President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945. (Photo: hanoionline.vn)

The name “Ba Dinh,” which comes from an anti-French uprising in Thanh Hoa province in the late 19th century, serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of our ancestors. The square, covering an area of 320 by 100 meters, is divided into 210 grass plots by paved walkways. At the center stands a 25-meter flagpole. The square’s open green space unites four historic landmarks – the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the National Assembly building.

The square has undergone five major renovations, each associated with a significant national milestone. In 1945, it was expanded to accommodate hundreds of thousands of people on the first National Day. In 1954, it was refurbished after the liberation of Hanoi. In 1969, it was transformed to host a memorial service for President Ho Chi Minh. From 2008 to 2010, it underwent a major renovation for the celebration of the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long–Hanoi. This year, Ba Dinh Square was expanded southward for celebrations of the 80th anniversary of National Day.
A national flag-salute at Ba Dinh Square (Photo: Tri Anh/VTC News)

Colonel Nguyen The Luc, Deputy Commander of Corps 12 of the Defense Ministry, the construction unit in charge of the renovation, said: “The expanded area, about 7,300 square meters, includes 28 grass plots and sidewalks. The Hung Vuong courtyard was enlarged by an additional 1,000 square meters.”

Ba Dinh Square’s green lawn and flower-lined avenues have witnessed some of the most important events in Vietnam’s history, from the first National Day on September 2, 1945, to many later national celebrations and rallies. It has become a symbol of independence, freedom, and the aspirations of a resilient nation.

Since 2001, a national flag-raising ceremony has been held every day, at 6:00 a.m. in summer and at 6:30 a.m. in winter.

“On this day of celebration, we are very proud to attend the national flag salute, look up at the national flag, and sing the national anthem. I’m proud to be a Vietnamese.”

“We arrived here early to attend the flag-salute ceremony and pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh. We’re very proud.”

The national-flag formation marches through Ba Dinh Square at the full-dress rehearsal for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day. (Photo: Le Chi/VOV5)

On September 2, 2025, Ba Dinh Square hosted a parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2). The event drew huge numbers of spectators who came to celebrate peace, independence, freedom, and happiness.

“I’m a veteran who fought on the Quang Tri battlefield. I’m deeply moved to be here on National Day to share the joy of the entire nation.”

“Standing here at Ba Dinh Square, in a sea of flags, flowers, and people, I feel very proud and happy. I told myself to live better, do more good deeds, and contribute more to society and the nation to help build a stronger country, worthy of the sacrifices our ancestors made for us to enjoy the good things we enjoy today.”

Foreign visitors also expressed admiration for what Ba Dinh Square represents:

“I’m very excited and happy to be here. I can feel the love Vietnamese people have for their homeland.”

“I clearly feel the spirit of the Vietnamese people – solidarity, patriotism, and deep connection. Everyone comes together to celebrate National Day.”

For eight decades, Ba Dinh Square has been a sacred symbol of national pride, the heart of Hanoi and of the country, beloved by the Vietnamese people, who continue to cherish the past while striving toward the future.