They aimed to provide fresh impetus for young generations to uphold the glorious historic tradition of their ancestors and make a greater contribution to the nation’s development.

The 34^thanniversary of southern Vietnam’s Liberation Day, the 123^rd anniversary of May Day and the 55^thanniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory were celebrated in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai, former State Vice President Truong My Hoa, heroic mothers, war veterans and people of all strata.

In his speech, Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee said that under the clear-sighted leadership of the Party and late President Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnamese army and people won historic victories and the 1975 spring general offensive under the Ho Chi Minh campaign, totally liberated southern Vietnam for national reunification.

After 34 years since liberation, the HCM City’s Party Committee and people have overcome considerable difficulties to boost socio-economic development, thus contributing more than one third of the national budget and effectively implementing the “study and follow Ho Chi Minh’s moral example” movement.

At the Hien Luong historical site in Quang Tri province, a festival was organised with great fanfare such as a solemn flag-raising ceremony and a boat race involving 156 oarsmen.

Meanwhile, in celebration of southern Vietnam’s Liberation Day, the two new districts- Mo Cay Nam and Mo Cay Bac were officially split from the former Mo Cay district. The local administration and people have made great achievements over recent years including achieving an economic growth rate of over 9 percent, gradually reducing the number of poor households and improving the quality of education and public health.

Also on the occasion of Liberation Day celebrations, Can Tho city decided to restore the statue of Uncle Ho at the Ninh Kieu wharf at an estimated cost of over VND13.3 billion. Restoration work will be finished in about four months before National Day (September 2).

VietNamNet/VOV