The ceremony was attended by former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai; Secretary of HCM City Party Committee, Le Thanh Hai; Chairman of the City’s People’s Committee, Le Hoang Quan; and representatives of central agencies, along with thousands of people in the City.

Duong Quan Ha, President of the HCM City Fatherland Front Committee, recalled the patriotism, spirit of unity, and bravery in the struggle for national independence of the southern people in the resistance wars against the French colonialists and US imperialists.

The tradition is being upheld during the process of national construction, Ha said.

Nguyen Van Truyen, Head of the HCM City Traditional Resistance Club, said the anniversary is a good chance for Vietnamese people to remember the national tradition, which is vital for present generations to protect the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.