National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇻🇳 Viet Nam

The national anthem of Viet Nam is called: « Tiến Quân Ca ».

Continent: Asia

Bordering Countries:
🇰🇭 Cambodia
🇨🇳 China
🇱🇦 Lao People’s Democratic Republic

History of « Tiến Quân Ca »

« Tiến Quân Ca » (The Marching Song) is the national anthem of Vietnam. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its struggles for independence, and the unity of its people.

Key Dates and People

  • 1944: The lyrics and music for « Tiến Quân Ca » were composed by Văn Cao, a prominent Vietnamese composer and poet, in 1944.
  • 1945: The anthem was first performed publicly on August 17, 1945, during a rally in Hanoi, just days before the declaration of independence.
  • 1946: « Tiến Quân Ca » was officially adopted as the national anthem of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) in 1946.
  • 1976: Following the reunification of North and South Vietnam, « Tiến Quân Ca » was reaffirmed as the national anthem of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Anecdotes

  • Composer’s Vision: Văn Cao composed « Tiến Quân Ca » with the vision of inspiring the Vietnamese people to fight for their independence from French colonial rule. The anthem quickly became a symbol of the revolutionary spirit.
  • Historical Performance: The anthem was first performed publicly on August 17, 1945, at a rally in Hanoi, just days before the declaration of independence on September 2, 1945. This performance marked a significant moment in Vietnam’s history.
  • Cultural Significance: « Tiến Quân Ca » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Vietnamese people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Vietnamese citizens.

Lyrics Excerpt

In Vietnamese

Đoàn quân Việt Nam đi,
Chung lòng cứu quốc,
Bước chân dồn vang trên đường gập ghềnh xa.
Cờ in máu chiến thắng mang hồn nước,
Súng ngoài xa chen khúc quân hành ca.
Đường vinh quang xây xác quân thù,
Thắng gian lao cùng nhau lập chiến khu.
Vì nhân dân chiến đấu không ngừng,
Tiến mau ra sa trường,
Tiến lên, cùng tiến lên,
Nước non Việt Nam ta vững bền.

Translated in English

The army of Vietnam marches,
With the same heart to save the nation,
Our steps resound on the long and rugged road.
Our flag, red with the blood of victory, bears the spirit of the country,
The distant rumbling of the guns mingles with our marching song.
The path to glory is built by the bodies of our foes,
Overcoming hardships, together we build our resistance bases.
For the people, we fight ceaselessly,
Hasten to the battlefield,
Forward, all together advancing,
Our Vietnam is forever strong.

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