Grateful and deeply grateful for the immense sacrifices made for Mother Vietnam, so that 'independence could blossom and freedom could bear fruit'.

During the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) and the 35th anniversary of the National Defense Day, representatives of Vietnamese veterans and the younger generation shared their pride in the rich 80-year tradition of the heroic VPA; expressing their deep gratitude and appreciation for the immense contributions and sacrifices of the heroic martyrs, wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, and officers and soldiers of the VPA throughout the revolutionary struggles, so that Mother Vietnam could blossom with independence and bear the fruits of freedom.

Overview of the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army and the 35th anniversary of the National Defense Day.

Proud of the heroic army's tradition of decisive victory. At the ceremony, Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Phiệt (87 years old, Hero of the People's Armed Forces, former Party Secretary and Deputy Commander for Political Affairs of the Air Defense - Air Force Command) had the honor of speaking on behalf of millions of veterans nationwide. Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Phiệt recalled the fierce years of war against the American imperialist invaders. During the 12-day and 12-night campaign, from December 18 to 29, 1972, our army and people defeated the strategic air attack by B52 aircraft of the American imperialists on North Vietnam.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Phiệt.

During this campaign, the Air Defense and Air Force troops, along with the people and army of North Vietnam, shot down 81 aircraft; including 34 B-52s, 16 of which crashed on the spot. His heroic 57th Battalion, 261st Air Defense Missile Regiment, participated in 19 battles, shooting down 4 B-52s. Particularly, on the night of December 20th and the early morning of December 21st, when the number of missiles was low and enemy aircraft were numerous, he commanded the operation to fire missiles one at a time, focusing on destroying the B-52s. After two of these flying fortresses, nicknamed "Thunderbolt" and "Ghost," were shot down, the enemy's combat formation panicked and retreated. The achievements of the 57th Air Defense Battalion played a crucial role, along with the army and people of the whole country, in achieving the historic victory of " Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu in the Air."

Artistic performances at the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army and the 35th anniversary of the National Defense Day.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Phiệt, on behalf of officers and soldiers from all periods, expressed profound respect and gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh, and to the heroic Party, State, and People's Army of Vietnam for guiding, supporting, and nurturing generations in their struggles and growth. Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Phiệt expressed that the veterans returning from the war were deeply moved and always remembered their comrades who bravely sacrificed their lives for the cause of national liberation and reunification. The blood of these heroic martyrs has adorned the revolutionary flag, allowing Mother Vietnam to blossom with independence, bear the fruits of freedom, and contribute to the beautiful life we ​​enjoy today.

Delegates attending the commemoration ceremony.

“We veterans always remind ourselves to live up to the legacy of our comrades with whom we fought side-by-side and bravely sacrificed; to be worthy of the noble honor of 'Uncle Ho's Soldiers'. We must actively uphold and promote the tradition of decisive victory of the heroic Vietnam People's Army and the praise of President Ho Chi Minh ,” Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Phiệt emphasized. Remembering the immense sacrifices of the heroic martyrs, representing the younger generation in the army, Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Tuan Dung (Assistant to the Technical and Technology Department, Z131 Factory, General Department of Defense Industry) proudly stated that he was born and raised in a country that is now peaceful, independent, and unified, free from the flames of war. According to Senior Lieutenant Dung, through the 80-year history of the Vietnam People's Army, the younger generation is deeply impressed and proud of the glorious traditions of our Army.

First Lieutenant Nguyen Tuan Dung.

“Our younger generation will always remember and be deeply grateful for the great contributions and sacrifices of the heroic martyrs, wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, and officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Army throughout the revolutionary struggles. We deeply respect and are immensely grateful to the heroic Vietnamese mothers who silently endured losses and suffering to bring the most precious thing to the nation: ‘independence and freedom…’,” Lieutenant Nguyen Tuan Dung expressed.

The delegates are outstanding young people attending the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army and the 35th anniversary of the National Defense Day.

Lieutenant Nguyen Tuan Dung stated that the immense sacrifices of the older generation have been and continue to inspire successive generations of young soldiers to live in a way that is worthy and does not disappoint those who came before them.

Continuing the glorious and proud tradition, today's Vietnamese youth are steadfastly marching under the glorious banner of the Party, with the flame of revolutionary tradition burning brightly in their hearts, ready to fight and sacrifice; worthy of being the generation that continues to write the golden history of the Vietnamese nation; contributing to further enhancing and glorifying the glorious tradition of the heroic Vietnam People's Army and the noble image of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" in the new era.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/biet-on-khac-ghi-su-hy-sinh-to-lon-cho-dat-me-viet-nam-no-hoa-doc-lap-ket-trai-tu-do-post1702544.tpo