From August 19-21, people and tourists when coming to Independence Palace (HCMC) have the opportunity to experience virtual reality space, returning to Ba Dinh Square in the moment President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945.
The program "Returning to the sacred moment" is organized to celebrate the 81st anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2nd; 50 years since Saigon - Gia Dinh City was honored to be named after President Ho Chi Minh.
Through virtual reality (VR) technology, attendees seemed to blend into the crowd at Ba Dinh Square on September 2, 1945, looking up at the podium, listening to President Ho Chi Minh's voice reading the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
The recreated space, images and sound help experienced people feel more clearly the joyful atmosphere of tens of thousands of compatriots on their first day of becoming citizens of an independent country.
The selection of Independence Palace as the venue for the program brings an additional layer of meaning to the program. Experiencing bringing the public back to the moment of the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam at Ba Dinh Square in 1945 is placed in a special national relic, associated with the milestone of national reunification in 1975.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong - Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee - said that from the historical space in Ho Chi Minh City, people can return to Ba Dinh Square on September 2, 1945, where President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence.
From Ba Dinh to the Reunification Hall, from the day of the declaration of independence to the day of national reunification is a historical journey full of hardships but also very proud of the Vietnamese nation. Two place names, two moments both evoke the journey of struggle for independence, freedom and national reunification" - Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong emphasized.
According to the Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, connecting two historical spaces using virtual reality technology not only brings new experiences but also opens up a closer and more visual approach to history, especially for the younger generation.
Ho Chi Minh City leaders expect young people not only to learn about history but also to have the opportunity to get closer, understand and deeply feel the historical values left behind.
Participating in the experience, Ms. Thu Giang - a content creator - said that she did not expect the program to bring so many emotions.
When watching, I felt like I was standing with my compatriots at that historic ceremony. I never thought I would experience that atmosphere one day. Virtual reality technology has brought a special opportunity, making me feel very lucky and proud" - Ms. Giang shared.
According to Ms. Giang, when they were in school, students mainly read and memorized some contents in the Declaration of Independence. With this experience, participants not only heard Uncle Ho's reading voice but also observed images of people in simple, simple clothes at historical moments.
“That simplicity makes me even more proud and understand what my ancestors have gone through to make the country as independent as it is today. Uncle Ho's words have also become much more meaningful,” Ms. Giang said.
Returning to the sacred moment" premiered to the public in Hanoi on the occasion of the 80th National Day in 2025, attracting more than 35,000 visitors. The program was then held in Quang Ninh and Kim Lien Special National Relic Site, Nghe An province.
In three days from May 17-19, 2026, more than 3,000 people and tourists participated in experiencing the Kim Lien Relic Site.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the program takes place from August 19-21 at Independence Palace, expected to serve about 10,000 visitors. People can participate completely free of charge.
