Victory Day is observed in Laos and Cambodia every August 1, commemorating the anniversary of the end of the First Indochina War. This conflict, which primarily took place in Vietnam, significantly impacted both Laos and Cambodia, as the Viet Minh's victory reasserted their independence from French colonial rule. The war escalated in 1946 and involved various forces, including the Viet Minh, the Pathet Lao, and the United Issarak Front. Although Laos and Cambodia gained independence in 1953, French troops remained until the war's conclusion, with the Geneva Accords marking a pivotal moment in their liberation. While the Vietnamese celebrate the war's end on May 7, Laos and Cambodia specifically honor the withdrawal of French troops on August 1. This day is an important commemoration, though it is not a public holiday in either country.