Top 10 Highlights in Vietnam's July Calendar

1. Vietnam Health Insurance Day: 01/07

Health insurance is a humane and compassionate social security policy, requiring the participation of the entire political system and the consensus and support of society to effectively implement the Party's direction and the State's regulations on health insurance. On June 16, 2009, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 823/QD-TTg, designating July 1 of each year as 'Vietnam Health Insurance Day.'

Health insurance is a humane and compassionate social security policy, requiring the participation of the entire political system and the consensus and support of society to effectively implement the Party's direction and the State's regulations on health insurance. Over the past 10 years of organization, Vietnam Health Insurance Day has been an opportunity to enhance propaganda work, mobilize the people to contribute, and effectively implement the Health Insurance Law with the goal of universal health insurance, for the health of individuals, families, and the community, for the national security. This is also an occasion to deeply understand and further raise awareness of the position, role, and significance of health insurance - an important part of the national health finance policy, one of the socialization methods of health care.

The benefits of health insurance for the people are increasingly ensured, helping people recognize the practical role of health insurance in personal, family, and societal well-being. This is evidenced by the increasing number of health insurance examinations and treatments over the years, corresponding to the amount of expenses for examinations and treatments covered by the Health Insurance Fund.

2. World Population Day: 11/07

World Population Day is an annual event held on July 11th each year to raise awareness of global population issues. The event was established by the Governing Council of UNDP in 1989 (Decision 89/46). It was inspired by the World's 5 Billion Day on July 11th, 1987, when Matej Gašpar, a boy from Zagreb, Yugoslavia, became the world's 5 billionth citizen. Later, this day was recognized by the United Nations as an international holiday.

The theme of World Population Day in 2013 was 'Focus is on Adolescent Pregnancy'. The world population as of July 10th, 2013, was 7,097,100,000. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), there are about 16 million girls under the age of 18 giving birth every year, and about 3.2 million unsafe abortions. The annual commemoration of World Population Day aims to increase awareness of global population issues and encourage appropriate thinking, actions, exploration, creativity, and implementation of various methods and measures to rapidly reduce population growth rates and improve the quality of life. The issue of world population is a concern for everyone, every family, every nation, and the global community.

Therefore, every year, at the beginning of July, the global population sector organizes many activities to commemorate World Population Day (11/7) with practical themes for humanity, setting out goals that need to be addressed, through messages calling for everyone's participation.

In the United States, Independence Day, also known as the 4th of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This holiday is often celebrated with parades, outdoor festivals, and public ceremonies. Since 1777, fireworks have been lit to mark the occasion.

Although July 4th has long been commemorated, many argue that this date is inaccurate. During the Revolution, colonists in New England fought the British starting in April 1775. The first resolution for independence in Congress was proposed on June 8. After much debate, the resolution secretly passed (13-0) for independence from Britain on July 2. The Congress then revised the declaration until after 11 o'clock on July 4, when the 13 colonies accepted and produced an unsigned version for printers. (New York did not vote in either.) Philadelphia celebrated the Declaration by reading it to the public and setting celebratory fires on July 8. It was not until August 2 that a formal version was signed by members of Congress, still kept secret to avoid British retaliation.

John Adams, in a letter to his wife Abigail on July 3, believed that July 2 would be remembered as Independence Day for generations. He was two days off. While the vote on July 2 was the decision, July 4 was the date written on the Declaration. Jefferson's draft, after being revised by Congress, was accepted on July 4. It was also the first day Philadelphia citizens heard news of this formal declaration of independence.

On July 15, 1950, following the directives of the Party Central Committee and President Ho Chi Minh, the Central Youth Volunteer Party decided to establish the first Central Youth Volunteer team to serve the Border Campaign. The temporary command of the team consisted of 5 comrades, led by comrade Vuong Bich Vuong, a member of the Central Youth Salvation Executive Committee as the team leader and party branch secretary. The team initially had 225 members, organized into 3 platoons.

Over time, to meet the practical needs of the country's situation, the youth volunteer forces have changed names several times:

• Central Youth Volunteer Team (15/7/1950)
• Youth Volunteer Team (26/3/1953)
• Central Youth Volunteer Corps (12/1963)
• Anti-US Youth Volunteer Team (21/6/1965)
• Liberation Youth Volunteer Force for the South (20/4/1964)
• Youth Volunteer - Young Workers Committee (3/1986)

Traditional Youth Volunteer Day is not only a time to remember the past but also an opportunity to encourage present and future youth to continue the spirit of volunteering, aiming for lofty dreams and goals. It is an important day to encourage youth to demonstrate civic responsibility, actively participate in society, and contribute to the country's development.

Bastille Day, also known as French National Day (Fête nationale), July 14 commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789 during the French Revolution.

On July 11, 1789, King Louis XVI dismissed the reformist Minister of Finance Jacques Necker and restructured all ministries. This decision sparked riots in Paris. Although at the time there were only 7 prisoners held at the Bastille, the prison symbolized the oppressive rule under the despotic monarchy of the Bourbon royal family. Nearly 1000 citizens stormed the Bastille, opposing the 114 royal soldiers. After 4 hours of conflict, the rebels seized the Bastille. The former French soldiers and Swiss guards defending the Bastille could not resist and surrendered.

