80 years of Vietnamese diplomacy celebrates in San Francisco

WVR - Technology diplomacy in San Francisco plays a pioneering role in connecting Vietnam with the global innovation ecosystem.
80 years of Vietnamese diplomacy celebrates in San Francisco
Vietnamese officials and employees in San Francisco attend the Commemoration Ceremony. (Photo: Tu San)

On August 23, amidst the solemn and emotional atmosphere of commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, the 80th anniversary of the Vietnamese diplomacy, and the 80th anniversary of the People's Public Security, all officials, staff, and families from the four Vietnamese representative missions in the U.S. gathered across four locations: Washington D.C., New York, Houston, and San Francisco.

This was a special occasion for the Vietnamese representative missions in the U.S. to reflect on the glorious eight-decade journey, pay tribute to previous generations, and affirm their commitment to contributing to foreign affairs in the new era.

At the Washington D.C. location, the program began with a solemn opening, featuring documentary films on the revolutionary tradition, the Vietnamese Diplomacy, and the People's Public Security. Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung, Party Secretary in the U.S., delivered a welcome speech, highlighting the role of diplomacy in enhancing the country's position and promoting the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the U.S.

At the New York location, representatives of Vietnamese soldiers participating in the United Nations peacekeeping forces spoke, sharing real-life stories and affirming Vietnam's responsible, proactive, and positive image in the international community.

The Houston location focused on community cohesion and economic-trade cooperation, emphasizing the role of nearly 500,000 overseas Vietnamese in the southern U.S. in promoting the country's image and serving as a trade-investment bridge with local businesses.

In his speech in San Francisco, Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan focused on the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Diplomatic Sector.

He affirmed that since President Ho Chi Minh established the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1945, Vietnamese diplomacy has always been at the forefront of national defense and a bridge for the country's integration with the world. Historic victories such as the Geneva Agreement of 1954, the Paris Agreement of 1973, and the deep international integration achievements after Doi Moi all demonstrate the resilience, intelligence, and soft power of Vietnamese diplomacy.

The Consul General also emphasized that from San Francisco – the world's technology hub – technology diplomacy is becoming a new pillar, contributing to the successful implementation of the Politburo's Resolution 57, making scientific and technological cooperation a driving force for national development.

The speech not only recalled tradition but also set a vision for the future. The Consul General affirmed that today's Vietnamese diplomacy extends beyond politics and economics to include technology diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, and community diplomacy.

80 years of Vietnamese diplomacy celebrates in San Francisco
The extended family of the Vietnamese Consulate General in San Francisco enthusiastically participates in the Commemoration Ceremony. (Photo: Tu San)

Notably, technology diplomacy in San Francisco plays a pioneering role in connecting Vietnam with the global innovation ecosystem, laying the foundation for deeper participation in the international value chain. At the San Francisco location, the program's atmosphere was rich in artistic expression and youthful spirit.

The opening cultural performances created an emotional connection. A children's choir from the families of the representative office staff performed the song “As if Uncle Ho Were Here on the Day of Victory”, recreating the heroic spirit of the Spring 1975 victory.

The poem “Homeland, Faith, and Love” performed by Le Quy Duc continued the emotional flow, affirming patriotism and faith in the future. The violin piece “Last Night I Dreamed of Meeting Uncle Ho” by Le Nguyen Minh Duc brought a reflective pause with its pure melodies, evoking the beloved image of Uncle Ho. Closing the cultural segment, the spouses at San Francisco performed the song “August 19”, recalling the heroic spirit of the historic Autumn of 1945.

A significant highlight in San Francisco was the painting contest “I Love Vietnam”. This was the first time a children's art activity was integrated into a major commemoration event of the Diplomatic Sector, in conjunction with a tradition-themed contest initiated by the Party Committee in the U.S.

The contest received enthusiastic participation from the children of officials and the Vietnamese community on the West Coast. The entries were rich in ideas and diverse in expression, all conveying love for the homeland, national pride, and the aspiration for peace.

The First Prize in San Francisco was awarded to Pham Tram Anh for a symbolically rich painting depicting a beautiful Vietnam reaching out to integrate with the world. The moment the painting was announced and displayed on the big screen left a deep impression, showcasing the patriotism of the young overseas Vietnamese generation.

The program embodied the overall spirit of the Diplomatic Sector: the fusion of history and art, tradition and modernity, the contributions of past generations with the aspirations of future generations.

More than just a cultural event, the occasion was a vivid testament to the glorious tradition, patriotism, indomitable spirit, and determination to continue contributing to a prosperous and thriving future for the homeland.

The “80 Years of Historic Autumn” program concluded with pride and confidence. From the heartfelt speeches of leaders at each location, from the melodies, verses, and brushstrokes in San Francisco, all combined to convey a common message: After eight decades, Vietnamese diplomacy remains steadfast on the path of independence, self-reliance, peace, and integration.

The event on August 23 was not just a commemoration but also a reminder and motivation for every diplomat to continue contributing, so that today's and future generations can carry forward the 80-year glorious tradition, contributing to building a strong, prosperous Vietnam, standing shoulder to shoulder with the world's great powers.

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