The family has long been recognized as the place to maintain the lineage, serving as the first and most vital environment to form, nurture, and educate human personality. Far from just a place to return to, the family is also where the traditional cultural values of the nation are kept, preserved, and promoted; it acts as a “shield” against social evils while simultaneously providing human resources for the cause of building and protecting the Fatherland. For a society to develop stably and sustainably, it must first and foremost possess sustainable and happy families.

President Hồ Chí Minh always paid special attention to the role of the family. He affirmed: “Paying attention to the family is correct because it takes many families combined to make a society; only when families are good can society be good, and when society is good, families become even better.” That ideology is not only deeply theoretical but also serves as a consistent orientation throughout the lines and policies of our Party and State.

Clearly perceiving the role of the family, the Party and State have issued many important guidelines and policies, designating June 28 every year as Vietnam Family Day. This is not merely a symbolic milestone but also a reminder of the responsibility of echelons, sectors, and the entire society in building warm, equal, progressive, and happy families.

Historical practice shows that through many generations, Vietnamese families have formed and developed with fine standard values, contributing to shaping the national cultural identity. These encompass patriotism and love for the homeland, a spirit of solidarity, love, and mutual protection, faithfulness and filial piety, a tradition of fondness for learning, diligence, and creativity in labor, alongside a resilient and unyielding will to overcome all difficulties and trials. It is these very values that have been preserved and cultivated within each family, becoming a solid spiritual foundation for Vietnamese society.

However, in the current context of rapid socio-economic development, Vietnamese families are also confronting numerous transformations and challenges. Shifts in family structure, the impact of the market economy, and the modern pace of life have rendered relationships between members somewhat looser. Divorce and separation rates are rising, domestic violence still occurs in some places, and the generation gap is becoming increasingly distinct. Manifestations of chasing material wealth, emphasizing individual benefits, and neglecting spiritual values are also negatively impacting the family foundation.

The transition from the subsidized mechanism to a market economy has created differences in living standards and income, thereby leading to changes in perception and lifestyle. If in the past, people emphasized “eating substantially and dressing durably,” today the trend of “eating well and dressing beautifully” has become widespread. While this is an inevitable outcome of development, it also demands a balance between material and spiritual values, preventing material factors from dominating and fading family affection.

Alongside this, the role of women in the family and society is increasingly being asserted. Not only managing housework and childcare, modern women also actively participate in socio-economic activities, making vital contributions to general development. However, in some families, the sharing and understanding between husband and wife remain disproportionate. Respecting women and implementing gender equality need to start from simple things, from sharing daily chores to together building warm, progressive, and happy families.

In the face of new requirements, building warm, equal, progressive, and happy Vietnamese families requires the joint hands of the entire society. Each family must be a solid “fortress” of morality and culture; each member needs to be clearly aware of their responsibility, knowing how to love, share, and respect one another. Parents need to set examples for their children; children need to show filial piety toward grandparents and parents; and husbands and wives need to be of one mind and join forces.

On the occasion of Vietnam Family Day, let each person spend more time with their family, listening, understanding, and cultivating affection. This is also an opportunity for families to share experiences in building culturally standard families, contributing to spreading fine values throughout the community.