The event of revolutionaries and citizens storming the Bastille marked the beginning of the French Revolution, ultimately leading to the deposition of King Louis XVI.

Vietnam War Veterans and Martyrs Day is an important commemorative day in Vietnam's history, observed annually on July 27. This day is dedicated to honoring and paying tribute to the wounded veterans and fallen heroes who sacrificed and contributed significantly to the country's independence, freedom, and unity.

War veterans are individuals who were injured in wars and combat activities, while martyrs are those who sacrificed their lives to defend the nation. Both groups have exchanged sacrifices and sufferings to build and protect the homeland. Vietnam War Veterans and Martyrs Day serves to recognize and honor the contributions of war veterans and martyrs, as well as convey a message of gratitude and respect for those who sacrificed for the nation. On this day, commemorative activities and tributes are organized nationwide, ranging from solemn memorial ceremonies at memorials and martyrs' cemeteries to cultural, sports, and community exchange activities.

Vietnam War Veterans and Martyrs Day also serves as an opportunity to raise community awareness of the role and sentiments towards war veterans and martyrs. It reminds people of the efforts and sacrifices made by those who fought and sacrificed for the nation. Additionally, this day provides opportunities for better support and care for war veterans, martyr families, and those in need after the war.

Nelson Mandela was the first black President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999 and the first democratically elected President of South Africa. He is considered an icon of democracy and social justice.

Nelson Mandela's life of struggle against racial discrimination is associated with years of pursuit and imprisonment by the Apartheid regime. In 1964, he was sentenced to life imprisonment by the government and was imprisoned for 27 years in various prisons. Throughout that time, steadfast in the goal for human rights, often rejecting the regime's release conditions, Nelson Mandela became an icon, a source of inspiration for the struggle to eliminate apartheid in South Africa.

Throughout his life, Nelson Mandela fought to turn that lofty wish into reality, with the immortal words: 'Struggle is my life.' The world honors him, for the very path of struggle that leader Nelson Mandela went through to realize his great dream was as humane as his aspiration. Especially, in November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly, at its 64th session, unanimously agreed to designate July 18 as “International Nelson Mandela Day” to rally the community's solidarity in building and preserving peace, stability, and social justice worldwide.

On July 28, 1995, marks a significant milestone in Vietnam's history as the country officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Vietnam's membership in ASEAN signifies a crucial development in its foreign relations and reshapes its role in the Southeast Asian region.

Joining ASEAN brings numerous benefits and opportunities for Vietnam. Firstly, it creates a better environment for cooperation and exchange with regional countries, thereby expanding the market for Vietnamese goods and services. Participation in this large market has played a vital role in boosting exports and attracting foreign direct investment. Secondly, joining ASEAN also means Vietnam's involvement in regional and multilateral cooperation mechanisms. Participating in ASEAN forums and agencies allows Vietnam to contribute opinions and collaborate with other member countries in addressing regional issues such as security, economy, culture, and education. Thirdly, joining ASEAN has facilitated Vietnam's access to regional and multilateral cooperation mechanisms such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and many other significant trade agreements. This translates to Vietnam gaining access to a larger network of partners and expanding opportunities for economic and investment cooperation.

The day Vietnam joined ASEAN, July 28, 1995, is not only a significant historical milestone but also a crucial moment in Vietnam's foreign relations and economic development. Joining ASEAN has brought Vietnam numerous cooperation opportunities, expanded markets, and positioned the country in the Southeast Asian region.

Reversing the tide of history 92 years ago, on July 28, 1929, the Vietnam Trade Union was founded, marking a significant turning point in the struggle and development of the Vietnamese labor movement; serving as the nucleus for mobilizing the working class under the glorious revolutionary banner of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Over the past 92 years, the Vietnam Trade Union has made significant contributions to the national independence, liberation, and the country's construction and development.

The establishment of the Vietnam Trade Union carries immense significance, affirming the strength of the labor movement and the maturity of the Vietnamese working class. It reaffirms Lenin's famous proposition that 'the working class anywhere in the world can only develop and can only be developed through the Trade Union path, through the interaction between the Trade Union and the Party of the working class, rather than through any other path.'

Over the past 92 years, the Vietnam Trade Union has continuously grown and strengthened; mobilizing and uniting a vast number of workers, civil servants, and laborers under the revolutionary banner led by the Communist Party of Vietnam, to make significant contributions to the victories of the two resistance wars against French colonialism and American imperialism; organizing and mobilizing workers, civil servants, and laborers to actively participate in patriotic emulation movements, making significant contributions to the country's construction and development.

World Day against Trafficking in Persons is an internationally recognized day to raise awareness about the serious issue of human trafficking and to promote actions to prevent and combat this crime. This day is observed annually on July 30.

World Day against Trafficking in Persons is an opportunity to enhance understanding and awareness of this issue. Worldwide, non-governmental organizations, governments, social organizations, and individuals participate in advocacy, education, research, and legal support activities to prevent and combat human trafficking. This day also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in addressing human trafficking. Countries are urged to work together to enhance multilateral cooperation, share information, strengthen legal powers, and create education and protection programs for victims.

The main objective of World Day against Trafficking in Persons is to create awareness and community focus to prevent and eliminate human trafficking. It also underscores the importance of ensuring human rights and respecting the dignity of all individuals.