50 years ago, on April 30th, 1975, tanks from the National Liberation Front crashed through the gates of the Presidential Palace in Saigon. With that, the War on Vietnam finally came to an end; the South was liberated, and Vietnam was reunited. Peace returned to Vietnam for the first time in decades.

This victory over the forces of imperialism was celebrated not only by the Vietnamese people, but by socialists, progressives, and peace-loving people around the world. The world learned what is possible when a people are united and organized in their fight against oppression.

This peace was achieved not only through the blood and courage of the Vietnamese people on the battlefield, but also with the aid of the international peace and anti-war movement. Across the world, communists, anti-imperialists, fighters for democracy, and all sorts of progressive forces united to demand an end to the U.S.’s unjust war in Southeast Asia.

Every April 30th, at celebrations marking the end of the war, the contribution of the international peace movement is honored by the Vietnamese people.

The victory achieved by the Vietnamese continues to inspire oppressed peoples across the globe. The peace movement that aided in that victory should stand as a model for, and an inspiration to, the world today.

The Peace and Solidarity Commission and International Department of the Communist Party USA join our Vietnamese comrades in celebrating the 50th anniversary of this historic victory. May we all learn the important lessons of history: that imperialism is a failing system, and that peace is possible.

Long live the Socialist Republic of Vietnam!

Long live the fraternal relationship between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Communist Party USA!

Image: The May 1, 1975, issue of the Daily World covered the liberation and re-unification of Vietnam. (People’s World)