Milestone in the heroic history of the nation

Liberation Army tanks entered the Independence Palace at noon on April 30, 1975. Photo: Archive

In late 1974 and early 1975, realizing that the balance of power in the South had changed in favor of the revolution, the Central Party Politburo proposed a plan to completely liberate the South in 1975 and 1976. The Politburo emphasized that "The whole year 1975 is an opportunity" and specified that "If the opportunity comes in early or late 1975, then immediately completely liberate the South in 1975".

After our army's victory in the Central Highlands campaign and the Hue - Da Nang campaign, the Politburo assessed: "The strategic opportunity has come, we have the conditions to soon complete the determination to liberate the South" and made the decision: "Must concentrate the fastest forces, technical weapons and materials to liberate the South before the rainy season"; at the same time, the campaign to liberate Saigon - Gia Dinh was decided by the Politburo to be named "Ho Chi Minh Campaign".

At 5:00 p.m. on April 26, 1975, our army opened fire to start the campaign. Our five wings broke through the enemy's defense line to enter the center of Saigon, capturing their headquarters. At 10:45 a.m. on April 30, 1975, our tanks and infantry entered the Independence Palace, capturing the entire Saigon Cabinet. Duong Van Minh, who had just become president on April 28, had to declare his unconditional surrender to our army. At 11:30 a.m. on the same day, the revolutionary flag flew over the Independence Palace, signaling the complete victory of the historic Ho Chi Minh campaign.

The great victory of the resistance war against America to save the country originated from the following main causes:

Firstly, the wise leadership of the Party and Uncle Ho with correct and creative political and military lines of independence and autonomy, and flexible methods of struggle, suitable for each stage of the resistance war.

Second, the indomitable and heroic fighting spirit of the army and people of the whole country overcame countless difficulties, hardships, and sacrifices, achieving glorious feats of arms, "fighting to drive out the Americans and topple the puppet regime".

Third, the combined strength of the great national unity, unity of will and action; of the ardent patriotism - the aspiration for peace, independence, freedom and national unification of our people.

Fourth, the absolute loyalty and spirit of determination to fight and win of the People's Armed Forces under the command of talented generals.

Fifth, the friendship and great and effective support and assistance of international friends, of the fighting alliance between the three countries of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, and the support of the people and peace-loving and progressive forces in the world.

The victory of our army and people in the resistance war against the US to save the country is the greatest achievement in the cause of national liberation and defense of the Fatherland led by the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh; it is a heroic and brilliant page in the history of the nation's thousands of years of building and defending the country. We have completed the glorious historical mission of liberating the South, unifying the country, opening a new era for the nation - the era of independence, unity and together building a socialist Vietnam of "rich people, strong country, democracy, equality and civilization". This is also a typical victory of the world's revolutionary forces; contributing to strongly promoting the struggle of the world's people for the goal of independence, peace, democracy and social progress; encouraging, motivating and inspiring the peoples who are carrying out the cause of national liberation, fighting against imperialism, initiating the bankruptcy of neo-colonialism all over the world.

Assessing the victory of this historical event, the 4th National Congress of the Party (December 1976) affirmed: Years will pass, but the victory of our people in the resistance war against the US to save the country will forever be recorded in our national history as one of the most brilliant pages, a shining symbol of the complete victory of revolutionary heroism and human intelligence, and will enter world history as a great feat of the 20th century, an event of great international importance and profound contemporary significance.

Huynh Anh (synthesis)

Source: https://baodongkhoi.vn/moc-son-trong-trang-su-hao-hung-cua-dan-toc-14042025-a145124.html