More than a diplomatic event, it was an expression of gratitude from the Palestinian people to the great military leader, a meeting point of two peoples enduring long struggles for national independence and freedom, a vivid testament to the enduring vitality of the ideals of peace, national independence, and aspiration for human liberation to which General Vo Nguyen Giap devoted his whole life.
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General Vo Nguyen Giap. Photo: chinhphu.vn |
Beyond a diplomatic gesture
When a country honors a foreign leader, distinguished figure, or military leader with one of its highest awards, it recognizes their contributions to bilateral relations and honors values that transcend borders, political systems and generations.
For Palestinians, General Vo Nguyen Giap is not only Vietnam’s legendary Commander-in-Chief but also a symbol of resilience, people’s warfare strategy, aspiration for national liberation and the right of oppressed peoples to self-determination.
Many decades ago, the victories of the Vietnamese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh, and military genius of General Vo Nguyen Giap became a powerful source of inspiration for national liberation movements across the world, particularly in Palestine where local people had long endured a hard struggle to realize their legitimate national rights.
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General Vo Nguyen Giap’s son Vo Hong Nam receives the medal on behalf of the family. |
Therefore, the medal honored both the General and Vietnam’s just struggle in the 20th century.
A Vietnamese general, a global symbol
Modern history has witnessed few military commanders whose reputation transcended national boundaries to become a shared symbol for peoples fighting for independence as did General Vo Nguyen Giap.
From Dien Bien Phu Victory in 1954 to the great victory in Spring 1975, General Vo Nguyen Giap demonstrated exceptional military talent, strategic vision, and a unique art of people's warfare. However, his lasting influence comes not only from battlefield victories but from his belief in the power of the people, justice, national determination and the wisdom of the era. Many international scholars have described Vo Nguyen Giap as one of the greatest military strategists of the 20th century. But beyond all these academic assessments, what made him respected is the great personality of a revolutionary soldier always aiming for peace.
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Through Ambassador Saadi Salama, Vo Hong Nam presents Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas with an Arabic edition of the General’s book entitled “Dien Bien Phu.” |
After every victory, he spoke not of destruction but of reconciliation; not of hatred but of peace; not of the power of force but of the power of the people and the strength of justice. Thus, he became a humanitarian and moral symbol admired far beyond military circles.
Shared spirit of two peace-loving peoples
Although Vietnam and Palestine are geographically distant, the two countries share similarities in the history of national struggles. Both peoples have always aspired to independence and freedom; endured suffering, sacrifices, and loss; and persistently protected their sacred right to self-determination. For many Palestinians, the name Vo Nguyen Giap embodies the indomitable spirit of a small nation that refused to surrender to superior force.
The State of Palestine’s posthumous award of the Noble Medal to the General is an affirmation that the values he represented remain relevant today. Those values are national independence; the right of peoples to self-determination; and the pursuit of peace, independence, freedom, humanity, and justice.
Honoring the General, honoring Vietnam
General Vo Nguyen Giap’s life of revolutionary activities was entirely attached to the Party, to President Ho Chi Minh, and to the people and the country of Vietnam. His achievements reflected not only personal brilliance but also the Party’s revolutionary path, great national unity, and strong will of Vietnam.
International recognition of the General is therefore also recognition of Vietnam’s contributions to peace, national liberation, and social progress. It also highlights Vietnam’s growing prestige and influence in global affairs.
A message of peace and justice
General Vo Nguyen Giap repeatedly emphasized that war should be the final option when independence and freedom are threatened, and that peace remains the ultimate goal of all struggles. His life embodied the unity between steadfast determination to defend the Fatherland and an aspiration for peace for humanity.
Therefore, the State of Palestine's posthumous award of the Medal to the General is not a glorification of war, but a glorification of the will to fight justly for peace and justice. In a world still marked by conflict and instability, this message is especially meaningful.
A legacy for today and future generations
Thirteen years after his passing, General Vo Nguyen Giap continues to inspire younger generations through his patriotism, responsibility toward the people, lifelong learning, resilience in adversity, and aspiration for dedication.
For the military, he remains the Big Brother of generations of officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People’s Army.
For the people, he is the General of the people.
For the world, he is a symbol of the struggle for national liberation and peace.
A name that endures
World history may record many great commanders, but only a few become symbols of humanity’s conscience and aspiration for freedom. General Vo Nguyen Giap was one of them.
From Viet Bac to Dien Bien Phu, from Truong Son to Spring 1975, and from Vietnam to Palestine and beyond, his name has symbolized independence, people’s power, and faith in justice.
The Palestinian medal presentation is a milestone carrying political, cultural, military, diplomatic, and humanitarian significance. It is the tribute of the Palestinian people. It is the pride for the Vietnamese people. It is an affirmation that the values that General Vo Nguyen Giap devoted himself to will continue to endure with Vietnam and peace-loving peoples around the world.
Therefore, General Vo Nguyen Giap belongs not only to Vietnam. He belongs to peoples who cherish freedom. He belongs to humanity’s aspiration for peace and he belongs to both history and the future.
Translated by Mai Huong