His article titled “Vietnam Is One Nation, The Vietnamese People Are One,” was published recently on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – 2025).

In the article, the General Secretary calls on all Vietnamese, both at home and abroad, regardless of historical divides, to join hands in building a prosperous, powerful, and civilised Vietnam. “We cannot rewrite history, but we can plan the future,” he stated, urging citizens to move beyond the past with mutual respect and forward-looking vision.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trong Phuc, former director of the Institute of Party History under Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, highlighted the article’s focus on harmony and reconciliation with even those once associated with the former regime, describing it as a continuation of Vietnam’s tradition of humanism and compassion.

He stresses that Vietnamese people, whether living inside the country or abroad, including those formerly aligned with the opposing side during the war, should put the past behind. Differences in ideology or experience should no longer divide the nation. Instead, all Vietnamese should unite in a spirit of forgiveness, mutual respect, and collective purpose.

He highlights how humanity and compassion have always guided Vietnam’s actions, even during conflict. He recounts that after the fall of Saigon, the victors treated the former regime with dignity and refrained from acts of retaliation. These actions demonstrate a deeply ingrained ethical and cultural commitment to peace and empathy.

This spirit of unity is not new. Since 1975, and particularly during the Đổi Mới (Renewal) process starting in the late 1980s, the Vietnamese Communist Party has actively promoted inclusion and harmony, including with overseas Vietnamese and former adversaries.

Vietnam’s normalisation of relations with the United States, once a war adversary, shows its maturity and forward-thinking diplomacy. This example reinforces the idea that reconciliation is not weakness, but a strategic strength rooted in morality and national interest.

He quotes Party leader To Lam that“We cannot rewrite history, but we can plan the future” and says while the past must be remembered and respected, the focus must be on building a shared future of development, peace, and prosperity.

Truong Thi Hang, a secondary school teacher in Nam Dinh, interprets the article as both a tribute to the past and a blueprint for the future, and sees her role as an educator as essential in carrying that message forward to the next generation

According to the teacher, the Party leader’s article is not just a political statement but a well-crafted essay that blends logic, emotion, and real-world context. It demonstrates the strategic vision of a leader who understands both the country’s past struggles and future needs.

The article serves as a powerful reminder that today’s peace and progress came at the cost of immense sacrifice by previous generations. This should awaken a sense of responsibility in current and future generations to protect and build upon what was achieved, she says.

She is particularly moved by the idea that national unification is not an end goal, but a beginning for building a stronger and more developed Vietnam. This reflects a forward-looking attitude, where peace is not passive but a platform for continuous progress.

The article doesn’t dwell only on history; it also addresses what Vietnam needs to do in the modern, digital era. She appreciates the strategic relevance of this message, especially as a teacher preparing students to thrive in a fast-changing world.

As a teacher, Hang says, she feels a personal duty to pass this patriotic spirit and vision to her students. She wants them to take pride in their country and feel empowered to contribute to its development.

Meanwhile, Pham Thao Hien, an overseas Vietnamese living in Poland, says despite living abroad for over two decades, she still feels a deep attachment and pride in being Vietnamese. Her return to the homeland strengthens her emotional bond, especially as she witnesses the country’s growing economy and infrastructure improvements.

Hien agrees with Party leader To Lam’s warning that Vietnam must not fall behind or miss historic opportunities. She sees this as a call to action for all Vietnamese, especially in preparing for global competition and development.

She believes that education is the foundation for national progress, not just in terms of academic knowledge but also in building a society where people value community, responsibility, and the greater good over personal gain.

More than academic success, she advocates for teaching empathy, civic responsibility, and national consciousness, preparing future generations to become ethical, community-oriented citizens who can drive Vietnam’s continued development.

Le Thuy Hung, a resident of Ho Chi Minh City, says watching the parade rehearsals has reminded her of the sacrifices made by previous generations, and reading the Party leader’s article during that emotional moment has deepened her feelings of patriotism and gratitude.

She strongly resonates with the message “Vietnam Is One Nation, the Vietnamese People Are One.” To her, this is not just a slogan, it’s a truth shaped by history, built through shared hardship, struggle, and unity.

She credits the country’s progress to the wise leadership of the Communist Party, President Ho Chi Minh’s legacy, and the enduring solidarity of the Vietnamese people. This unity, she believes, has been the foundation for Vietnam’s peace and growing prosperity.

Hung expresses her belief that Vietnam will continue to thrive and enhance its standing in the global community, guided by the Party and national unity. She vows to raise her children with love for the country, live with a sense of civic duty and responsibility, and do her part to contribute to Vietnam’s continued success.

Fifty years of reunification – Building a strong, prosperous Vietnam for future

VOV.VN - On the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, Party General Secretary To Lam has penned an article urging all Vietnamese citizens to contribute to the nation’s development, and saying through collective effort, Vietnam will continue to grow, thrive, and strengthen its position on the global stage.