03 Nov 1955, Saigon, South Vietnam --- A Republic Is Born. Saigon, South Vietnam: From Saigon's Independence Palace, President Ngo Dinh Diem reads the proclamation of the Republic in Vietnam for 20,000 cheering spectators. After a popular referendum ousted absentee Emperor Bao Dai, President Diem formally proclaimed southern Vietnam a republic. --- Image by © Bettmann/CORBIS