100th Anniversary of the Birth of General Doan Khue: An Outstanding Son of Quang Tri Province

General Doan Khue, former member of the Politburo and former Minister of National Defense , was an outstanding politician, a talented leader, and a military commander of the Vietnam People's Army.

His entire life and career were a shining example; a staunch communist fighter, steadfastly loyal and dedicated, who spent his life fighting for the ideals of national independence and socialism, and for the happiness of the people. He was also an outstanding son of his homeland, Quang Tri .

General Doan Khue, Minister of National Defense, speaking at the First National Congress of the Vietnam Veterans Association (1992). Photo: Tran Son/VNA.

Dedicated to my homeland, Quang Tri.

General Đoàn Khuê, also known by his pseudonym Võ Tiến Trình, was born on October 29, 1923, in Gia Đẳng village, Triệu Tân commune (now Triệu Lăng commune), Triệu Phong district, Quảng Trị province. He grew up in a patriotic family with a tradition of revolutionary struggle. In 1930, at the age of 16, he joined the Anti-Imperialist Youth Movement and later served as the Secretary of the National Salvation Youth Movement in Triệu Phong district.

In late 1940, he was captured by the enemy and imprisoned in Quang Tri prison, then exiled to Buon Ma Thuot. Released in May 1945, he returned to Quang Binh province to build a revolutionary base. In June 1945, he was admitted to the Indochinese Communist Party. Throughout the two wars of resistance against France and the United States, he fought and commanded in Military Region 5. After the reunification of the country, he was elected a member of the Central Committee of the Party and Commander of Military Region 5.

In 1986, he was appointed Deputy Minister of National Defence and Commander of the 719th Command, Head of the Expert Delegation serving on international missions in Cambodia. From 1987 to 1991, he was Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army; from 1991 to 1997, he was a member of the Politburo and Minister of National Defence.

General Doan Khue was an outstanding politician and military leader who made many contributions to the Party, the nation, and the Vietnam People's Army (1986). Photo: VNA

As a National Assembly representative for Binh Tri Thien province and Quang Tri province, despite being busy with national affairs, General Doan Khue always fulfilled his responsibilities and duties to his homeland of Quang Tri. In the years when transportation was underdeveloped, he had to roll up his trousers and walk for kilometers on the sand to reach the voters in the impoverished coastal region.

General Doan Khue also frequently traveled by truck with border guards and officers, traversing many treacherous mountain passes to reach voters in ethnic minority and mountainous regions. Each time he returned to his hometown of Quang Tri for work and to meet with voters, General Doan Khue always took the time to visit and understand the realities of people's lives. Wherever he went, he meticulously inquired about everything from production and livestock farming to education and healthcare, attentively listening to and understanding the concerns and aspirations of voters, encouraging them to overcome difficulties and develop socio-economic conditions. Wherever he went, the General was warmly welcomed by the people and voters because of his simple, compassionate, and responsible demeanor.

General Doan Khue, Minister of National Defense, with units awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces (1994). Photo: Minh Dien/TTXVN

Mr. Hoang Duc Thang, a National Assembly representative from Quang Tri province, said: "When working with local leaders, General Doan Khue always clearly indicated which agency and level of government was responsible for resolving the issues raised by voters, and where the difficulties and obstacles originated. From there, the General reminded and instructed local officials: 'Our people are still poor, and life is still full of hardships. Caring for the lives of the people is the responsibility of the Party and the government. We must pay attention to listening to the opinions of the people, understanding their thoughts and aspirations; we must have very specific and practical policies for the people; especially policies on poverty alleviation, cultural and social development, and policies for families who have contributed to the revolution.' The General also reminded: 'If you can do something immediately that the people request, do it, don't make promises and then not deliver, because that will erode the people's trust.'"

Comrade Doan Khue (third from the left) with the delegation of the Vietnam People's Army attending the 6th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (1986). Photo: Kim Hung/VNA

According to Quang Tri Provincial Party Secretary Le Quang Tung, regardless of his position or responsibilities, Comrade Doan Khue always kept his heart focused on his homeland of Quang Tri, considering it the source and foundation of his life's work. Whenever he had the opportunity to visit his hometown, he dedicated his precious time to going to remote and disadvantaged areas to understand and listen to the opinions and aspirations of the people, encouraging them to overcome difficulties and build a new life. The General always gave heartfelt advice and guidance to the Party Committee, government, and people on socio-economic development, ensuring national defense and security, building the Party and the political system, and gradually building a more developed and prosperous Quang Tri, where the people are well-off and happy.

General Doan Khue, Minister of National Defence, visits the military booth at the Vietnam International Trade Fair 1994. Photo: Phuong Thao/VNA

Trieu Lang's hometown is becoming increasingly prosperous.

Upon arriving in Trieu Lang commune, we heard many stories about General Doan Khue's deep affection for his homeland. He was portrayed as a simple, honest, and exemplary general, deeply devoted to the people of Trieu Lang and his hometown of Quang Tri. Wherever he went, the General would kindly inquire about the well-being of the people and officials; reminding the commune's Party Committee to dedicate more time and effort to economic development, employment, and the people's lives. In particular, he was always deeply concerned about how to make his homeland increasingly prosperous and how to ensure the people's lives were comfortable and happy. Without hesitation or distance, the people of Trieu Lang were open and candid whenever they met the General, raising all their questions and concerns, and expressing their joy at the changes taking place in their hometown.

General Doan Khue, member of the Politburo, welcomes Comrade Kaysone Phomvihane, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, to attend the 7th National Congress of the Party (1991). Photo: Xuan Tuan/VNA

According to Mr. Dang Quang Hai, Chairman of the People's Committee of Trieu Lang commune, the commune has made remarkable progress in various fields, and the quality of life for its people has improved. From a poor coastal commune where people faced many difficulties and lacked basic infrastructure in culture, education, and healthcare, the average income has now reached 55.7 million VND/person/year, various industries have developed strongly, and the poverty rate has decreased to 4.28%. The infrastructure system has been invested in comprehensively. Small-scale industries, trade, and services in the commune have developed strongly. All 5 villages in the commune have achieved the title of "Cultural Village".

The percentage of households meeting cultural standards is 98%. Mass cultural activities are thriving, and the sports movement is widespread. Each village has a cultural center, sports field, and playground for children and the elderly. In 2023, Trieu Lang commune was recognized by the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee as achieving the new rural standard, and the homeland is becoming increasingly prosperous. The achievements in various fields further strengthen the people's trust in the Party, creating an important foundation for the commune to take a new step in development in the next phase.

General Doan Khue, Minister of National Defense, visits and works at Military Region 5 (1996). Photo: Xuan Quang/TTXVN

“The exemplary loyalty and devotion to the Fatherland, the people, and the homeland of General Doan Khue will forever shine brightly, reminding every son and daughter of the heroic Trieu Lang commune to always strive, study, and train tirelessly, worthy of continuing the revolutionary cause in the General's homeland. We pledge to forever learn from the example of General Doan Khue, considering it a strength and resource to continue promoting innovation and building a more prosperous and beautiful homeland, as envisioned and hoped for by the General,” shared Mr. Le Xuan Loc, Secretary of the Party Committee of Trieu Lang commune.

According to VNA/News Agency

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