The Great Victory of Spring 1975: An Immortal Epic

Swift, bold, unexpected, and determined to win.

In late 1974, when the battlefield situation shifted significantly in our favor, the Politburo quickly approved the resolution to liberate South Vietnam within two years, 1975-1976, while emphasizing: If the opportunity arises, liberate South Vietnam immediately in 1975. This can be considered a historic decision by our Party, demonstrating the unwavering determination of the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army.

Following probing attacks to gauge the enemy's reaction during the Route 14 - Phuoc Long campaign in late 1974 and early 1975, in March 1975, when the strategic opportunity arose, under the leadership of the Party, the entire nation "marched" in a historic spring. Beginning with the Central Highlands Campaign, with the crucial breakthrough at Buon Ma Thuot striking the enemy's weak point, reclaiming the strategic territory...

Tanks of the Liberation Army entering the Independence Palace on April 30, 1975. (Archival photo)

The historic opportunity had arrived, and our Party decided to pour all its resources into the final battle to unify the country. With successive victories in the Central Highlands, Tri Thien-Hue, and Da Nang campaigns, the war situation took a leap forward, favoring us.

With a solid strategic position and a strong force comprising main army corps, various branches of the armed forces, and numerous widespread local armed forces, along with the powerful political force of the people, and in the fervent spirit of determination to win of the people and soldiers throughout the country, we entered the final campaign, a campaign of decisive significance for the reunification of the country: the Ho Chi Minh Campaign (previously known as the Campaign to liberate Saigon - Gia Dinh).

At exactly 5 PM on April 26, 1975, our troops were ordered to open fire, marking the start of the campaign. Five columns of troops from various directions crossed the outer defensive line and advanced into Saigon. At dawn on April 29, 1975, all columns simultaneously launched a general offensive into the city center, seizing key enemy headquarters.

At exactly 11:30 AM on that day, the liberation flag flew atop the Independence Palace, signaling the victory of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign. By May 2nd, 1975, the last remaining areas of South Vietnam had been liberated.

Thus, in just 55 days and nights, with the miraculous speed of "one day equaling 20 years," our army and people crushed the Saigon puppet regime and army, liberated the South, unified the country, and ended the resistance war against the US, saving the nation.

The people celebrate the day of victory. (Archival photo)

An immortal epic in the Ho Chi Minh era.

The great victory of the Spring Offensive and Uprising of 1975, culminating in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, crushed the puppet regime and defeated the neo-colonialism of the US imperialists, liberating the South and unifying the country.

Concluding the 30-year war of national liberation, protecting the achievements of the August Revolution of 1945, and ushering in a new era for the nation: an era of peace, independence, unity, and progress towards building socialism.

This is truly an immortal epic of people's war in the Ho Chi Minh era, marking a great turning point for the Vietnamese nation in the flow of world history.

Today, Independence Palace is a traditional tourist and learning destination for the younger generation. Photo: Xuan Cuong

History is a continuous flow. Continuing the immortal epic, 50 years after the victory of the Spring Offensive and Uprising of 1975, under the correct and wise leadership of the Party, a Vietnam steadfast in its goal of national independence and democracy linked with socialism is steadily advancing in a new era with great and proud achievements.

After nearly 40 years of reform, facing countless challenges, Vietnam has risen strongly and achieved many great successes in the cause of industrialization and modernization of the country: High and stable economic growth; GDP at current prices in 2024 is estimated to reach 476.3 billion USD. Vietnam is a bright spot in economic growth in the region and the world, ranking among the top 40 largest economies in the world and the top 20 economies in terms of trade and attracting foreign investment.

Culture, society, education and training, science and technology, healthcare... have all seen remarkable development; people's lives have improved significantly, and we have risen to become a middle-income country with a GDP per capita of US$4,700 in 2024, achieving the Millennium Development Goals ahead of schedule; independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity have been maintained. Foreign relations have expanded, and international integration has become increasingly effective.

To date, Vietnam has diplomatic relations with 193 United Nations member states; it has built strategic partnerships, cooperation agreements, and comprehensive strategic partnerships with all major powers in the world and the region. Vietnam's position and prestige in the international arena are increasingly affirmed and enhanced. With these achievements, Vietnam has been praised by international media with many flattering terms such as: "Land of Potential" (Forbes), "A Rising Dawn" (Russian newspaper), or "Asian Tiger" (Nikkei Asia)...

The miraculous changes in the country since reunification have continued to write a glorious chapter in the nation's history with the spirit and heroism of the great victory of Spring 1975. This is the foundation and important condition for Vietnam to realize its strategic vision, entering a new era, an era of national progress, building a peaceful, independent, democratic, prosperous, civilized, and happy Vietnam, steadily advancing towards socialism. At the same time, it is a sharp testament to refute all distorted arguments and denials of the value of the Great Victory of Spring 1975 – "a shining symbol of the complete triumph of revolutionary heroism and human intellect."

The vibrant energy of the city named after President Ho Chi Minh! Photo: Xuan Cuong

In the current context, as the entire nation prepares to enter a new era, an era of national resurgence with new opportunities and challenges, the echoes of the heroic epic of the great victory of Spring must continue to be rekindled and resonate strongly. Just like 50 years ago, Vietnam and the Vietnamese revolution have no other choice, no room for pause or retreat, but only one option: to resolutely charge forward, overcome the challenges of history, and maximize the will and aspirations of the nation to seize advantages and overcome obstacles to move forward. This is precisely what General Secretary To Lam has repeatedly emphasized: We have all the necessary conditions, and we cannot delay; we must immediately do what needs to be done with the spirit of "running while queuing," first and foremost by thoroughly combating corruption and waste, and rapidly and synchronously carrying out a revolution to streamline and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the national leadership, operation, and governance system. These are tasks of strategic significance and importance, paving the way for the entire nation to enter a new era.

Years will pass, but looking back at the glorious journey of the nation, the Great Victory of Spring 1975 will forever live on in the memories of every generation of Vietnamese people with its immortal significance. Continuing to write that heroic epic requires the efforts and endeavors of the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army, overcoming all difficulties and challenges, and confidently stepping into a new era – the era of the Vietnamese nation's resurgence.