The Central Committee selected Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day.

Newspapers reporting on Vietnam Press Day

The story of the origin of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day was born from the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the first issue of Nhan Dan newspaper (March 11, 1951 - March 11, 1981). The newspaper organized a Traditional Room, but the people who implemented it at that time were wondering whether to choose Le Paria or Thanh Nien newspaper, both of which were founded and run by Nguyen Ai Quoc.

The leaders of Nhan Dan Newspaper decided to choose Thanh Nien Newspaper because Le Paria was written in French and published publicly in Paris. Its first issue was printed in 1921, printed in typo on large-format paper, no less formal than other French newspapers at that time. Le Paria Newspaper's motto was to call on the people of French colonies to rise up and overthrow foreign domination, to gain independence and freedom for their country. With that motto, the newspaper could not discuss in depth the Vietnamese revolutionary line. Thanh Nien Newspaper was printed in China, small format, handwritten, printed on stone blocks, mainly secretly circulated in the country, its first issue was published on June 21, 1925, and was the mouthpiece of the organization "Vietnam Revolutionary Youth Association". Thanh Nien Newspaper opened up the revolutionary press, bringing patriotism to the Vietnamese people, especially the youth following the proletarian revolutionary trend. From here, the Vietnamese press raised the revolutionary flag, spoke of the will and aspirations of the Vietnamese people and pointed out the direction of the Vietnamese people's struggle for independence, freedom and socialism. Thanh Nien newspaper played a very important role in propagating, preparing ideologically, theoretically and organizationally for the establishment of the Communist Party in early 1930.

After that, a scientific conference discussed which newspaper should be chosen as the first newspaper of the Vietnamese revolutionary press, from which the date of publication of the first issue of that newspaper would be taken as Vietnam Press Day. The conference was chaired by journalist Hoang Tung, and reached an agreement: Taking June 21, 1925, the date of publication of the first issue of Thanh Nien newspaper, as Vietnam Press Day (now Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day) for the whole country.

The Standing Committee of the Vietnam Journalists Association asked the Central Secretariat for permission to use June 21 as Vietnam Press Day and every year on this occasion, there will be many social activities related to journalism. During this time, comrade Truong Chinh assumed the responsibility of Chairman of the State Council (President), did not participate in the Secretariat but was assigned by the Politburo to direct the cultural and ideological sector. The Secretariat discussed thoroughly and asked comrade Truong Chinh to give his opinion.

On February 5, 1985, the Secretariat issued Decision No. 52 to make June 21 Vietnam Press Day to commemorate and show gratitude to journalists who have devoted their intelligence and enthusiasm to provide readers with hot, truthful articles and events.

Thanh Nien Newspaper is the first revolutionary newspaper.

The decision stated: “On June 21, 1925, Thanh Nien newspaper, founded by President Ho, published its first issue. From here, the Vietnamese revolutionary press was born. To commemorate President Ho's contribution to founding the revolutionary press, promote the fine traditions of the revolutionary press, and highlight the role of the press in the revolutionary cause of our people today, the Secretariat agreed to organize Vietnam Press Day every year on June 21.”

The Secretariat's decision clearly states: "Vietnam Press Day is an opportunity to strengthen the Party's leadership over the press, promote the role of the press in society, highlight the responsibility of journalists, and strengthen the relationship between the press and readers... Through Vietnam Press Day, journalists, together with the entire Party and people, will further promote the development of the press, enabling the press to effectively serve the cause of successfully building socialism and defending the socialist Fatherland."

The decision received high consensus from the leaders of the Party, State, Journalists Association and the press of our country.

On June 21, 1985, for the first time, the press nationwide held a ceremony to celebrate Vietnam Press Day and the 60th anniversary of the first issue of Thanh Nien newspaper. On June 20, 1985, comrade Truong Chinh, Politburo member and Chairman of the State Council, sent a congratulatory letter to all Vietnamese journalists. Nhan Dan newspaper, issued on June 21, 1985, solemnly reported on comrade Truong Chinh's letter and the solemn rally organized by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Journalists Association on the occasion of the first Vietnam Press Day in our country. During the ceremony, comrade Hoang Tung, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association, praised the contributions and sacrifice of many journalists in the cause of protecting and building the Fatherland.

On June 21, 2000, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Vietnam Press Day, at the proposal of the Vietnam Journalists Association, the Politburo and the Party Central Committee agreed to call Vietnam Press Day Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. PHAM THI THANH TINH
Academy of Journalism and Communication