Independence Day in Vietnam
Independence Day in Vietnam is also known as National Day, and it’s a holiday that commemorates the reading of the Declaration of Independence of Vietnam at Ba Đình Square in Hanoi by President Hồ Chí Minh on September 2, 1945. As one would expect with any Independence Day celebration in any country, this holiday is celebrated in Vietnam with quite a lot of fanfare.
Vietnam (National holiday)There are speeches delivered by politicians, parades, festivals, and even a fireworks display at the end of the day. It’s also a day when the national flag of Vietnam is prominently displayed, and the citizens of this country show off their patriotism.
The History of Independence Day in Vietnam
During the late 19th century, Vietnam became a part of French Indochina until the Japanese invaded and occupied the country during World War II. When WWII ended, Hồ Chí Minh proclaimed the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (also known as North Vietnam) on September 2, 1945, after the August Revolution.
After a bitter war between North Vietnam and its allies (mainly the Soviet Union and China), and South Vietnam and its allies (mainly the U.S.), Vietnam would finally be united into one country in 1976. It then changed its name to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Observing Independence Day in Vietnam
This holiday is observed with an unbridled display of patriotism across the country. On city walls, large posters of Hồ Chí Minh are displayed, as are Vietnamese flags. There are also military and civic parades, large festivals, and other public events. There’s a march in Ba Đình Square in Hanoi, where the declaration of independence was made in 1945.
It’s a public holiday, so employees either have the day off, or they receive special holiday wages. It’s also a day off for many businesses and schools, as well as non-essential government offices.
Vietnam (National holiday)
