Full speech of Mayor Tran Sy Thanh at Cultural Festival for Peace

Today, in the historical and cultural setting of Hoan Kiem Lake, before the statue of King Ly Thai To – an iconic and sacred landmark at the heart of Ha Noi – I am honored, on behalf of the city's leadership, to extend my warm greetings and best wishes to the Prime Minister, esteemed leaders, international guests, distinguished delegates, and all citizens of the capital.

Ha Noi is proudly hosting the "Cultural Festival for Peace", a place tied to the legendary story of King Le Thai To. After leading the nation to victory against foreign invaders and restoring its independence, the king returned the sacred sword to the Golden Turtle as a symbol of peace and the end of conflict. Over a millennium ago, in the autumn of 1010, Emperor Ly Cong Uan, inspired by the vision of the Hung Kings and our forefathers, made the strategic decision to move the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long, marking the beginning of a golden era for Dai Viet.

Through the passage of time – enduring both triumphs and challenges – Thang Long-Ha Noi has remained a symbol of resilience and pride, solidifying its role as the heart of an independent and joyful Viet Nam. Acknowledged by the Vietnamese people and the global community, Ha Noi has earned prestigious titles such as "Capital of Conscience and Human Dignity," "City for Peace," and "Creative City." It has also been honored by the Party and State as a "Heroic Capital."

Building on this rich history and legacy of heroism, and as the nation's political and administrative center, Ha Noi continues to serve as a leading hub for economics, culture, education, science, technology, and international integration. The Party, government, and people of Ha Noi are committed to fulfilling the capital's mission with a vision of "New Stature - New Position," working tirelessly to create a city that is "Cultured - Civilized - Modern." Ha Noi strives to be a globally connected, safe, friendly, and attractive destination for international visitors and partners alike.

Dear comrades, esteemed delegates, and fellow citizens, as part of the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital, today's "Cultural Festival for Peace" seeks to spread the timeless values of culture, peace, and the creative spirit of the people of Thang Long – Ha Noi across generations. What makes this event truly special is that it is a festival for the people of Ha Noi, brought to life by thousands of its residents.

With three main themes: "Ha Noi's Triumphant Return," "Ha Noi - The Flow of Heritage," and "Ha Noi: City of Peace - Creative City," the program will reenact the city's pivotal historical moments, celebrate tangible and intangible cultural heritage, showcase traditional festivals, and highlight craft villages that define Ha Noi's cultural landscape. A key highlight will be the reenactment of the historic moment on October 10, 1954, when the triumphant army marched into the capital amidst a sea of flags, flowers, and jubilation, marking the end of nine years of grueling resistance against a formidable enemy. This moment wrote an unforgettable chapter in the revolutionary history of our Party and our nation.

Moreover, the "Cultural Festival for Peace" offers us an opportunity to honor the profound cultural heritage and peaceful identity of Ha Noi – a land that has nurtured extraordinary figures, where the sacred spirit of Thang Long and the essence of the mountains and rivers come together to embody the wisdom of Viet Nam and the dignity and conscience of humanity.

In this historic and sacred moment, we solemnly pay tribute to our ancestors and forefathers who founded and built the ancient capital of Thang Long, which is now modern-day Ha Noi. We also express our boundless gratitude to the great President Ho Chi Minh, the revolutionary leaders, the heroic martyrs, and the generations of people, armed forces of Ha Noi, the entire nation, and overseas Vietnamese who have contributed to the building and defense of the capital. On this occasion, Ha Noi extends heartfelt thanks to the leadership of the Party, the State, and the Viet Nam Fatherland Front for their timely and attentive guidance, as well as to local communities and international friends for their invaluable support in the development of Ha Noi.

As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital and the 25th anniversary of Ha Noi's recognition as a "City of Peace," we take this moment to reaffirm the noble qualities and rich traditions of the capital and the Vietnamese people: Heritage, Heroism, Peace, and Friendship.

These values represent the very essence of life, the ethics and behavior, the cultural heritage, and the enduring aspiration for peace of the people of Ha Noi and Viet Nam. They are the priceless legacy passed down from our ancestors, and it is our responsibility to honor, preserve, and pass them on to future generations./.