, There Is the Public Security”) and “Đảng Cộng sản Việt Nam qua các kỳ đại hội – Những quyết sách lịch sử” (“The Communist Party of Vietnam Through Its Congresses – Historic Decisions”).
The first book, “Lúc dân cần, lúc dân khó, có Công an,” is a heartfelt tribute to the People’s Public Security force, chronicling their unwavering loyalty to the Party, the Fatherland, and the people. It gathers a wealth of materials, authentic stories, and evocative images documenting the silent yet monumental contributions of the security forces throughout Vietnam’s revolutionary history, with a special focus on their service during peacetime. The second book, edited by Associate Professor Dr. Vũ Trọng Lâm, offers a comprehensive analysis of the Communist Party’s resolutions at each of its congresses, illuminating how these historic decisions have guided the Party, the army, and the people through the shifting demands of each era. As Dr. Vũ Trọng Lâm observed, the Party’s efforts to adapt and innovate have been pivotal in overcoming adversity, achieving great victories, and building a strong, happy, and prosperous socialist Vietnam.
To amplify the significance of these works, the National Political Publishing House distributed copies of both books to Party and State leaders, central ministries, and key units within the Ministry of Public Security. These publications, together with the interactive exhibitions and community events, create a rich mosaic of remembrance and aspiration that connects Vietnam’s past, present, and future in this landmark year.
As the nation reflects on the sacrifices and achievements of the past 80 years, these commemorations offer more than mere nostalgia. They serve as a living bridge, uniting generations in pride and purpose, and fueling the collective ambition to build a stronger, more prosperous Vietnam for decades to come.
