The words of Uncle Ho about the resistance in Southern Vietnam still resonate.

(Baonghean.vn) - Seventy-one years ago today, on September 23, 1945, with the ambition to re-colonize our country, the French colonialists opened fire on Saigon, beginning the second war of aggression against our nation. Under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, the people of Southern Vietnam, seething with hatred, rose up en masse, bravely fighting on the front lines against the invaders, opening a glorious chapter in history.

In the final paragraph of the "Declaration of Independence" read by President Ho Chi Minh on September 2, 1945: "The Vietnamese nation has the right to enjoy freedom and independence, and in fact has become a free and independent nation. The entire Vietnamese people are determined to dedicate all their spirit and strength, lives and property to safeguard that right to freedom and independence."

However, just three weeks after the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, on September 23, 1945, 6,000 French troops, supported by over 10,000 British troops, brazenly launched an attack in Saigon, attempting to seize Southern Vietnam as a springboard to conquer all of Vietnam and Indochina.

Ben Thanh Market, Saigon, the first day of the resistance against French colonialism (September 23, 1945).

Following President Ho Chi Minh's call: "Better to die free than live in slavery," the army and people of Southern Vietnam demonstrated the true spirit of fighting and making heroic sacrifices for independence and freedom. The first shots of the Southern resistance in Saigon shook the entire country, creating an immortal spirit of resistance in Southern Vietnam.

Using only bamboo sticks and spears, and other rudimentary weapons, the people and soldiers of Southern Vietnam bravely resisted the overwhelming military might of the enemy. As a result, in the very first days of the French re-invasion of our country, the French army was constantly attacked and tightly besieged within the city.

They were in dire straits: no electricity, no water, a shortage of weapons, food, and troops, and were constantly attacked, depleted, and annihilated by our army and people, forcing them to seek a truce. On September 30, 1945, the French colonialists had to ask representatives of the British army to negotiate with the People's Committee of Southern Vietnam.

The armed forces of Southern Vietnam are preparing to embark on a protracted resistance war.

News of victories by the army and people of Saigon thrilled the entire nation. Young people from the northern and central provinces eagerly joined the southward march with unprecedented enthusiasm.

The situation became increasingly complex due to the escalating power dynamics nationwide, but with unwavering fighting spirit and a willingness to sacrifice for the Fatherland, the army and people of the South brilliantly fulfilled the political tasks set forth by our Party. It was for this reason that, in February 1946, during the celebration of their resounding victory, President Ho Chi Minh bestowed upon the army and people of the South the four words "Impregnable Fortress of the Fatherland."

The Southern Resistance Day (September 23, 1945) has become one of the indelible milestones in the development journey of our nation, the day of the truth "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom," the day that marked the beginning of the 30-year struggle to achieve national reunification, bringing North and South together as one family.

A weapons manufacturing workshop of the South Vietnamese Liberation Army.

For 30 years of protracted resistance, millions of outstanding sons and daughters of the nation fell for independence, unification, and the country's advancement towards socialism. The indomitable fighting spirit of the people of Southern Vietnam on September 23rd has left invaluable lessons for generations of Vietnamese people.

That was a lesson in the Party's correct leadership. Faced with the enemy's might, the Southern Regional Party Committee recognized the immense strength of the people. The people of Southern Vietnam refused to surrender and rose up in unison to fight. The Regional Party Committee affirmed that the decision to resist was in line with the people's will and had unleashed the people's immense strength. With the strength of the entire people, no force could subdue them.

Southern guerrillas of the Vietnam People's Army

The Party's correct policies, and directly the Southern Regional Party Committee's, united and mobilized all forces, unanimously aiming towards the banner of national independence, fighting against the invading enemy, and liberating the homeland. Furthermore, the lesson of the strength of the entire nation under the correct leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh was highly emphasized. During those fiery years, along with the people of Southern Vietnam in the resistance, tens of thousands of outstanding sons and daughters of the North marched south to fight the enemy.

The people and soldiers of Southern Vietnam lived and fought in a manner worthy of the title bestowed upon them by President Ho Chi Minh. Throughout 30 years of protracted struggle, until the complete liberation of Southern Vietnam (April 30, 1975), the title "Impregnable Fortress of the Fatherland" resonated with joy at the great victory, gaining worldwide fame. It also serves as a symbol of unwavering resilience for the beloved land of Southern Vietnam, a land that has been a pioneer and will continue to be a legacy for the Fatherland.

People in Hanoi held a rally at the Grand Theatre Square to protest the British delegation's use of force to occupy Southern Vietnam on September 24, 1945.

For the past 71 years, the hearts of every Vietnamese person have always been filled with pride in the tenacious and indomitable fighting tradition of their forefathers, who were determined to defend the independence and freedom of their homeland to the very end. Today, that will and determination remain the strength that enables our people to overcome poverty and backwardness, and to build a prosperous, thriving, civilized, and happy country.

Peace

(Synthetic)