 Vietnam is celebrating its 80th National Day on September 2, 2025 (Photo: VNA) |
B: Armando Francisco Higuera del Reyo of Mexico wrote: “The impressive art activities marking the victories of the August Revolution and Vietnam’s National Day, as well as the meaningful community project of building 100 libraries, are truly remarkable. Exactly 80 years ago, the victory of the August Revolution in 1945 marked the path toward independence for the Fatherland.”
A: Thank you, Armando, for your touching words. It’s wonderful to see that across the world, friends like you feel connected to Vietnam’s journey. Now, let’s move on to France, where Philippe Marsan wrote: “Congratulations on the August Revolution and National Day, a special occasion marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s Declaration of Independence. I wish your country continued strength, unity, and solidarity.”
B: Thank you, Philippe, for your beautiful wishes on our National Day. Your kind words about strength, unity, and solidarity resonate deeply with us. These values were crucial in 1945, and they remain just as important today as Vietnam continues to grow and integrate with the world.
 Hanoi has a new look as celebrations of Vietnam's 80th National Day are underway |
A: In their letters and emails to VOV this week, many listeners asked about popular songs in Vietnamese during the days ahead and at the celebration of the August Revolution and National Day. Some said they heard them in video clips on social platforms and want to know more about these songs.
B: Well, we call these songs revolutionary songs which praise Vietnamese people and soldiers’ patriotism, unity, and bravery in the fight for national independence and freedom.
A: This week, we celebrated the 1945 August revolution. Songs about the August Revolution greatly inflamed the fighting spirit of the national struggle and opened a new page in Vietnam’s history. Years have gone by. These songs remain alive and have a firm hold on the hearts of Vietnamese music lovers. Musician Xuan Oanh, who was also one of our senior staff at the English Service, wrote “August 19” on August 19, 1945, when he was marching with other revolutionaries in Hanoi.
 Hanoi has a new look as celebrations of Vietnam's 80th National Day are underway |
B: The crackling atmosphere of the day inspired Xuan Oanh to write this song along the way on pieces of newspaper and cigarette paper covers. Whenever he completed one phrase, he sang it out for others to hear and by the end of the day the song was not only finished, but widely known. The song echoed in the streets of Hanoi along with “Marching song,” “Smashing fascism,” and “Guerilla Song”.
A: Written in 1944, Van Cao’s “Marching song” spread to the Viet Bac Revolutionary Base and throughout the secret bases of resistance in Hanoi. On August 19, 1945, this song echoed in the streets of the capital and was chosen by the National Congress as the official song of the Viet Minh Front. It’s now Vietnam’s National Anthem.
B: “Smashing fascism” by Nguyen Dinh Thi later became the official signature tune of the Voice of Vietnam. Meanwhile ‘Guerrilla’ by Do Nhuan was secretly popularized among revolutionaries in the capital city.
A: You’re listening to the Letter Box on the Voice of Vietnam. As soon as we announced the results of our contest “What do you know about Vietnam” last week, we have received several greetings from our listeners around the world, whether the winners or not.
B: Their comments, feedback and greetings show how much they love Vietnam and VOV and how closely they follow VOV.
 In the historic autumn days marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025), Cafes in Hanoi are brightly decorated with the colors of the red flag, donning a festive new look. |
A: Ezequiel Hernández Gómez congratulated the winners of the contest “What Do You Know about Vietnam?” 2025: “Congratulations to all the winners, especially the three who received the prize of a trip to Vietnam. This contest makes us all winners, because we have gained precious knowledge about a beautiful Indochinese country, about a heroic and kindhearted people.”
B: Thank you, Ezequiel, for those kind words. We love how you put it, indeed, every participant is a winner.
A: One of the first winners, Vicentiu Daniel Gheorghe, a Romanian national, wrote: “I am deeply honored and delighted to receive the news that I am one of the winners of the 2025 “What Do You Know About Vietnam?” contest. Winning this award and the opportunity to visit Vietnam is truly a dream come true. As someone who has long admired and promoted Vietnam’s culture, history, and achievements, I am excited to experience your beautiful country firsthand and to strengthen the connection I already feel with it.”
B: “I sincerely thank you for organizing this meaningful contest, which not only tests knowledge but also fosters friendship and understanding between peoples. I greatly appreciate all your efforts, and I look forward to meeting you and discovering Vietnam from 22 to 26 September 2025.”
A: Vicentiu, we can feel your passion for Vietnam’s culture and history, and we’re so excited that you’ll be here in September to experience Vietnam firsthand. We’re counting down the days to meet you.
 In the historic autumn days marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025), Cafes in Hanoi are brightly decorated with the colors of the red flag, donning a festive new look. |
B: From Indonesia, Rudy Hartono from Kalimantan, one of the three top winners, wrote:
“When my name was called as the top prize winner of the contest, I was overjoyed — it felt like a dream come true. Three months of research and effort were rewarded. This is not only a personal victory, but also a way to share a beautiful story of Vietnam’s friendship and progress with the world. Thank you, VOV.”
A: Rudy, your dedication and hard work truly paid off. We admire the three months of effort you put into your entry, and we’re delighted that your victory is also a story of Vietnam’s friendship and progress.
B: Johnny Antonio Ramirez López from Peru, who won the Impressive Entry Prize, sent us this message: “My heartfelt thanks go to the Voice of Vietnam for sharing with me this wonderful news. I will treasure this honor and see it as a meaningful challenge to strive further. I will keep striving to create truly impressive contributions to the Voice of Vietnam and to beautiful, compassionate Vietnam.”
A: Also winning the “Impressive Entry” prize in the contest, Uch Leang of Cambodia, wrote: “I am very happy and honored to win the ‘Impressive Entry’ prize in the 2025 contest. Thank you for all your enthusiastic support.”
A: From Laos, Phetsavan shared: “I am very happy and honored to win a consolation prize in the contest. Thank you VOV for organizing it.”
A: Congratulations once again to Lopez, to Uch Leang from Cambodia and to Phetsavan of Laos and other winners. Your joy shines through your messages, and we share it with you. Thank you for being part of this VOV family.
B: To all our winners and participants, thank you for joining us on this journey. The contest may be over, but the friendship between our listeners and Vietnam continues to grow stronger every day.
A: Thank you all so much for your letters!
B: Yes, your warm words and encouragement are the greatest gift to us. Please keep writing, and we’ll be back next week with more of your voices in our Letter Box. Goodbye for now!