Promoting the spirit of “Dien Bien Phu in the Air” in the new period

In the last days of the historic December, the entire Party, people and army are happy to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the “ Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu in the Air ” victory in the context that the whole country is trying hard to overcome difficulties due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and bring to life the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress and the resolutions of the Party congresses at all levels .
The first B-52 was shot down by Battalion 59, Missile Regiment 261, in Chuom Field, Phu Lo Commune, Dong Anh District, Hanoi, at 20:13 on December 18, 1972. (File photo)
The first B-52 was shot down by Battalion 59, Missile Regiment 261, in Chuom Field, Phu Lo Commune, Dong Anh District, Hanoi, at 20:13 on December 18, 1972. (File photo)

50 years ago, from December 18 to December 29, 1972, under the leadership and direction of the Politburo, the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of Defence, our army and people conducted a large-scale air defence campaign and defeated strategic air raids, mainly by B-52 aircrafts of the US imperialists in Hanoi and Hai Phong and some northern localities, resulting in the the resounding Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu in the Air victory.

Along with the great victories of the 1972 strategic offensive on the southern battlefield, the Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu in the Air victory dealt a heavy blow to the US Air Force, defeating the plot to win strength at the negotiating table, forcing the US to sign the Paris Agreement on ending the war and restoring peace in Vietnam while creating favourable conditions and strategic opportunities for the entire Party, people and army to make efforts to bring the resistance war against the US to bring the country to a complete victory.

Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu in the Air is the victory of the bravery and wisdom of Vietnam in the Ho Chi Minh era; affirming the correct and creative line and policy and the sound leadership and direction of the Politburo, the Party Central Committee, the Central Military Commission, and the sensitive and flexible management of the Ministry of Defence and other strategic advice agencies; demonstrating the fighting spirit and determination of the air defence troops, the air force, the core of the air defence forces protecting Hanoi, Hai Phong and neighbouring localities; and the close, rhythmic and effective coordination between combat forces, ensuring and serving combat.

This glorious feat is a vivid expression of the intelligence and courage of the Vietnamese people in the face of the strength of the US air force with its modern equipment and techniques. The Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu in the Airvictory is not only a great and proud epic of the Vietnamese people, but has also become a symbol of the conscience and human dignity of the progressive people worldwide; enthralled friends and peace-loving people, strongly encouraged the movement for national liberation struggle around the world.

Upholding revolutionary heroism and the spirit of determination to fight and win in the 12 days and nights of Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu in the Air, over the years, the entire Party, people and army have overcome all difficulties and challenges, carried out the cause of Renewal process initiated and led by the Party, winning many great achievements of historical significance in many fields. Socio-economic situation continued to have positive changes with macroeconomic stability, political security, independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity being maintained, while national defence and security have been enhanced, external relations have been expanded, and Vietnam's position and prestige have been increasingly enhanced in the international arena.

In recent time, although the world economic context has many fluctuations and slow recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. The country's economy faced many unprecedented difficulties and challenges, the COVID-19 epidemic broke out across the country, heavily affecting production, business and all aspects of social life. However, from the drastic leadership and direction of the Party, the National Assembly and the Government havemade apt and timely decisions, mobilising the strength of the entire political system, the entire Party, the people and the army, as well as the support of the international community. Thanks to which, Vietnam has controlled the epidemic, firmly overcome difficulties, and has achievedmany important achievements in various fields. The countrys socio-economic has recovered strongly with many bright spots, macroeconomic stability and inflation are under control, and great balances have been guaranteed.

50 years have passed, but the great stature and historical significance of the Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu in the Airvictory has always been a great source of encouragement for people to continue to carry out the cause of national renewal. Promoting the lessons, the spirit of the Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu in the Air victory in the new period, the entire Party, people and army will uphold the spirit of patriotism, self-reliance, proactively seizing opportunities to overcome all difficulties and challenges, continue to effectively implement the post-pandemic socio-economic recovery and development programme, promote the strength of the great national unity bloc, and at the same time enlist the help of international friends to successfully carry out the cause of building and defending the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland.