Recalling glorious history
In the warm atmosphere at the Reunification Hall of the Special National Relic of the Independence Palace, generals, heroes of the people’s armed forces, heroic Vietnamese mothers gave each other warm hugs, firm handshakes, and joyful smiles.
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Delegates meeting on the sidelines of the program |
At the event, Senior Colonel and Hero of the People’s Armed Forces Nguyen Van Tau, former Head of Intelligence Group H63 and former Political Commissar of Commando Brigade 316 that directly fought to defend Rach Chiec Bridge during the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, was deeply moved on the day of reunion. The 93-year-old former soldier said that to be able to plant our flag on the rooftop of the Independence Palace and to have the honor of standing here today, countless soldiers and compatriots laid down their lives. He urged the current generation to treasure and forever remember those losses and sacrifices.
At 11:30p.m. on April 30, 1975, comrade Bui Quang Than planted the liberation flag atop the Independence Palace, ending the 30-year long resistance war. To achieve peace, independence, and reunification, countless troops and people shed blood and bravely fought, making glorious victories.
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Sr. Lt. Gen., Hero of the People’s Armed Forces Nguyen Huy Hieu sharing his stories |
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Members of the tank crew numbered 390 recalling the historic moment |
Recalling those heroic days, Senior Lieutenant General, Academician, and Hero of the People’s Armed Forces Nguyen Huy Hieu, former member of the Party Central Committee and former Deputy Minister of National Defense, expressed immense pride. During the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, he served as the Commanding Officer of Regiment 27, Division 320B, Army Corps 1 (now Army Corps 12). On the night of April 29, 1975, while advancing to a location about 10km from Lai Thieu, Thu Dau Mot (now Binh Duong), thanks to the wholehearted help of a Southern woman, he led his unit to swiftly seize the enemy’s armored command post and 13 military bases and workshops the next morning. Then, he coordinated with other units to continue attacking inner-city targets, securing a complete victory. "We fulfilled President Ho Chi Minh’s wish: “Fighting until the U.S. leaves and their puppet administration falls,” he proudly affirmed.
Also at the exchange, crew-members of the tank numbered 390, recalled the moment that the tank crashed through the gate of the Independence Palace and comrade Bui Quang Than, who was a crew-member of the following tank, planted the liberation flag atop the Independence Palace.
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Officers and soldiers at the event |
The 50 delegates at the event symbolized the spirit of the 50th anniversary of national reunification, serving as a source of strength and inspiration for the younger generation to carry on the revolutionary cause. Each hero, warrior, and veteran represent a proud note in the heroic anthem of Vietnam’s history.
Journey of gratitude
Although the war ended 50 years ago, its wounds still linger. The Party, State, and military have always prioritized the gratitude efforts, supporting families of wounded soldiers and martyrs. One of the shining examples is Lieutenant General Luu Phuoc Luong, former Deputy Political Commander of Military Region 9 and former Deputy Head of the Southwestern Steering Committee, now an advisor to the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Supporting Families of Martyrs, who has made dedicated efforts to support and take care of families of wounded soldiers and martyrs. Memories of countless painful losses have obsessed and urged him to devote all his time and energy to locating comrades’ remains and assisting martyrs’ families.
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An artistic performance at the program |
With the approval from the Ministry of the National Defense and the General Department of Political Affairs (GDP), the People’s Army Newspaper, in collaboration with agencies, units, and sponsors organized this event to recall the victory and honor the contribution of heroic Vietnamese mothers, heroes, former soldiers, and the fallen.
Speaking at the event, Major General Doan Xuan Bo, Editor-in-Chief of the People’s Army Newspaper and head of the organizing panel, emphasized that for our country to have such fortune, potential, position and international prestige as it does today is thanks to the forging of thousands of years of history, the glorious martial arts and brilliant literary works of our ancestors, especially thanks to the boundless sacrifices of mothers, heroes, martyrs, brave soldiers and veterans in this era.
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Lt. Gen. Truong Thien To presents flowers and gifts to generals and heroes of the people’s armed forces. |
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Maj. Gen. Doan Xuan Bo presents flowers and gifts to generals and heroes of the people’s armed forces. |
General Bo added that partners accompanying the People’s Army Newspaper at this event are pioneers on a new front, creating new victories in a new era, making the dream of peace, prosperity, and civilization a reality, and giving even deeper meaning to the great victory 50 years ago.
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Delegates in a group photo |
Addressing the event, the GDP’s Deputy Chief Lieutenant General Truong Thien To said that April 30, 1975 marked a brilliant milestone in the nation’s history, ending years of hardship, division, and war. “It was the day when generations of our forefathers-Uncle Ho’s soldiers, including heroes, generals, and veterans present here today, declared to the world that the indomitable will, patriotism, the strength of the Vietnamese people, and our yearning for peace, independence, and national unity are eternal and cannot be subdued by any force,” said General To.
That spirit, willpower, and aspiration remain a burning flame, a source of pride and faith, and a powerful driving force for the entire Party, people, and military in today’s era.
Translated by Tran Hoai