This holiday is celebrated on 2 September each year.

The day marks Viet Nam's declaration of independence from France and it is a national holiday across the country.

In 1887 Viet Nam became part of French Indochina.  Then, during World War II, Viet Nam was occupied by the Japanese.

At the end of the war, and after the "August Revolution", Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam (North Viet Nam) on 2 September 1945.

Despite the differences that grew between Viet Nam and the USA, Viet Nam’s Declaration of Independence itself drew heavily from the American version.

In 1976, the two halves of Viet Nam (North and South) were finally united into one country, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, but 2 September remains as the key date on Viet Nam's road to independence.

To celebrate Viet Nam's national day, there are speeches, parades, fireworks, and other festivities across the country, with a large march in Ba Dinh Square in Ha Noi where the independence declaration was made.

This is a very patriotic holiday, with the national flag of Viet Nam displayed everywhere and large posters of Ho Chi Minh ("Uncle Ho") adorning city walls.