The Party Central Committee’s Commission for Popularisation and Education, in coordination with the Truth-National Political Publishing House and the Air Defence -Air Force, on December 21 released nine publications on issues related to the “Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu in the air” victory and the signing of Paris Peace Accords.

This is only one of numerous activities held across the country to mark the 40th anniversary of the memorable 12 days and nights in December 1972 when the US launched a bombing campaign aimed at northern Vietnam, especially Hanoi and Hai Phong cities.

Armed forces in the north fought back staunchly and shot down 81 US aircraft, including 34 B52s during the bombing blitz. The victory, which came down in history as the “Hanoi Dien Bien Phu in the air” victory, made the US to return to the negotiation table, and finally the Paris Accord on ending the conflict and restoring peace in Vietnam was signed on January 27, 1973.

The northern port city of Hai Phong also opened an exhibition on Dec. 20 to mark the anniversary. The exhibits include 290 photos, 27 documents and excerpts, 33 objects and 160sq.m of old posters.

The same day, in Moscow, Russia, the Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnamese Association in Russia held a meeting to celebrate the 68th founding day of the Vietnam People’s Army, the 40th anniversary of the “Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu in the air” victory and the 23rd All-People’s National Defence Day.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Pham Xuan Son stressed the great and effective assistance of experts from the Soviet Union, both spiritually and materially, to Vietnam during its anti-US resistance for national independence.

Source: VNA