Uphold the glorious tradition of the Nam Bo resistance In the history of Vietnam, national defence and construction have always gone together. After the successful August Revolution in 1945, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was established which brought independence and freedom to the people who became masters of the new system under the leadership of the Communist Party. The birth of Vietnam as an independent and democratic State of the people under the leadership of the Communist Party in the strategic region of south-east Asia, has become a great source of encouragement for oppressed nations worldwide to rise up to liberate themselves. This has launched a powerful and direct attack on the colonial camp. Understandably, international imperialists and reactionaries were frantic in their attempts to oppose the Vietnamese revolution. Under the pretext of allies, imperialist forces dispatched troops to Vietnam in a bid to smash the young democratic State. The newly established State was at stake and poised to confront with enemies from both inside and outside the country. On September 23, 1945, just 28 days after the people wrested back power, the French troops opened fire to provoke a war in Saigon, staging a comeback to Vietnam. The Vietnamese Communists and others, who cherished peace to develop their nation following the chosen path, were unable to live up to their earnest aspirations. These peace and amity lovers were compelled to take up arms to fight for their independence, freedom and safeguard peace. President Ho Chi Minh said, "only with genuine independence and freedom in place, can we have genuine peace." In response to the oath taken at the historic Ba Dinh square on September 2, on September 23, compatriots and fighters of Saigon and South Vietnam (Nam Bo), rose as one up to bear the brunt of the enemies' atrocities. With the southward movement in place, the entire nation provided wholehearted support to southern Vietnam, which is part and parcel of the nation. The war of resistance of the people of Nam Bo constituted the continuation of the August General Insurrection, the August Revolution and the national democratic revolution of the people under the leadership of the Communist Party. This was the first just and revolutionary struggle of the people in the Ho Chi Minh Era. For national independence, and reunification, the Party and State gathered the people's strength to protect the administration and build up a new social system and resorted to flexible strategies to prevent the war from escalating and to restore peace. Against the imperialist and colonialist attempts to re-impose their rule on Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh appealed to the entire nation to rise up in a war of resistance, "We would rather sacrifice all than lose our country. Never shall we be enslaved!" The people from Nam Bo, who were later joined by their compatriots nationwide, launched a protracted war lasting more than three decades before defeating the two major imperialists and hostile forces to liberate and protect their beautiful and united fatherland and march towards socialism. Twenty five years have elapsed since the end of the war against the US for national salvation. From a low starting point, with a poor and backward economy and consequences of the war and a changing world situation, and even with errors and mistakes in management and administration, the clear-sighted leadership of the Party has taken the nation through all difficulties to help create present day Vietnam. The country has risen from the socio-economic crisis, overcome changes in world politics and economics, broken off blockade and expanded external relations while maintaining political stability and strengthening national defence and security. Vietnam's comprehensive strength has improved significantly from the early days of wars or when peace was restored. This results in Vietnam's growing profile and position in the international arena. All this motivates us to surge ahead with the process of renovation by enhancing national industrialisation and modernisation on its course of building and defending the socialist homeland. The objectives of national independence, reunification and socialism have gathered people in their struggle for national defence. The final goal of building a powerful nation and wealthy people in a fair, democratic and civilised society and towards an industrial nation by 2020 is gathering the Party and people together. Fifty five years ago, the Vietnamese people showed their indomitable will and determination in defending national independence and freedom. Nowadays, such will and determination constitute a comprehensive strength to eradicate poverty and backwardness and build a powerful and prosperous nation. Vietnam is proud of the significant date of September 23, which started the feats-of-arms, and successes throughout different historical stages. Now we are all the more confident in the future prospects of the nation on its path ahead. Taking all opportunities and rising from all difficulties and continuing with its successes in the 20th century, our country, under the leadership of the Party, is bound to march ahead and equal developed nations in the 21st century. NHAN DAN
