The propaganda billboards of the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War

By Mark Bowyer / Last updated 30 Apr 2015

Introduction

40 years after the arrival of triumphant communist soldiers in Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War, the propaganda billboards marking the anniversary could have been plucked right out of the 1960s. In this gallery, we look at some of the propaganda billboards around town and their incongruous placement alongside advertising for banks, fast food and luxury goods.

©Photo: Mark Bowyer
©Photo: Mark Bowyer
©Photo: Mark Bowyer
©Photo: Mark Bowyer
©Photo: Mark Bowyer
©Photo: Mark Bowyer
©Photo: Mark Bowyer
©Photo: Mark Bowyer
©Photo: Mark Bowyer
©Photo: Mark Bowyer
©Photo: Mark Bowyer
©Photo: Mark Bowyer
©Photo: Mark Bowyer

40 years - The great spring victory, the mountains and rivers become one.
125 years since the birth of Ho Chi Minh - He devoted his whole life to the independence and freedom of the country, to the happiness of the people.
The Communist Party of Vietnam - glorious forever.
Hello great spring victory!
The happiness of the battle victory.
40 years - The Ho Chi Minh Campaign's complete victory.
Like you have Uncle Ho here on Victory Day.
Develop the strength of all the people, push hard all aspects of the national economic reforms, to realise victory with the goal of a prosperous people, and strong nation - democratic, equal and civilised - and a healthy appetite for donuts.
Young "bo doi' soldiers prepare for 30 April celebrations.
The hammer and sickle in the unlikely company of HSBC Bank and Dunkin' Donuts
Another view of the rooftop that found international fame in Hu Van Es's photography of Saigon's infamous evacuation on 29 April 1975.
Where it all ended. Saigon's former Presidential Palace - now the Reunification Palace. The banner reads - "Warm welcome to the celebration of the anniversary of the liberation of the South and reunification of the nation."
The next big day in the Vietnam Communist Party calendar will be 125th anniversary of the birth of Ho Chi Minh on 19 May. Billboards are already in place. This billboard calls on the people to study the work of the great Ho Chi Minh and live in his reflection.