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| Vietnamese soldiers advance to liberate Bac Lieu province. (Photo: VNA) |
Havana (VNA) – Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in Cuba Mai Thao has shared vivid memories of the day Vietnam’s reunification sent shockwaves of celebration across Cuba — a nation that embraced April 30, 1975, as if it were its own triumph.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency, Thao, former Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of South Vietnam in Cuba, said Cuban media continuously reported on the lightning offensive by the Vietnamese military and people, while the embassy’s phones rang non-stop with congratulatory calls from Cuban leaders and citizens alike.
Thao recounted that on May 1, 1975 — International Workers’ Day — Cuba declared it Vietnam’s Day, hosting celebrations in honour of the victory. The highlight was a diplomatic reception where more than 3,000 guests gathered at the Vietnamese Embassy. Cuban friends provided all the food, drinks, and music, transforming the event into an unforgettable festival of friendship. Notably, Cuba's Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro was also present at the event, which lasted until dawn in boundless jubilation.
After retirement, Thao returned to live in Cuba. Now at 85, he continues his contributions to the Vietnam – Cuba relations. His small house in Havana, where historical photographs are carefully preserved, remains open to young people eager to learn about how a small nation made the miraculous victory.
Reflecting on the significance of that spring half a century ago, Thao expressed his hope that all Vietnamese, especially the younger generation, will carry forward the spirit of April 30 victory and the enduring solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba, continuing to write new, glorious chapters in the nation’s history./.
