In his speech at the wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh, Vietnamese Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang highlighted the historic significance of this year’s National Day, marking the 80th anniversary of the Vietnamese state.

“We stand here with all the pride and determination of Vietnam, reflected in the image of President Ho Chi Minh, in the support of our French friends, and in the commitment of all our representatives in France, to celebrate this immensely meaningful day of independence with our nation and people,” he emphasised.

The Ambassador also recounted Vietnam’s remarkable history, from the struggles for liberation to the ongoing process of national development and international integration. He reaffirmed that France holds many cherished memories of President Ho Chi Minh, and that the international community’s respect for him and for Vietnam remains a priceless asset.

As part of the celebrations, the Ambassador unveiled a special commemorative stamp jointly issued by the Vietnamese Embassy in France and the La Poste (French Postal Service), presenting the first copy to Sabine Pesier, Secretary of the Museum of Living History Association.

For Vietnamese expatriates, early September is traditionally a time to turn thoughts toward the homeland. This year, the 80th National Day celebrations added extra significance, reflecting the nation’s proud and challenging journey. Despite living far from home, the Vietnamese community in France celebrated with pride, reflecting their love and devotion to the fatherland.

“When I first arrived in France in 1991, people asked me about Vietnam. I told them we had just emerged from war and faced many challenges, but I believed that through our diligence, intelligence, and patriotism, we would succeed,” said Doctor Vo Toan Trung, head of the intensive care unit at Buillon Hospital and a resident of France for 30 years.

“Today that belief has proven true, and every visit back to Vietnam only deepens my pride,”

Similarly, Vietnamese intellectual Nguyen Duc Khuong praised the celebrations for uniting the community and fostering a sense of pride.

 “This is a rare occasion. The celebrations are meaningful and create a sense of unity, reflecting our country’s transition into a new phase of development. In a world of rapid technological change, Vietnam is mobilising its resources, intellectuals, and scientists worldwide for the future,” Khuong remarked.

Young scientist, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Le Hung from Gustave Eiffel University, expressed his pride in being Vietnamese.

“Over the past 80 years, our nation has overcome immense challenges and wars to build a free, independent, and prosperous country. Overseas Vietnamese have always supported the homeland, acting as bridges to connect Vietnam with the world, helping our country rise alongside global powers, as President Ho Chi Minh envisioned,”

The celebrations resonated not only with the Vietnamese community in France but with all people of Vietnamese worldwide, who take pride in their roots that no matter where they are in the world, they are proud to be Vietnamese.

Photo book connects cultures of Vietnam and France

A bilingual photo book titled "Vietnam - Un voyage mémoriel" (Vietnam – a journey of memory) was released in Paris on August 12, offering a visual bridge between Vietnam and France as the Southeast Asian nation is preparing for the 80th anniversary of August Revolution and National Day (September 2).