Cuba celebrates the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's August Revolution and National Day

With the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, in attendance, the ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was held on Monday afternoon at the Palace of the Revolution.

Images via Estudios Revolución

By Alina Perera Robbio, translated from the Spanish

Due to a deep-rooted, heartfelt friendship, an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was held this Monday afternoon. The First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, was in attendance.

In the Portocarrero Hall of the Palace of the Revolution, delegates from both sister nations gathered to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's Declaration of Independence, originally declared on September 2, 1945, in Ba Dinh Square before a crowd of 500,000 people. On that day, the unforgettable Ho Chi Minh made the Declaration, marking the beginning of a new era for the newly formed Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

His Excellency Mr. Le Quang Long, Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, addressed the audience to convey, on behalf of the embassy and the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working on the island, heartfelt gratitude for the warmth and solidarity shown by Cuban comrades in celebrating the commemorative event held on Monday.

The ambassador noted that the success of the August Revolution and the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam had significant national and international implications. He emphasized that the August Revolution was crucial in sparking the Era of national liberation globally, as it inspired and fueled a powerful wave of liberation movements in colonial countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

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He emphasized that throughout "this 80-year journey, marked by challenges as well as achievements," they have consistently valued and expressed gratitude for "the solidarity and invaluable support of the international community, progressive movements, and friendly nations, particularly Cuba - a friend, comrade, and brother - which has stood by Vietnam during its most challenging times."

Representing the Caribbean nation, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, a member of the Political Bureau and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, delivered the main address at the commemoration ceremony. "We are honored," said the Foreign Minister, to gather today to honor the eightieth anniversary of Vietnam's Declaration of Independence, filled with the solemnity and patriotism with which that heroic people celebrate this significant event, the foundation of the present Socialist Republic of Vietnam, envisioned by its great founder as ten times more beautiful, united, prosperous, and peaceful.

Later, Rodríguez Parrilla expressed that "Vietnam and Cuba were united in combative solidarity. Our connections were forged through the efforts of Moncada assailant Melba Hernández in the Cuban Committee of Solidarity with South Vietnam; the courage and boldness of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz on Hill 241, where he flew the flag of the National Liberation Front just hundreds of meters from enemy lines; the involvement of Cuban experts in building the legendary Ho Chi Minh Route; and the reports from Marta Rojas and Raúl Valdés Vivó from deep within the Vietnamese jungle."

The minister highlighted that this decision to share the same destiny was eloquently captured by Fidel in January 1966 at the Plaza of the Revolution, when he declared, "for Vietnam we are willing to give even our own blood." Bruno Rodríguez noted that January 2 marks the 60th anniversary of that moment, which he regarded as "a significant event in the bonds of solidarity and comradeship that connect us." He then stated:

"We will commemorate this date in both countries, with the joy of inaugurating a 2026 that will also mark the centenary of the Historical Leader of the Cuban Revolution."

"Within these traditions, 65 years of outstanding relations, mutual political trust, consistent high-level dialogue, and open exchange of experiences in building socialism have been established."

At another point in his speech, the foreign minister said: "Cuba appreciates Vietnam's historic and unwavering support for our country's struggle against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on it by the United States government, and against Cuba's unjust presence on the infamous list of states allegedly sponsoring terrorism."

The minister expressed his gratitude to Vietnam once again for "its invaluable contribution to the food security of our people."

"The Vietnamese people's response to the Vietnamese Red Cross's initiative to support the Cuban people, which has far surpassed all expectations, is profoundly touching; it reaffirms the sentiment often expressed by Vietnamese leaders: for Vietnam, solidarity with Cuba is a heartfelt mandate. This generous and noble act clearly illustrates the deep and sincere comradeship between Vietnam and Cuba."

In addition to the Head of State, Cuba was represented on Monday by Manuel Marrero Cruz, a member of the Political Bureau and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba. Other members of the Political Bureau were also present, along with leaders from the Party, the State, and the Government. Representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the Armed Forces (FAR), the Interior (Minint), Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Agriculture, and Education attended as well. The Union of Young Communists, mass organizations, and the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) were also among the guests.

This work was translated and shared via a License CC-BY-NC