A New Tradition: South Vietnamese Patriots’ Day on July 7

Reading Time: 4 Minutes

| By The Freedom for Vietnam Delegation | June 8, 2025 |

Freedom-loving Vietnamese people deserve a unifying day beyond April 30.

We need a day that is less somber, yet still carries deep meaning.

A group of us believe it would be meaningful and beneficial for Vietnamese communities worldwide to observe July 7 annually as South Vietnamese Patriots’ Day—or simply, Patriots’ Day.

On July 7, 1972, President Nguyễn Văn Thiệu of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) visited An Lộc to honor the courageous South Vietnamese soldiers who defended the city against a much larger North Vietnamese force during the Spring Offensive of 1972.

The North Vietnamese deployed their elite divisions, aiming for a swift and decisive victory in the Vietnam War. However, their campaign failed spectacularly, with their forces defeated at An Lộc, Kontum, and Quảng Trị.

By this time, most U.S. troops had withdrawn, leaving South Vietnamese forces—supported by a small number of U.S. advisors and airmen—to fight largely on their own.

At An Lộc, the South Vietnamese were vastly outnumbered. Despite overwhelming odds, they stood their ground, broke the North’s resolve, launched a counterattack, reclaimed lost territory, and forced the enemy to retreat in defeat.

This grueling Battle of An Lộc raged from April to June 1972.

On July 7, 1972, as the dust settled, President Thiệu arrived in An Lộc to survey the battlefield and meet the heroes who had temporarily saved South Vietnam.

There, he knelt in prayer before a statue of Jesus Christ—one of the few structures left standing after the battle—and honored the brave soldiers who had risked or given their lives for freedom and country.

Though often overlooked by historians and the media, the Battle of An Lộc and President Thiệu’s prayer reflect the immense bravery and sacrifice of South Vietnamese soldiers. The prayer symbolized pride and patriotism for a nation that stood for honor, prosperity, and democracy.

While spoken at An Lộc, its message resonates far beyond that city or battle.

President Thiệu’s words encompass all South Vietnamese soldiers who sacrificed their lives—whether at An Lộc, before, or after.

They also honor those who endured torture, persecution, and extermination in communist concentration camps after the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.

Their actions, sacrifices, and legacy matter—keeping the memory of our lost nation alive.

Whether they fell in battle, suffered in camps, or faced discrimination and vengeance in modern-day Vietnam under communist rule, these heroes must be remembered, honored, and never forgotten.

Patriots’ Day also offers an opportunity to honor the American soldiers, advisors, and airmen—as well as allied forces from nations such as Australia and South Korea—who stood with South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Their sacrifices, often at great personal cost, bolstered our fight for freedom and democracy. Their courage and commitment must also be remembered and never forgotten.

In addition to observing Black April on April 30, we propose establishing a new tradition:

Celebrating Patriots’ Day on July 7 each year.

On this day, we commemorate the bravery of those who defended South Vietnam and ensure its legacy endures. While we mourn their sacrifices, we also celebrate their strength and courage, keeping our hopes for freedom alive.

There is no single way to honor these heroes. On Patriots’ Day, freedom-loving Vietnamese communities worldwide might pause to reflect, say a prayer, share kind words with loved ones, or simply whisper “thank you” to the winds—hoping the heroes hear from heaven.

We hope more Vietnamese will join in observing Patriots’ Day annually, ensuring future generations remember our great nation, its heroes, and its achievements.

May this day inspire those who dream of bringing freedom back to Vietnam—knowing it is possible, because it was done before.

We hope to unite all freedom-loving Vietnamese people across the world in this noble, common cause.

With one month until the first South Vietnamese Patriots’ Day, we invite you to join us in this meaningful commemoration.

If this idea resonates with you in any way, please share this post and spread the word.

Next year in Saigon.

Năm sau ở Sài Gòn.