October 10: Celebrating the Liberation of Hanoi, Vietnam

October 10, 1954 – the Day of the Capital’s Liberation – marked a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s history. It confirmed the complete victory of the Vietnamese army and people against French colonial rule and opened a new chapter in the thousand-year-old cultural heritage of Thang Long – Dong Do – Hanoi.

A Brilliant Milestone in the Liberation of Hanoi

Since King Ly Thai To’s “Edict to Move the Capital” in 1010, Thang Long – Hanoi has witnessed countless historical transformations. Successive generations of Hanoians have worked diligently, fought bravely, and built a radiant cultural legacy.

Throughout its heroic history, Hanoi has endured more than ten wars against foreign invaders, emerging victorious every time. Among these triumphs, the Liberation of Hanoi on October 10, 1954, remains one of the most glorious milestones.

After the August Revolution of 1945, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was born, transforming the Vietnamese people from subjects to citizens. Yet, the French colonialists once again sought to reclaim Vietnam, igniting war across the country.

The Heroic 60 Days and Nights of Resistance

On December 19, 1946, responding to President Ho Chi Minh’s call — “Better to sacrifice everything than to lose the country or become slaves” — the people and army of Hanoi rose in defense of the nation with the spirit “Sacrifice for the Fatherland’s survival.”

The 60-day-and-night battle at the end of 1946 marked the beginning of the nationwide resistance. Hanoi’s defenders held off enemy forces, allowing command centers and resistance troops to withdraw safely — fulfilling the mission entrusted by the Party Central Committee and President Ho Chi Minh.

During the nine years of resistance, Hanoians fought bravely, supported other battlefields, and contributed significantly to the historic Dien Bien Phu Victory, which forced France to sign the Geneva Agreement (July 21, 1954) recognizing Vietnam’s independence and sovereignty.

The Triumphant Day: October 10, 1954

At 4:00 PM on October 9, 1954, the last French soldiers retreated across the Long Bien Bridge. By 4:30 PM, Vietnamese forces had taken full control of the capital.

The next morning, October 10, 1954, the City Military Committee led troops in multiple columns into Hanoi. Over 400,000 citizens flooded the streets, waving flags and flowers to welcome the victorious army.

That afternoon, a grand flag-raising ceremony was held at the Flagpole Stadium, where Chairman Vuong Thua Vu read President Ho Chi Minh’s message to the people of Hanoi. The city’s takeover was smooth, peaceful, and orderly — marking the true Liberation of Hanoi.

The “Dien Bien Phu in the Air” Miracle

After reclaiming the capital, Hanoi’s leadership guided citizens in rebuilding war-damaged infrastructure, stabilizing life, and laying the foundations of socialism in the North while supporting the Southern front.

During the American War, Hanoi endured relentless air raids. Yet its people remained steadfast, courageous, and united under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh.

In December 1972, the United States launched massive B-52 bombing raids on Hanoi. For 12 days and nights, the capital’s armed forces and citizens courageously fought back, achieving the legendary “Dien Bien Phu in the Air” victory — a triumph celebrated worldwide.

This decisive victory led to the Paris Peace Accords, ending U.S. involvement in Vietnam and paving the way for the Spring 1975 Offensive, which culminated in national reunification.

Hanoi’s Continuous Growth and Global Recognition

Over the past seven decades, under the leadership of the Party and Government, Hanoi has grown stronger and more dynamic, fulfilling its role as the heart of the nation.

Despite global challenges, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Hanoi has achieved remarkable progress in economic growth, foreign investment, culture, education, social welfare, infrastructure, and international relations.

Hanoi remains a city of peace and creativity. It was the only Asia-Pacific city to receive UNESCO’s “City for Peace” title 25 years ago and joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2019.

For its contributions, Hanoi has been awarded three Gold Star Orders, the Ho Chi Minh Order, and the First-Class Independence Order, along with the honorary titles “Heroic Capital” and “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces.”

71 Years of the Liberation of Hanoi: Honoring a Proud Legacy

On October 10, 2025, Hanoi will proudly celebrate the 71st anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2025).

This historic occasion pays tribute to the heroic achievements, unyielding spirit, and invaluable contributions of the army and people of Hanoi throughout the city’s thousand-year history — a legacy that continues to inspire the generations of today and tomorrow.

Image Credits & Sources

Image sources: Collected
Information source: Chinhphu.vn (2024)

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