Sonorous cry of liberty resonates from Ba Đình Square

Nguyen Van My, born on April 30, 1925, in Ha Noi's Old Quarter, has witnessed and played a significant role in some of the most pivotal moments in Vietnam's history.

Growing up under colonial rule, Nguyen Van My bore witness to the stark inequality and humiliation that came with it. However, this did not deter him from becoming a beacon of resistance.

In 1945, as a teenager, Nguyen Van My studied at Thang Long High School, which became a hub of nationalist fervor. On August 19, 1945, he joined the surging crowds that seized power in Ha Noi, marking the beginning of the end for French colonial rule.

Nguyen Van My was recruited by the Viet Minh, a revolutionary movement led by Ho Chi Minh, to serve secretly as a commune chief in Yen Xa. His work was instrumental in the fight against the returning French forces, who returned to Vietnam by late 1946 with the intent of reclaiming Indochina.

Nguyen Van My was present at the Declaration of Independence in 1945, where Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. This historic moment marked the first step towards a unified Vietnam.

In the years that followed, Nguyen Van My fought street by street to hold off French attacks and buy time for the resistance government to evacuate. His resilience and dedication were unwavering, even in the face of adversity.

In 1954, Nguyen Van My joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a role that would take him to France, Switzerland, India, China, and the Soviet Union. His diplomatic career spanned decades, culminating in his retirement in 1985.

On September 2, 1985, Nguyen Van My watched the 40th anniversary parade from the balcony of their apartment in HCM City, a city he had not visited since reunification. This was also the day when he celebrated the first National Day of a unified Vietnam.

In 1995, Nguyen Van My watched the parade marking 50 years of independence alongside his 14-year-old daughter. His greatest pride, he has often said, is the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Despite his significant contributions, there is no available information indicating that Nguyen Van My has held a government position again in Vietnam after his initial tenure. However, his legacy lives on, a testament to the spirit of a nation that has weathered storms and emerged stronger.

Nguyen Van My carried a sword, a lightweight aluminum bicycle, and a belief that they would return victorious during the nine years of resistance. This belief, combined with his unwavering resilience, has made Nguyen Van My a symbol of hope and determination for generations of Vietnamese.