After 8 decades of building, serving, fighting and growing, despite having many different names and titles, the Army Ceremonial Corps has not only affirmed its role as a force performing ceremonial duties of the Party, State and Army but also become a mark of military music art imbued with national identity, a force that directly contributes to preserving and honoring the image of the heroic Vietnam People's Army in the hearts of the people and international friends.

Military Honor Guard serving the welcoming ceremony for Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on his official visit to Vietnam, July 2023. Photo: DO THIEM

Right from the early days of the August Revolution, in the context of a poor country, primitive means, and lack of training conditions, with absolute loyalty and steadfast belief in the Party, Uncle Ho and the revolutionary ideals, the musicians of the Liberation Army Music Band have strived to excellently complete their assigned tasks. They are not only soldiers on the cultural and spiritual fronts but also directly participate in the fight to protect the Fatherland during difficult moments in history.

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

During the resistance war against the US to save the country, the Army Ceremonial Corps continued to promote the revolutionary tradition, many cadres and soldiers did not hesitate to endure hardships and volunteered to fight in the South. Notably, on July 20, 1964, nearly 100 musicians of the Corps performed directly and faced the enemy right at the Hien Luong bridge area of the Ben Hai River - the border dividing the two regions. With the sound of trumpets and drums, they contributed to creating a "victory by sound", encouraging the spirit of the army and people of the South, strengthening the belief in the inevitable victory on the path to national liberation.

After the country's reunification, the Military Ceremonial Corps continued to actively participate in the cause of national construction and defense. Not only serving important domestic political events, the Corps also expanded its scope of activities to the foreign affairs sector, coordinating the organization of 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 innovation and deep international integration, the Delegation continues to be assigned important political tasks. In the past 5 years alone, despite facing many difficulties, especially the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Delegation has still successfully completed more than 100 ceremonies to welcome heads of state, more than 900 ceremonial tasks of central departments and branches and nearly 2,000 funerals at all levels. In particular, the Delegation has participated in national and international events such as: the 13th National Party Congress, the 11th National Party Congress of the Army, National Assembly sessions, celebrations of major national holidays, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC), the ASEAN Summit, the International Defense Exhibition, the 31st SEA Games, bilateral and multilateral defense exchanges, etc.

Each assigned task, the Delegation carries out with a high sense of responsibility, professionalism and unique artistry. The solemn and heroic ceremonies, the solemn and spirited music not only contribute to honoring political events but also leave a deep impression in the hearts of the people and international friends, promoting the image of the country and the dynamic and friendly Vietnamese people, and the regular and modern Vietnam People's Army.

On the path of steadfastly following the Party, the revolution and the development journey, the officers and soldiers of the Army Ceremonial Corps have written the tradition of "Infinite loyalty, solidarity, dynamism and creativity, exemplary discipline, serving the Fatherland and the people". The Corps has been recognized by the Party, the State and the Army, and awarded many noble awards: the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces in the renovation period; the Second and Third Class Independence Medals; the Military Exploit Medal, the Feat of Arms Medal, the Fatherland Protection Medal... Along with that, many artists have been awarded noble titles such as: People's Artist, Meritorious Artist, Meritorious Teacher, Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature and Arts, hundreds of collectives and individuals have been awarded at all levels. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Traditional Day (August 20, 1945 / August 20, 2025), the Army Ceremonial Corps was honored to be awarded the Second Class Fatherland Protection Medal by the Party and the State.

In the coming time, the officers and soldiers of the Military Ceremonial Corps clearly identify the honor and great responsibility towards the Fatherland and the people. With the spirit of innovation, creativity and high political determination, the Corps continues to improve the quality of training, standardize rituals, and foster a human resource with comprehensive qualities and capabilities to meet the requirements of tasks in the new situation. In any circumstance, the Corps will be determined to improve its mettle, intelligence, discipline and dedication, and excellently complete its tasks. 80 years, a journey full of challenges but also full of pride, the Military Ceremonial Corps continues to affirm its role as the main unit in performing ceremonial tasks, contributing to enhancing the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers and the glorious tradition of the heroic Vietnam People's Army.

Colonel NGUYEN THIEN HOC, Head of the Military Ceremonial Delegation

* Readers are invited to visit the 80th Anniversary of August Revolution and National Day September 2 to see related news and articles.

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