‘Newhaven Chamber of Commerce President, Mike Shorer and Vice President, Annie Lorys were invited to attend the 79th Anniversary of the National Day for Vietnam and to meet the new Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK and Ireland, H.E. Mr. Do Minh Hung and his wife Mrs Dang Tu Anh at a glittering event with over 200 guests at the Hilton Park Lane in London.
Catherine West, MP for Hornsey and Parliamentary Under Secretary for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office was the keynote speaker for the evening.
Annie and Mike presented the Ambassador with an invitation to the Seahaven Business Awards 2025 and he said that he was really looking forward to visiting Newhaven in the very near future.
National Day for Vietnam
Vietnam’s National Day is an annual day of celebration and marks a historic moment in 1945 when President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence in Hanoi, proclaiming the formation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. This day commemorates the end of French colonial rule and the beginning of a new era for Vietnam.
Newhaven’s connection with Vietnam
Newhaven has an interesting historical connection with Ho Chi Minh, as in 1913, during his time abroad, he worked briefly as a kitchen assistant on the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry. At the time, he was travelling the world exploring different countries and ideologies. His time working in Newhaven is a lesser-known but fascinating chapter in his life when he discovered much about western politics which was influential as he moved towards Vietnamese independence.
Ho Chi Minh led the nation as both President and Prime Minister from 1945. Known for his dedication to a united and independent Vietnam, he is still celebrated in Vietnam as a symbol of national pride, resilience, and patriotism and referred to as Uncle Ho.
On National Day, festivities across Vietnam include parades, speeches, fireworks, and cultural performances that honor the country’s journey toward independence and its heritage of resilience.
