Attending the event were Nguyen Van Nen, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee; Lieutenant General Nguyen Quang Ngoc, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army; Nguyen Thanh Nghi, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee; Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.

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Leaders of Ho Chi Minh City and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army attend the gathering.
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Leaders of the General Department of Political Affairs of the Vietnam People’s Army and other delegates at the gathering

At the gathering, delegates recalled the proud revolutionary tradition, affirming that the victory of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign was a testament to the wise leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam with its politically and militarily sound, independent, and creative strategies. The victory also reflected the indomitable spirit and heroic struggle of the armed forces and the people nationwide, ushering in a new era of independence and national unity.

Fifty years after national reunification, Ho Chi Minh City continues to thrive as Vietnam’s economic powerhouse. In 2024, the city’s economy reached approximately VND 1.78 quadrillion, with a per capita income of about USD 7,700. Social sectors received strong investment, while national defense, security, and public order remained stable. The city has maintained its leading role in economics, finance, commerce, services, science and technology, innovation, and education and training for the Southern key economic region and the country as a whole.

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Nguyen Thanh Nghi, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, delivers remarks at the gathering.

In his remarks, Nguyen Thanh Nghi, Standing Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee, emphasized that the 50th anniversary is a time to express deep gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives for national independence and freedom. The city respectfully honor the veterans and previous generations—those who sparked the eternal flame of patriotism, resilience, and national solidarity. He called on them to continue passing down the spirit of patriotism, instilling faith, strength, and aspirations to transform the city into a modern, dynamic, innovative, and compassionate metropolis—deserving the name Ho Chi Minh City, the heroic city.

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Delegates and historical witnesses at the event

Senior Colonel Tran Van Than, former commander of Regiment 64, Division 320, Army Corps 3, and a veteran of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, expressed his profound appreciation for the city's progress and affirmed that veterans always remain active in social work, leading by example and contributing ideas for the city's development.

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Representative of veterans and historical witnesses speaks at the gathering.
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Representative of the young generation of Ho Chi Minh City delivers a speech at the event.
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Ho Chi Minh City leaders and delegates pose for a joint photo at the gathering.
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An art performance at the event

Vo Thi Phuong Thao, a representative of the younger generation, emotionally shared that today's youth understand the priceless value of peace and the responsibility to protect it. With a strong desire to make contribution and an innovative spirit, the youth of Ho Chi Minh City are striving to master science and technology, pioneer in digital transformation, engage in startups and innovation, and  strive to do their part, contributing to building a vibrant city in the new era.

Translated by Chung Anh