National heroes in Vietnamese history
Vietnam's history spans thousands of years with heroic pages of resistance wars against foreign invaders and defense of the country's sovereignty. Throughout that history, many national heroes have stood up and led the people in the struggles for independence, building and defending the homeland. These heroes are not only symbols of patriotism, but also role models that inspire the next generation of courage, resilience and indomitable will.
1. Hai Ba Trung (40 – 43 AD)
The Trung Sisters are sisters Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, who led the first uprising of the Vietnamese people against Han Dynasty domination in 40 AD. After the death of her husband, Trung Trac and her sister Trung Nhi called on the people to rise up, expel the Han army, and liberate many lands of our country.
The uprising was successful, the Trung sisters ascended the throne and ruled for three years before the Han army invaded again. Although the uprising ultimately failed, the Trung Sisters' tenacious fighting spirit became a symbol of the patriotism and courage of Vietnamese women.
2. Ly Thuong Kiet (1019 – 1105)
Ly Thuong Kiet, real name Ngo Tuan, was a famous general and talented politician during the Ly dynasty. He is famous for defeating the Song army in the resistance war against the Song Dynasty in the 11th century. One of Ly Thuong Kiet's most famous victories was his proactive attack on Song land, with a lightning battle at Nhu Nguyet River, causing the Song army to retreat.
He was also the author of the poem “Nam Quoc Son Ha,” considered Vietnam's first Declaration of Independence, affirming the nation's autonomy and sovereignty. Ly Thuong Kiet was not only a good general but also an excellent diplomat, making many contributions to the consolidation and development of the country.
3. Tran Hung Dao (1228 – 1300)
Tran Hung Dao, real name Tran Quoc Tuan, is one of the most illustrious heroes in Vietnamese history, famous for his role in leading the resistance war against the Yuan-Mongol army in the 13th century. He was the commander of the Tran Dynasty army, defeating the Yuan army in their three invasions of Vietnam.
The Battle of Bach Dang in 1288 was the pinnacle of Tran Hung Dao's military career, when he commanded our army to completely defeat the Yuan-Mongol army on the Bach Dang River, protecting the independence of Dai Viet. He also composed the work “Hich General” to encourage the fighting spirit of soldiers, clearly expressing patriotism and the will to protect the country to the end.
4. Quang Trung – Nguyen Hue (1753 – 1792)
Quang Trung – Nguyen Hue is one of the greatest heroes in Vietnamese history, famous for his glorious victories in the resistance war against the Siamese and Qing armies. He was one of the leaders of the Tay Son movement, fighting against corrupt feudal forces and building a new dynasty.
Quang Trung's most resounding victory was the Ngoc Hoi – Dong Da victory in 1789, when in just a short time he gathered his army and defeated 290,000 Qing invaders, liberated Thang Long and protected independence for the country. Quang Trung is not only a good general but also an excellent reformer, with policies to promote education and economic development.
5. Vo Nguyen Giap (1911 – 2013)
General Vo Nguyen Giap is one of the greatest heroes of the twentieth century, who made great contributions in leading the Vietnamese army to victory in the resistance war against the French and the Americans. He was the general who commanded the historic Dien Bien Phu battle in 1954, defeating the French army and ending colonial rule in our country.
Vo Nguyen Giap also played an important role in the resistance war against the US, with many glorious victories on the battlefield, leading to the great victory in 1975, liberating the South and reunifying the country. He is considered one of the most talented generals in the world, with sharp military art and deep patriotism.
National hero
National heroes in Vietnamese history are not only those who led the resistance war for independence but are also symbols of patriotism, sacrifice and resilience. They left behind valuable legacies of courage, wisdom and national spirit, becoming an endless source of inspiration for future generations of Vietnamese people.
The indomitable spirit and will to rise of national heroes are the pride of the Vietnamese people and the driving force for the country to continue to develop and maintain independence and freedom in all circumstances.