Marking the 50th anniversary of national reunification, Cuban war correspondent Luis Arce, who had the honour of witnessing the very first moments of this historic triumph, told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) that April 30 remains one of the most important milestones in modern history.

The Liberation Army tanks breaks the gate of the Doc Lap Palace, April 30, 1975. The Vietnamese Revolution successfully achieves its goal of liberating the South and reunifying the country.

According to Arce, this victory - the military win of a largely agrarian people over the most powerful empire on earth was not merely a defeat of imperial arrogance.

It was the triumph of an indomitable nation, rich in history and culture, that refused to be subdued.

He emphasised that President Ho Chi Minh’s political and strategic vision was both comprehensive and extraordinary, something only a true visionary could possess.

As early as decades ago, Uncle Ho foresaw today’s Vietnam when he proclaimed that the people would overcome foreign invaders and build a nation "ten times more beautiful."

National unity was the key to victory half a century ago, and remains equally vital in the new "battles" Vietnam faces today, Arce said. These battles are no longer fought with arms, but with determination to achieve remarkable socio-economic development, building a modern industrial, scientific, and technological base that elevates Vietnam to global standing, leading in social welfare and in meeting the material and spiritual needs of its people.

Reflecting on the past 50 years, the Cuban correspondent noted that Vietnam has entered a new era, and within a remarkably short time, it has achieved sweeping economic and institutional success.

This progress, he believes, stems from what some scholars call the "historicisation of time", a process in which the country, its people, and its leaders stay true to enduring principles that shape the "national sentiment."

The historic April 30 victory left behind invaluable lessons, especially the spirit of self-reliance, resilience, and unwavering determination in the face of hardship.

In today’s context of global integration, Vietnam stands as a shining example of how a nation can not only recover from the devastation of war, but achieve integration and growth at record speed.

Arce stressed that Vietnam has become a country with growing international prestige and a resilient spirit, rising like a "phoenix" from the ashes to show the world that global integration is the path to development.

He underscored that economic competition should not be viewed as a form of aggression, but as a cooperative tool to ensure global peace and human welfare.

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