On this day 72 years ago, at the historic Ba Dinh square, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and was the first state for farmers and workers in Southeast Asia. It was a glorious milestone in the nation’s history which brought about independence and freedom for the Vietnamese people. With a strong message of national rights and human rights, the Declaration of Independence of Vietnam proclaimed before the world the aspirations of peace, the right to live in liberty and independence for the people as well as the determination to protect these rights. The young Republic State, constitutionalised by the 1946 Constitution, has always followed the process of building and perfecting a law-governed socialist State of the people, by the people and for the people.

The past 72 years have seen numerous achievements of historic significance, marking the development in all aspects of the Party, State and people. However, many mistakes and lessons have also been acknowledged. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, glazed over by Marxist-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts, the nation has insisted on the path of national independence and socialism. The Party organised and encouraged the people to complete the cause of national liberation and reunification, build and defend the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland. Resistance wars and national defense wars have shined the truth “Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom” as a cultural value for the viability of a nation that loves peace but hasnever bowed to invasion. Invaluable experience has been drawn during the national construction and defence cause. The position of Vietnam in the international arena has constantly improved. From the 1946 Constitution to the 2013 Constitution, the National Assembly has drafted and adjusted a series of essential laws of the country. It is the indispensable journey which is the responsibility of the Party and the State. President Ho Chi Minh once said “If the country is independent but people cannot enjoy happiness and freedom, that independence makes no sense”. It is believed and expected that the righteous decisions are formed from the respect and from listening to the people as well through tests of objective reality.

72 years ago, the August Revolution in 1945 changed the destiny of the nation, bringing our people from slavery to become the country’s master. Today, history requires that great achievements of revolution, resistance wars and reform process will be further promoted and enriched to perfect the development model. People and the country, the prestige of the Party and the conscience of each party member require that in order to affirm the leadership role, the Party must renew itself to act as a strong and pure Party that has close bonds with people. Actions speak louder than words. More than ever, the fight against “domestic invaders” has become a movement of the whole society that “no one can stand aside” as Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has pointed out. The determination of the Party chief represents the will of the Party and people and conveys a strong message about the work of cadres, the strength of discipline, inspection, and the mechanism for the elimination of sophisticated corruption on policies and production materials, group interests, and ambition for power. A strong party needs qualified, loyal, united and disciplined party members from central to grassroots levels. A government of action and integrity requires the strengthening of the apparatus, the strict enforcement of law, and the establishment of a transparent public administration for the people.

Generations of heroes, fallen soldiers, wounded and sick veterans have sacrificed their blood for the national independence, freedom, peace and reunification, giving the nation strength to overcome all difficulties to defend and build the socialist Vietnam into a strong nation with wealthy people, democratic, just and civilized society. The immortal spirit of the August Revolution and National Day encourages us to confidently step out on the chosen path!