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| By The Freedom For Vietnam Delegation | July 7, 2025 |
Dear Free Vietnam Patriots,
Whether you are inside Vietnam or overseas around the world, we wish you a warm, heartfelt, and solemn South Vietnamese Patriots’ Day—also to be known simply as Patriots’ Day.
Today, we hope to begin a proud and lasting tradition of honoring and revering the brave soldiers, leaders, and everyday citizens of South Vietnam—those who gave their lives on the battlefield, in hospitals, in schools, and across the country. And those who lost their lives in the dangerous open sea after the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.
There are countless stories and experiences that connect us—across our new homelands and to each other, all over the world. We share a proud heritage and history—one we must protect, share, and pass down for generations to come.
In taking on the monumental task of encouraging Vietnamese everywhere to view July 7 not as just another day, but as a day of reverence, prayer, and commemoration for every freedom-loving, red-blooded Vietnamese person around the world, we hope to take one small but meaningful step toward not only preserving our heritage—but promoting it to all freedom-loving human beings. May our proud history shine as a light for us—and as a contribution to the cause of human liberty for generations to come.
A Prayer in An Lộc
Fifty-three years ago, on July 7, 1972, in the South Vietnamese city of An Lộc, President Nguyễn Văn Thiệu flew in from Saigon to congratulate the brave soldiers who had defeated a massive North Vietnamese invasion in a grueling battle that raged from April to June.
The South Vietnamese were outnumbered and outgunned. But somehow—through love of family, freedom, country, and an unbreakable Vietnamese spirit—they found a way.
They stood their ground.
They stopped the enemy in his tracks.
They wore him down.
They broke his hateful, malicious, communist resolve.
At An Lộc, the soldiers of the Republic of Vietnam took a stand. They reclaimed lost ground. They retook their city. And the enemy fled in shame and humiliation.
In doing so, the soldiers protected the people of An Lộc—women, children, the elderly, and each other. They stood between the communists’ shelling and the innocent civilians. They fought to protect life and freedom, and they did not let Vietnam fall.
On that day, July 7, that’s what President Thiệu came to witness. And that is what he came to honor.
When the president walked through the destruction, almost everything in An Lộc had been flattened. But somehow, one statue remained standing—a statue of Jesus Christ, preserved and untouched. Heaven had watched over South Vietnam that day, and through the whole Battle of An Lộc.
Upon seeing the statue, President Thiệu kneeled in prayer. He prayed for the heroes who had defended the city—and, in doing so, had temporarily saved the country. Whether living or dead, the President’s prayer was for them all.
But his words were not only for those at An Lộc. And Heaven was not watching only that small city.
The President’s prayer—and the blessings from above—shined down on all South Vietnamese patriots:
- Those who built that great nation,
- Those who fought to defend it,
- And those who crossed oceans to protect its memory.
The blessings of Heaven, and the President’s prayer, were meant for them all.
Why We Remember
So today—we observe, we bless, and we pray for them all.
On every July 7, we honor their sacrifice. We remember their courage. And we promise to carry forward their legacy.
We also commit to learning and sharing more. In observing Patriots’ Day, we must not only reflect on what we already know, but challenge ourselves to grow deeper in our understanding of our proud South Vietnamese heritage—and help each other do the same.
Whether it’s by saying a kind word to a loved one, whispering a prayer for the fallen, raising a respectful glass in their honor, or simply saying “thank you” to the winds—may the heroes hear you in Heaven.
Take a moment. Dedicate that moment. Make it count.
Do it for yourself, your family, your community—and for future generations, both near and distant.
If it’s not too much trouble, share this message in any way that feels meaningful to you.
Let’s Begin This Together
As freedom-loving Vietnamese—and as friends and allies who stand with us—we are in this together.
So let’s begin something great.
Let’s mark this first Patriots’ Day, July 7, 2025.
Let’s make it an annual tradition:
- To honor the heroes of the past.
- To encourage the heroes of the present.
- And to inspire the heroes of the future.
So once more—but not for the last time—we humbly wish all of you:
Happy Patriots’ Day.
May your day be blessed, your spirit strong,
And your freedom eternal.
Next year in Saigon.
Năm sau ở Sài Gòn.
Freedom For Vietnam 