Throughout eight decades of building, serving, fighting, and maturing, despite bearing many different names and designations, the Army Ceremonial Band has not only affirmed its role as a force performing ceremonial duties for the Party, State, and Army, but has also become a hallmark of military music art with a strong national identity, directly contributing to preserving and honoring the image of the heroic Vietnam People's Army in the hearts of the people and international friends.

The Army Ceremonial Unit serving at the welcoming ceremony for Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's official visit to Vietnam, July 2023. Photo: DO THIEM

From the very beginning of the successful August Revolution, despite the country's poverty, rudimentary resources, and limited training conditions, the musicians of the Liberation Army Music Band, with their absolute loyalty and unwavering faith in the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, and the revolutionary ideals, strived to excellently fulfill their assigned tasks. They were not only soldiers on the cultural and spiritual front but also directly participated in fighting to defend the Fatherland during the most critical moments of history.

During the resistance war against French colonialism, the military band members fought alongside the army and people of the capital for 60 heroic days and nights, with the spirit of "Fighting to the death for the survival of the Fatherland." Even with only brass instruments and large drums, they contributed to strengthening the revolutionary spirit, encouraging fighting spirit, and maintaining the people's belief in victory. The image of the military band present at momentous historical events such as the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, the first session of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, or the celebration of the Dien Bien Phu Victory... has left a deep impression on the memories of many generations. This is proof of the special role of ceremonial music in arousing patriotism, national spirit, and affirming the legitimacy of an independent nation.

During the resistance war against the US, the Army Ceremonial Band continued to uphold its revolutionary traditions. Many officers and soldiers, undeterred by hardship, volunteered to fight in the South. In particular, on July 20, 1964, nearly 100 musicians from the band directly performed and confronted the enemy at the Hien Luong Bridge on the Ben Hai River – the demarcation line separating the two regions. Through their trumpets and drums, they contributed to a "victory through sound," boosting the morale of the Southern army and people, and reinforcing their unwavering belief in the ultimate victory of national liberation.

After the reunification of the country, the Army Ceremonial Corps continued to actively participate in the building and protection of the Fatherland. Not only serving major political events domestically, the Corps also expanded its activities into the field of foreign affairs, coordinating military ceremonies with the armies of Laos and Cambodia, contributing to strengthening the solidarity and friendship between the three Indochinese countries.

During the period of extensive reform and international integration, the Delegation continued to be entrusted with important political tasks. In the last five years alone, despite facing numerous difficulties, particularly the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Delegation successfully completed over 100 welcoming ceremonies for heads of state, over 900 ceremonial duties for central government agencies, and nearly 2,000 funerals at all levels. Notably, the Delegation participated in national and international events such as: the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 11th Congress of the Party Committee of the Vietnam People's Army, National Assembly sessions, celebrations of major national holidays, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum, the ASEAN Summit, the International Defence Exhibition, the 31st SEA Games, and various bilateral and multilateral defense exchanges...

Each assigned task was carried out with a high sense of responsibility, professionalism, and outstanding artistry. The solemn and majestic ceremonial performances, the powerful and spirited music, not only contributed to honoring political events but also left a deep impression on the people and international friends, promoting the image of a dynamic and peaceful Vietnam, and the regular and modern Vietnam People's Army.

Throughout their steadfast journey following the Party, the revolution, and the path of development, the officers and soldiers of the Army Ceremonial Regiment have forged a tradition of "unwavering loyalty, unity, dynamism, creativity, discipline, and exemplary service to the Fatherland and the people." The Regiment has been recognized and awarded many prestigious honors by the Party, the State, and the Army: the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces during the đổi mới (renovation) period; the Second and Third Class Independence Orders; the Military Merit Order, the Combat Merit Order, the Order of National Defense... In addition, many artists have been awarded prestigious titles such as People's Artist, Meritorious Artist, Meritorious Teacher, the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature and Arts, and hundreds of collectives and individuals have received commendations from various levels. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of its founding (August 20, 1945 / August 20, 2025), the Army Ceremonial Regiment is honored to receive the Second Class Order of National Defense from the Party and the State.

In the coming period, officers and soldiers of the Army Ceremonial Regiment clearly recognize the great honor and responsibility they bear towards the Fatherland and the people. With a spirit of innovation, creativity, and high political determination, the Regiment will continue to improve the quality of training, standardize ceremonies, and cultivate a successor workforce with comprehensive qualities and capabilities to meet the requirements of the mission in the new situation. Under any circumstances, the Regiment will be determined to enhance its courage, intelligence, discipline, and dedication, and to excellently fulfill its nhiệm vụ. Eighty years, a journey full of challenges but also full of pride, the Army Ceremonial Regiment continues to affirm its role as the leading unit in carrying out ceremonial duties, contributing to enhancing the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers and the glorious traditions of the heroic Vietnam People's Army.

Colonel NGUYEN THIEN HOC, Commander of the Army Ceremonial Unit

* Please visit the section on the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd to view related news and articles.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/chang-duong-vung-buoc-and-hanh-trinh-vinh-quang-842084