This occasion offers the entire nation a moment to reflect on the military's historical journey, honoring and remembering the soldiers who have made invaluable contributions to protecting the homeland and developing the country through many tumultuous periods.
A grand celebration of the 80th founding anniversary of the VPA will be held on December 20 at the National Convention Center, with the participation of top leaders of the Party and State.
In recent days, numerous activities across various fields have been launched, including cultural, literary, artistic, and sports events, as well as exhibitions, fairs, seminars, and forums honoring the nation’s heroes and martyrs, all taking place across the country.
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A view of the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024 |
According to the Ministry of National Defense, 1,832 projects worth over 262.6 billion VND (more than 10.3 million USD) have been undertaken to mark the occasion, with 1,424 projects completed and 408 still in progress.
The VPA has provided funds and built thousands of homes for veterans and disadvantaged families, helping to replace temporary shelters and dilapidated houses in various regions.
Glorious journey of the VPA
On December 22, 1944, in a forest in the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang, the Vietnam Dissemination and Liberation Armed Team was founded with just 34 soldiers. This was the precursor to the modern VPA.
From the very beginning of the revolutionary struggle, the Communist Party of Vietnam identified the army as a force of the working people, established to fight for the rights and welfare of the people.
President Ho Chi Minh affirmed: “Our Army is a people’s army, born from the people, fighting to regain independence and unification of the Fatherland, to protect freedom and happiness of the people. Our Army has no other interests than the interests of the people."
This ideology became the guiding principle that defined the revolutionary nature of the VPA, creating immense strength that allowed the army to overcome every obstacle and achieve victory in each historical stage, from the struggles for national liberation and reunification to the cause of national building and development today.
Since its formation, the VPA has made unceasing efforts to protect the nation, bring peace, and ensure the happiness of the people.
During the resistance against French colonialism, the army demonstrated its "fight for the people" ethos in every battle. In the 1947 Viet Bac Campaign, the army and the people worked together to repel enemy attacks, protect vital strongholds, and maintain the people’s trust in the revolution.
The Border Campaign in 1950 marked a turning point in the war, breaking the enemy’s encirclement and expanding the liberated area, creating an impetus for the extended struggle. The greatest victory was the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954, when, with the unwavering support of the people, the army decisively defeated the French, forcing them to sign the Geneva Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Vietnam.
After the complete liberation of North Vietnam, the army and people embarked on the struggle against American imperialism, with the noble mission of reunifying the country. The legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail became a symbol of the army’s courage and sacrifice, as tens of thousands of soldiers died to ensure the safe passage of troops and supplies to the South. Major campaigns like the 1968 Spring General Offensive and Uprising and the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign of 1975 clearly demonstrated the army’s resolve in liberating the people from the control of American imperialists and the Saigon regime, bringing peace to the nation. The victorious Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975 marked the end of the war and the reunification of the country, demonstrating the heroism of the VPA.
After the war ended, the army played a key role in production activities, rebuilding infrastructure, and helping regions devastated by war.
The military became a central force in reconstructing damaged areas, providing healthcare, education, and essential goods to underdeveloped regions, making significant contributions to stabilizing the country and helping it enter the era of Doi Moi (Renewal).
Since the country began the Doi Moi cause, the VPA has continued to serve the people, always present in the most challenging and dangerous areas, risking lives to protect people’s safety and property.
The army has always taken the lead in efforts to eliminate poverty, build new-style rural areas, respond to natural disasters, fight against sabotage attempts and hostile forces, and maintain national peace and security.
The images of Uncle Ho's soldiers whether repairing dikes, rescuing people during floods, constructing much needed homes, helping communities recover from natural disasters, or combating pandemics, has further highlighted the noble qualities of the VPA.
"During the pandemic, the army fought not only by orders from their commanders but also by the command of their hearts, standing by the people in their most difficult moments. The days when the army helped the people fight the epidemic create more proud chapters in the VPA's history with beautiful images of the 'Uncle Ho's Soldiers," Phan Van Mai, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City’s People's Committee, said on December 19, 2021, after the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the same event, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed with deep emotion: “The army has served the people with all their heart and soul."
The VPA's spirit of "fighting for the people" has extended beyond national borders. Generations of Vietnamese military personnel, including volunteer soldiers and military experts, have stood side by side with the people and armed forces of Laos and Cambodia, enduring hardship and sacrifice to help them achieve independence, fostering the deep bond of solidarity between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. This spirit continues today, embodied in Vietnam's peacekeeping missions, reflecting the country's role and responsibility on the international stage.
On December 10, 2024, U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Atul Khare highlighted the outstanding contributions of Vietnam’s peacekeeping units, especially the Level-2 field hospitals and engineering teams in Africa, while expressing gratitude for the fallen soldiers in the liberation of Vietnam and for international peace and security.
After 80 years of construction and development, the VPA has truly proven its revolutionary nature as an army "born from the people, fighting for the people, and serving the people."
Source: VNA