Grand ceremony celebrates 75th anniversary of Vietnam People’s Army

(Bqp.vn) - A grand ceremony was held by the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence in Hanoi on December 21 to celebrate the 30th All People’s Defence Festival and the 75th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army.

Delegates at the event. (photo: Duc Anh)

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, along with incumbent and former Party and State leaders, foreign senior military officials, revolutionary veterans, Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, Heroes of the People’s Armed Forces, and Heroes of Labour.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich inspecting the VPA’s Guard of Honour. (photo: Duc Anh)

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich inspecting the VPA’s Guard of Honour. (photo: Duc Anh)

In his speech, General Ngo Xuan Lich, Vice Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defence, expressed deep gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh, Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap, along with historical leaders, national heroes, martyrs and people who heroically fought and sacrificed for the sake of the country’s independence and freedom, the people’s happiness.

General Ngo Xuan Lich delivering the speech at the ceremony. (photo: Duc Anh)

General Ngo Xuan Lich also acknowledged the nationwide people’s joint efforts to build strong all-people defence, along with the precious support from the militaries and people of other countries for the Vietnamese army and people in the struggle for national liberation in the past and national development and safeguarding nowadays. He also affirmed that officers and soldiers of the whole army pledge to be absolutely loyal to the Party, State, people and socialist regime. They are determined to successfully perform the army’s functions and forever be a special political force, an absolutely loyal combatant force, and the core force in joining the people to firmly safeguard the nation.

On behalf of the Party and State leaders, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc bestowed a first-class Military Exploit Order upon the VPA and some high-ranking officers of the army in recognition of their particularly excellent achievements in the VPA building, defence consolidation, and contributions to socialism building and national protection.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc presenting the first-class Military Exploit Order to the Vietnam People’s Army. (photo: Duc Anh)

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc presenting the first-class Military Exploit Order to the leaders of the Ministry of National Defence. (photo: Duc Anh)

Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc stressed that under the absolute and direct leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, upholding patriotism and the nation’s military art, and with the support of the people and international friends, over the last 75 years, the VPA has joined hands with the people to obtain great victories in liberating and safeguarding the nation and fulfilling international missions.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc addressing the event. (photo: Duc Anh)

The VPA has continually overcome every difficulty and challenge while resolutely and persistently fighting to firmly protect the country’s sovereignty and territory. It has also taken the lead in natural disaster prevention and control, search and rescue activities, and settlement of war consequences, while effectively taking part in socio-economic development, economic-defence zone building, and the construction of the country’s strategic works, he said.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan in a group photo with the delegates. (photo: Duc Anh)

Applauding the VPA’s achievements, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed that those prominent successes have substantially helped reinforce the great national unity bloc and promote defence capability and the all people’s defence, thus deserving the trust and noble rewards granted by the Party, State and people.