At 11:30 on April 30, 1975, the flag of the Liberation Army was raised over the Doc Lap (Independence) Palace, the last stronghold of the puppet regime which was set up in Sai Gon by the US. Members of the puppet administration were arrested and President Duong Van Minh unconditionally surrendered to the Liberation Army. Vietnam was totally reunified.
The April 30, 1975, victory echoed in the international arena showing the Vietnamese people’s staunch spirit against foreign invaders. The victory was enormously important to Vietnam and the world.
Peace lovers worldwide celebrated the April 30, 1975, victory
Many foreign news agencies described Vietnam’s victory on April 30, 1975, a global shock. Vietnam’s victory put an end to oppression by powerful countries. This was the most complete victory a nation could win against the most powerful country in the world.
Vietnam’s victory against the US’s largest operation since World War II brought hope to millions of people worldwide struggling for peace, national independence, democracy, and socialism.
Peace lovers around the world shared the happiness of the Vietnamese people. Merle Ratner of the US, a member of the Executive Board of the Operation for Relief and Responsibility for Vietnamese victims of dioxin, said she always believed that Vietnam would win the war. Vietnam’s liberation and unification showed that a united nation will win in their struggle for justice.
Ilia Yakimenko, a Russian expert in Indochina studies, recalled that the Soviet people jumped to cheer Vietnam’s victory. Meetings to support Vietnam were broadcast on TV. Banners for Vietnam were hung everywhere. Vietnam, in some way, was in their hearts.”
President of the Cuban National Assembly Esteban Lazo Hernandez said during a visit to Vietnam in 2017: “The Vietnamese people, the author of numerous extraordinary victories and Vietnam, a heroic nation, defeated a very strong invader. Vietnam proved that no one and nothing can defeat people who struggle for justice, and are ready to sacrifice their lives. They are heroic people.”
The fruits of Vietnam’s revolutionary in peace time
Vietnamese people are admired not just for their glorious victory on April 30, 1975, but also their achievements in national construction. In the last 4 decades, Vietnamese people brought into play their intellectuality and strength to overcome numerous challenges, make their renewal a success and gain major achievements in development and international integration. Rahayu Saraswati, an Indonesian MP, said: “Vietnam has done a wonderful job. I know that. I’ve heard from some of my friends who have come here before. They say it in the past 10 years Vietnam has made tremendous progress especially in infrastructure and the investment being made here. You can see how that’s taking shape and affecting the economy here in Vietnam. It’s great to see Vietnam’s openness to collaboration and cooperation for progress for the 21st century and certainly for the people of Vietnam.”
World Bank Country Director in Vietnam Ousmane Dion said: “I’d like to congratulate the Vietnamese government on several important achievements. Vietnam has witnessed an economic growth, macro-economic stability, single digit inflation, stable exchange rates, and strengthened international position. I’m also encouraged by progress in several areas: strategic reform, business and administrative environment, banking sector, public investment as well as fiscal and monetary management.”
Vietnamese people are proud of their great achievements since national reunification. The April 30, 1975, victory created momentum for Vietnam inspiring Vietnamese people to gain further success on their development path.