75th anniversary of Vietnam People’s Army marked

The Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence held a grand ceremony in Hanoi on December 21 to celebrate the 30th All People’s Defence Festival and the 75th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) (December 22, 1944-2019).

On behalf of the Party and State leaders, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc bestows a first-class Military Exploit Order upon the VPA. (Photo: VNA)
On behalf of the Party and State leaders, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc bestows a first-class Military Exploit Order upon the VPA. (Photo: VNA)

Party General Secretary, State President and Secretary of the Central Military Commission Nguyen Phu Trong sent a basket of flowers as congratulatory message for the event. The ceremony was attended by Politburo members: Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, along with incumbent and former Party and State leaders. The event also saw the presence of foreign senior military officials, revolutionary veterans, Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, Heroes of the People’s Armed Forces, and Heroes of Labour.

On behalf of the Party and State leaders, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc bestowed a first-class Military Exploit Order upon the VPA and some high-ranking officers of the army in recognition of their particularly excellent achievements in the VPA building, defence consolidation, and contributions to the building of socialism and national protection.

In his speech, PM Phuc stressed that under the absolute and direct leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, upholding patriotism and the nation’s military art, and with the support of the people and international friends, over the last 75 years, the VPA has joined hands with the people to obtain wonderful achievements in liberating and safeguarding the nation and fulfilling international missions.

The PM also emphasised that those prominent successes have substantially helped reinforce the great national unity bloc and promote defence capability and the all people’s defence, thus deserving the trust and noble rewards granted by the Party, State and people.

Speaking at the ceremony, General Ngo Xuan Lich, Politburo member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defence, expressed his deep gratitude towards President Ho Chi Minh – the “beloved Father” of the people’s armed forces, Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap – the “Eldest Brother” of the VPA and an outstanding commander-in-chief, along with historical leaders, national heroes, martyrs and people who heroically fought and sacrificed for the sake of the country’s independence and freedom, the people’s happiness, and the lofty international missions.

Minister Lich noted after 30 years of the All People’s Defence Festival, the national defence has been increasingly enhanced, adding that the combination of economic, cultural and social aspects with defence and security has been continually strengthened. Meanwhile, defence diplomacy has been intensified both bilaterally and multilaterally, helping to maintain peace and security for the country.

He also affirmed that officers and soldiers of the whole army pledge to be absolutely loyal to the Party, State, people and socialist regime, adding that they are determined to successfully perform the army’s functions and forever be a special political force, an absolutely loyal combatant force, and the core force in joining the people to firmly safeguard the nation.