Party General Secretary To Lam, Secretary of the Central Military Commission, attended and delivered a speech at the ceremony.
In his speech, Party General Secretary To Lam, on behalf of the Party and State, extended best wishes to leaders and former leaders of the Party, State, Vietnam Fatherland Front; elder revolutionaries, heroic Vietnamese mothers, Heroes of the People’s Armed Forces, Labor Heroes; wounded and sick soldiers, martyrs’ families, national contributors; generals, officers, and soldiers in the whole military; international friends.
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Artistic performances at the event |
The Party chief recalled the glorious tradition of the VPA over the 80 years of building, combat, victory, and development. Under the directive of President Ho Chi Minh, the Vietnam Dissemination and Liberation Armed Team, the predecessor of the VPA, was established on December 22, 1944. Under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, and strong support from the people, the military achieved remarkable growth and numerous victories. The Vietnamese troops made great contributions to the victory of the August Revolution in 1945, and subsequent achievements in the resistance wars against the French colonialists and the American imperialists, including the historic Dien Bien Phu and Ho Chi Minh Campaign victories.
The Party leader highlighted that the VPA always stands side by side with the people in any circumstances. He emphasized the military’s vanguard role in responding to natural disasters and disease outbreaks, and conducting search and rescue operations. Military officers and soldiers have been present in crucial, difficult, and dangerous areas to protect life and property of the people. They always serve as a firm fulcrum for the people. Many troops have made the ultimate sacrifice during these missions, exemplifying the noble tradition of "Uncle Ho's Soldiers" in the new era.
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Party General Secretary To Lam speaks at the event. |
In the new revolutionary period, Party General Secretary To Lam emphasized the need to uphold and strengthen the Party’s direct and absolute leadership and the State’s centralized and unified management and governance over the military and national defense consolidation and foster the great national unity. He stressed the importance of unwavering commitment to the goals of national independence and socialism, adhering to the principles of all-people defense and people’s warfare. Efforts must focus on developing an all-people defense posture in combination with the all-people security posture and a strong "people’s heart posture."
He strongly believed that the VPA will continue the glorious traditions to obtain more achievements, contributing to the Party and people’s efforts in firmly protecting the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
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Party General Secretry To Lam hands over the Ho Chi Minh Order to the VPA. |
At the event, representatives of the Vietnamese war veterans and youths said that they are proud of the glorious tradition of the VPA. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Van Phiet, a representative of the Vietnamese war veterans, promised to continue to uphold and promote the tradition of the VPA, while representative of the Vietnamese military youths Nguyen Tuan Dung said that the young generation of Vietnam always remembers and is grateful for the sacrifices of heroic martyrs, wounded and sick soldiers, troops from different periods, and heroic Vietnamese mothers. He pledged to be absolutely loyal to the Party, the Fatherland, and the people; steadfastly follow the path chosen by the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, and the nation; stay ready to fight and sacrifice; continue writing the golden pages of Vietnam; and contribute to enriching the heroic traditions of the VPA and the noble image of Uncle Ho's soldiers in this new era.
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Party General Secretry To Lam hands over the Ho Chi Minh Order to the VPA. |
In recognition of its outstanding achievements, the State President decided to present the Ho Chi Minh Order to the VPA. On behalf of the Party and State, Party General Secretary To Lam handed the order to the VPA.
Translated by Tran Hoai