International friends send warm congratulations to Vietnam on its 80th National Day

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2, many people's organizations and individuals who are friends and partners of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations sent congratulatory letters and telegrams to the leaders of the Party, State and people of Vietnam.

Affirming the historical significance of the August Revolution

In the letter sent to General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son and Chairman of the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association Phan Chi Hieu, Professor, Doctor of Economics VP Buyanov - Chairman of the Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association, emphasized:

"Among the events of the 20th century, the August Revolution of Vietnam was one of the greatest events. This was one of the first anti-colonial uprisings in which an oppressed people won victory. The independent Democratic Republic of Vietnam was born, ending the domination of the Nguyen Dynasty's feudal regime. By successfully carrying out the August Revolution, the Vietnamese people contributed to the common struggle against fascism. The victory of the August Revolution had a huge influence on the anti-colonialism and anti-imperialism movements around the world , especially in the French colonies."

Russian soldiers participate in the second rehearsal for the parade (August 24, 2025) in preparation for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, September 2. (Photo: VnExpress)

The letters all affirmed that the decisive factor for victory was the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam , headed by President Ho Chi Minh, with his "genius vision" in choosing the opportunity to seize power quickly, almost without bloodshed.

From Colonial State to Dynamic Economy

The message of the Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association stated: After 80 years, Vietnam has transformed from a poor, backward, agricultural country into a country with an average level of economic development. Vietnam currently holds the world's leading position not only in rice, coffee, tea and many other agricultural products but also in electronics, footwear, textiles and many industrial products. Vietnam is recognized as an active member of 70 international organizations and has been elected many times as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

On behalf of all members, Professor VP Buyanov affirmed: "The Russian people are pleased to see that throughout the history of independent Vietnam, we have always stood shoulder to shoulder with the Vietnamese people, both in the years of war against foreign invaders and in the years of building a new society (...) Wishing the Russia-Vietnam friendship to be sustainable, constantly consolidated and developed; wishing the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and Vietnam to expand and deepen further".

In a letter to President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son and President of the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association Phan Chi Hieu, Professor VP Buyanov emphasized the important role of people-to-people diplomacy in fostering solidarity. He affirmed that the Vietnam - Russia Friendship Association is "trusted friends and comrades" of Russian friends.

Memories of war, comradeship forever

In a letter to General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, Mr. Nikolai Kolesnik, Chairman of the Association of Russian Veterans who worked in Vietnam, expressed his emotion: "On this important holiday, all former Soviet military experts who worked in Vietnam cannot help but be moved when remembering their Vietnamese friends, who fought together, built the missile-air defense force, fought back against the US air force's raids, and shared the joy of victory and the pain of loss during the arduous years of war. We bow our heads in memory of our comrades and teammates who sacrificed (...) Our brotherhood in combat is extremely sacred and will forever be preserved in our hearts".

Continuing the strong friendship

International friends expect Vietnam to continue to firmly step on the path of integration, build a strong and prosperous country, and contribute more and more to peace, cooperation and development of humanity.

Hanoi is resplendent with flags and flowers to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day. (Photo: Economic & Urban Newspaper)

Mr. Mauri Raveala, President of the Finland - Vietnam Friendship Association wrote: "I would like to send the warmest congratulations of the Finland - Vietnam Friendship Association on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Independence Day to the Party and State of Vietnam (...) May this special day be filled with joy, jubilation and pride. May your country continue to be peaceful, prosperous and developed."

Mr. Nils Bull, Chairman of the Denmark-Vietnam Friendship Association, in a letter dated August 19, commented: "This important day is an opportunity to look back on Vietnam's impressive development journey and the great achievements since 1945, especially since the Doi Moi process. We admire the resilience, strength and vision that have helped Vietnam become the dynamic and forward-looking country it is today."

He expressed his wish to continue strengthening the friendship and cultural ties between the two countries, as well as maintaining support activities for children and youth in difficult circumstances; towards the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Denmark (2026) and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Denmark-Vietnam Friendship Association.

Congratulatory letters and telegrams were sent in many forms: official letters, official telegrams, emails... In particular, many personal souvenirs were sent to Vietnamese leaders, expressing the sincere and close feelings of international friends.

Dr. Keijo Varis, member of the Executive Committee of the Finland - Vietnam Friendship Association, presented General Secretary To Lam with miniature military medals and a picture of his uncle Jaakko Kettunen.

The letter reads: "(...) I have decided to present you with miniature military medals of my uncle Jaakko Kettunen, together with two of his photographs. Uncle Jaakko Kettunen was not only my mother's brother, but also a "boy soldier" and "icon" - the face of the Finnish army's propaganda. He left his poor family to become a music cadet in the Finnish army at the age of 13 and then joined the Finnish army on the Soviet front at Petrozavodsk in 1941-1942. There, at the age of 14, he received his first war medal of honor. The accompanying photograph (photo 1), of him with a little girl (pikkulotta), was published in Suomen Kuvalehti (Finland's most important photo magazine) on 30 August 1941, just before he went to the front.

However, the "soldier boy" Jaakko did not use weapons, but his "weapon" was music. He served in the military band as a flutist. Later, he studied music at university, became the conductor of two different Finnish military orchestras, and remained there for 30 years (photo 2).

Hopefully, these miniature versions of Uncle Jaakko's medals will serve as a reminder to you and Vietnam of what young people can do, if we believe in and encourage them to reach their full potential."

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/ban-be-quoc-te-gui-loi-chuc-mung-nong-am-toi-viet-nam-nhan-80-nam-quoc-khanh-215857.html