50 years after the fall of Saigon, Vietnam tweaks the story of its victory

Military officials are seen inspecting cannons by the Saigon River while construction workers set up bleachers in a park in Ho Chi Minh City. Fighter jets and helicopters are practicing maneuvers above the city in preparation for an important anniversary. On April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese forces captured the Presidential Palace in Saigon, marking a significant moment in Vietnam’s history. This victory ended a costly conflict and unified the country. As Vietnam gears up to celebrate the anniversary, debates continue over what to call the holiday, reflecting the lasting impact of the war.

The official name for the holiday is “The Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day,” but it is known by various other names depending on different perspectives. While the ruling Communist Party refers to it as Liberation Day or Victory Day, Vietnamese in the U.S. may use terms like Black April. The debate over the holiday’s name has been a divisive issue, but this year, there is an emphasis on national reconciliation and unification.

Vietnam’s leaders have adopted a more neutral term, “Reunification Day,” in an effort to bridge the gap with Vietnamese diaspora and promote unity. The country’s approach, known as “bamboo diplomacy,” aims to strengthen ties with various nations while navigating a changing geopolitical landscape. In the midst of preparations for the anniversary, reactions among the Vietnamese people range from enthusiasm to ambivalence, highlighting the complex emotions surrounding the historical event.