Some poetic works are regarded as declarations of independence for the nation.

Assignment: Some poetic works are regarded as declarations of independence for the nation.

Response:

Throughout thousands of years of nation-building and defending, our people have endured the yoke of domination and invasion by countless adversaries. The aspirations of our nation echo the hearts of millions desiring peace, stability, safeguarding of territory, the land inherited from our ancestors, and national independence. As President Ho Chi Minh once said: 'We would rather sacrifice everything than lose our country, than become slaves.' It is a timeless ideology, inherited and upheld through generations, still shining brightly. The illustrious pages of our nation's history have become enshrined in our literature, composing timeless verses sung for generations. They have also become declarations of independence for our nation throughout each historical era.

The poem 'Nam quốc sơn hà' by Lí Thường Kiệt was written during the battles between our army and the invading forces of Quách Quỳ. The Như Nguyệt River turned into a battlefield strewn with the corpses of enemies. The poem is a heroic anthem, affirming pride, patriotism, and resistance against foreign aggression—the first declaration of independence of our nation:

'South mountains and rivers, South Emperor resides
Decree unequivocally inscribed in the heavens'

The author asserted the sovereignty of the country, stating that the land, rivers, and mountains of the South belong to the Southern Emperor. It is an undeniable truth, approved by both heaven and people. Heaven bears witness to this historical fact, the rivers and mountains of the South have belonged to the people of the South for generations, and no one can deny it. It is an eternal belief, the national pride of our people. Through strong, assertive words, the author expressed the steadfast determination to preserve the sovereignty and independence of the South, of our homeland:

'Why do the enemy invaders dare to trespass,
They will be thoroughly defeated'

An act of aggression, disregarding the rights of others, shamelessly invading the territory of another country. Such action is unjust, contrary to reason and ethics, violating the spirit of peace and the sovereignty, territory of another nation. It goes against human sentiment, contrary to the 'Mandate of Heaven', stirring resentment in all. With stirring poetry, the author expresses disdain for the atrocities of the invading army. Unjust actions never lead to good outcomes. This is also the author's affirmation of belief in justice and the unity strength of the people. The enemy will face defeat due to all their ruthless, blatant actions.

Entering the realm of ancient majestic literature, Bình Ngô đại cáo by Nguyễn Trãi, the patriotic ideology still surges vehemently through every stroke of the pen. The poem, ordered by King Lê Lợi, was composed to declare our victorious resistance against the Ming invaders. With love for the country, the people's ideology, the author profoundly expresses immense pride in our army's victory and the spirit, vigor of the people.

'The essence of righteousness lies in protecting the people,
Preventing tyranny before it occurs;
As for Đại Việt, our noble tradition from ancient times,
We have upheld our civilized heritage for long;
Mountains, rivers, borders have been defined,
The customs of North and South differ;
From Triệu, Đinh, Lý, Trần building generations of independence,
Together with the Han, Tang, Song, Yuan each rising in dominance;
Though strength may vary at times,
Heroes emerge in every era.'

To him, the people are the foundation, the act of righteousness in life is for the people, ensuring the people's lives are peaceful, prosperous, and secure. The people are indeed the wealth of a nation. Upholding righteousness also means standing up to combat the wicked, the oppressors. Righteousness is safeguarding the Motherland, protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, asserting the elements of an independent and heroic nation, the talents of the land's rivers and mountains, showcasing the strength of our nation, letting the enemy know we will never submit to any unjust aggressor.

The poignant verses lament the scenes of exploitation, oppression, filled with cruelty by them, expressing resentment, grieving for the sacrifices of our people: The burdensome taxes, insatiable greed devoid of humanity, destroying the lives of the people, causing devastation:

'The manic Ming troops exploit the situation to wreak havoc
The wicked even sell the country for personal gain
Burning the innocent on raging flames
Burying children alive in pits
Deceiving heaven, deceiving people with countless schemes
Inciting grudges, spreading enmity for decades
Destroying righteousness, ruining the land and sky.
Heavy taxes empty the mountains and valleys.
Forced into the sea, backs scourged for pearls, loathing the voracious sharks.
Forced into the mountains to sift sand for gold, amidst the depths of the jungle and poisonous waters.
Exploiting resources, trapping birds for fur, nets spread everywhere.'

Oppression breeds resistance; amidst the people's suffering, we stand united against the enemy, with a spirit of unity, overcoming hardships and challenges, with skillful strategies and the beloved national flag, we rose in rebellion for independence. Overcoming many arduous journeys, numerous difficulties with steadfast determination, our struggle culminated in victory, gloriously defeating the enemy. From here, the people find peace, joy, looking towards a bright future for the nation, for the people:

'From here, steadfastness prevails
From here, the landscape undergoes renewal
Cycles of decline eventually lead to greatness
Sun and moon retreat, then shine again
Thousand years of shame now wiped clean
Eternal peace foundation firmly established
All thanks to the sacred ancestral spirits silently aiding'

The poignant prose, filled with bitterness, grandeur, and sharp wit of the author, exposes the atrocities of the invading enemy, vividly depicting the fervent battle atmosphere of the uprising, praising the principles of righteousness, glorifying the struggle spirit of the nation, heralding joyous songs of anticipation for a prosperous future. Bình Ngô đại cáo rightfully becomes a second declaration of independence for the nation.

If the two previous declarations, our country still endured oppression, living under harsh colonial rule, then Uncle's Declaration of Independence ushered in a new era for the nation, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Uncle affirmed the abolition of feudalism, ousted the French, severed all their ties to our homeland, ousted the imperialists and other audacious invaders to establish a state of Democratic rule of law. With stirring words, cogent arguments, Uncle exposed the true atrocities of colonialism on all fronts, proving France to be a despicable, oppressive force. Vietnam rose to reclaim our land from the Japanese with unity, determination, and deep love for the Motherland. The Vietnamese people have the right to determine their own future, to decide the fate of their nation. 'France flees, Japan surrenders, King Bảo Đại abdicates. Our people have overthrown the colonial shackles for nearly a century to establish an independent Vietnam. Our people have overthrown the monarchy that ruled for centuries to establish the Republic'.

At the conclusion of the declaration, Hồ Chí Minh, representing the entire Vietnamese nation, solemnly declares the nation's sovereignty: 'Therefore, we, the provisional Government of the new Vietnam, on behalf of the entire Vietnamese people, declare the complete severance of relations with France, the abolition of all agreements France has signed regarding Vietnam, the annulment of all French privileges in Vietnam'... 'Vietnam has the right to freedom and independence, and in reality, has become a free and independent nation. The entire Vietnamese people are determined to dedicate all spirit and strength, lives and assets to uphold that freedom and independence'.

And the foundation of our independence, democracy began at that sacred moment. The ideals in the Declaration of Independence written by Uncle with all his heart will always endure with time. They are forever the 'guiding stars' for the Party and the people, for the future generations to learn, live, and work according to His ideals.

All three declarations, though written at different historical moments of the nation, still reflect the resilience, unwavering will, determination, pride, and spirit to preserve the nation's territorial integrity. With the evolution of history, the ideals expressed in each declaration progress and become more valuable. The influence of these declarations will forever resonate and be a source of pride for each of us.