Echoes of Plei Me - The epic of the Central Highlands

On the morning of November 19, at Kpa Klong Square, Chu Prong Commune, Gia Lai Province, the Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province held a ceremony to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Plei Me Victory (November 19, 1965 - November 19, 2025).

The ceremony was attended by leaders and former leaders of the Party and State; representatives of the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defense ; Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, Heroes of the People's Armed Forces, veterans and historical witnesses, and a large number of people of all ethnic groups in Gia Lai province.

The event not only reviews the tradition, honors the sacrifices and contributions of the Central Highlands army and people, but also encourages the young generation to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors, build Gia Lai rich, civilized, and rich in identity, and make worthy contributions to the cause of protecting peace , sovereignty and the sacred territorial integrity of the Fatherland.

In a solemn atmosphere, all delegates and people took a minute to commemorate President Ho Chi Minh , heroic martyrs, cadres, soldiers and compatriots who sacrificed and contributed to the Plei Me victory - the first large-scale counterattack of the Liberation Army directly confronting the US army in the Central Highlands.

Offering incense to commemorate heroic martyrs at the Gia Lai province martyrs cemetery.

At the event, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People's Council Rah Lan Chung emphasized that 60 years ago, the Central Military Commission and the General Command decided to launch the Plei Me Campaign. On October 19, 1965, our army surrounded the US-puppet base at Plei Me Station with flexible troop movements and bold tactics. The climax was the decisive battle of Ia Drang (November 14-19, 1965), the first time the US army - the most modern expeditionary force - directly confronted the Vietnam Liberation Army. At the end of the campaign, our army and people achieved a resounding victory, forcing the US imperialists to recognize the strength and mettle of the Vietnamese people. The Plei Me victory is a testament to the strength of solidarity between the army and people of the Central Highlands, demonstrating the indomitable will of the Vietnamese people in the resistance war against the US imperialists. Looking back sixty years, this event is an opportunity to pay tribute to the past and illuminate the development path of Gia Lai today - the second largest province in the country, a frontline defense line, rich in economic, defense and security potential.

Senior Lieutenant General Le Duc Thai, member of the Party Central Committee, member of the Central Military Commission, Deputy Minister of National Defense, affirmed: The Plei Me victory is a brilliant milestone, representing the dignity and will of Vietnam. He respectfully sent his warm feelings to the people of Gia Lai and the armed forces, and at the same time praised the resilience, ingenuity, creativity, and selfless sacrifice of the cadres and soldiers of the Central Highlands Front and the Jrai, Bahnar, Ede, Xo Dang ethnic groups... who became a strong shield, dividing rice, dividing water, opening trails, and protecting the troops with their own homes. Senior Lieutenant General Le Duc Thai emphasized: Without the people, there would be no Plei Me.

Deputy Minister of National Defense Le Duc Thai said the Ministry will continue to accompany and support Gia Lai in developing its defense potential, building a strong and comprehensive local armed force, consolidating the national defense posture, people's security and people's hearts, especially in strategic border and coastal areas and ethnic minority areas.

The Plei Me victory was not only a military victory, but also had great strategic and political significance. This was the first time the Liberation Army directly confronted the US army in the Central Highlands and won, forcing the US imperialists to adjust their strategy, while strengthening the confidence of the Southern revolution. This victory also left many valuable lessons in the art of command, mountain warfare tactics, and the spirit of close military-civilian coordination.

Within the framework of the Ceremony, the Organizing Committee screened a documentary film recreating the fighting spirit and bravery of the soldiers, local armed forces and people of the Central Highlands. The art program was performed by the Dam San General Music and Dance Theater with the performances "Night March", "Advancing under the Military Flag", "The Road Forward", full of heroic sounds, paying tribute to generations of fathers and brothers.

On this occasion, leaders of the Ministry of National Defense, Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Gia Lai province presented gifts to express gratitude to witnesses and relatives; awarded the Provincial Historical Relic Ranking Certificate "Ia Drang Valley Victory in 1965" to Ia Puch commune, recognizing the strategic significance of the battle.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/am-vang-plei-me-ban-hung-ca-dai-ngan-tay-nguyen-20251119113504183.htm