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Defense Minister Phan Van Giang (right) and delegates at the meeting
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Chief of the General Department of Political Affairs Trinh Van Quyet at the event

The event, which was chaired by Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang, was to mark the 80th anniversary of the foundation day of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) (December 22, 1944 - 2024) and the 35th anniversary of the Whole-People's Defense Festive Day (December 22, 1989 - 2024).

Speaking at the meeting, Gen. Giang expressed delight at welcoming former Party and State leaders and retired senior military officers. The defense leader took the occasion to update delegates on global, regional, and domestic developments; key achievements in military and defense work and the Military Party Organization building in 2024. The Defense Minister also shared information about the preparations for the celebration of the 80th founding anniversary of the VPA and the 35th anniversary of the Whole-People's Defense Festive Day.

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An artistic performance at the event
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Delegates in a joint photo

He emphasized that the CMC and MND treasure and are grateful to the significant contribution of leaders and former leaders of the Party and State, generals, and senior military officers from different periods for building the all people's defense and a mature, strong VPA, contributing to firmly protecting the Fatherland. He expected that the delegates would continue their support to help the military achieve the goals set for 2025 and commemorate important events, including the 50th anniversary of the South Liberation and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - 2025), the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 - 2025), and National Day (September 2, 1945 - 2025), contributing to the Party and people’s efforts in firmly safeguarding the Fatherland, guiding the nation steadily into a new era, for peace, national independence, democracy, prosperity, civilization, happiness, and steadfast progress toward socialism.

The same morning, Gen. Giang led a delegation to offer flowers and incense at Ben Duoc Martyrs' Memorial in Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City, which honors over 45,600 fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for national independence and freedom.

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Delegates pay tribute to fallen soldiers.
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Gen. Phan Van Giang offering incense in tribute to the fallen

The event will include various notable activities, such as incense offering in tribute to fallen soldiers, a national-level seminar, exhibition, a grand ceremony on April 30, 2025 that features over 5,000 domestic and international delegates, parades, and cultural performances.

Gen. Giang expressed confidence in the meticulous planning of the Ministry of National Defense and called for continued support from relevant agencies and Ho Chi Minh City.

At the event, Head of the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information and Education Nguyen Trong Nghia commended the preparations and called for a concerted effort to ensure the events reflect the historic significance of the South Liberation and National Reunification.

Translated by Tran Hoai