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Lesson Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Vietnam series at VietnamesePod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Vietnamese holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson #6- Liberation Day/Reunification Day.
April 30, known by either the name National Reunification day, or Ngày thống nhất đất nước in Vietnamese, is an important milestone in the history of Vietnam. This date marked the complete independence and nationwide unification of Vietnam.
In this lesson, we will discuss the historical significance of this day and activities held to celebrate the occasion.
Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question?
What was the name of Ho Chi Minh City before 1975?
If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.
National Reunification Day is the day when the chiến tranh Việt Nam, meaning Vietnam War, ended, and the president and cabinet of the Republic of Vietnam were arrested. They declared unconditional surrender to the forces of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the National Liberation Front of Southern Vietnam on the morning of April 30, 1975.
This event ended the Vietnam War and the Indochina War, or chiến tranh Đông Dương. This also brought the end of direct military intervention by other world powers in Vietnam. Since this day, the Cộng hòa xã hội chủ nghĩa Việt Nam, in English called Socialist Republic of Vietnam, has existed.
Due to its great significance, the State and Vietnamese people celebrate this holiday with grand activities in the State’s agencies and companies every year. Singing and dancing activities related to this event are held in public places or địa điểm công cộng, including squares and central city areas.
Directly following April 30 is International Labor Day. Thus, many Vietnamese people tend to spend this occasion traveling internationally and domestically, which can cause flight tickets during this period to be more expensive than usual.
Now it's time to answer our quiz question!
What was the name of Ho Chi Minh City before 1975?
The former name of Ho Chi Minh City was Saigon. However, by habit, many people today still call the city by its former name.
So listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn something interesting?
Does your country celebrate a national liberation day?
Please leave a comment telling us at VietnamesePod101.com, and we’ll see you next time!

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