The historical revolutionary value of the “Long-haired Army” and the “Three Virtues” movement in the resistance war against American imperialism and their creative application in the new era, the era of the Vietnamese people's rise

Member of the Politburo, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission Nguyen Trong Nghia visits the ladies of the "Long-haired Army" force_Photo: phunuvietnam.vn

About the "Legendary Long-Haired Army" and the "Three Virtuous" Movement

The image of women, mothers or the “matriarchal” element,… has always existed firmly in the minds of Vietnamese people, considered a philosophy of life, a world view in daily life and in labor and production activities. Through hundreds of years of fighting to build and defend the country, since the Hung Kings period, generations of women in our country have made great and remarkable contributions; always being an important force in the fight against invaders and protecting the Fatherland. The beginning of the tradition of “when the enemy comes, women also fight” was the image of two heroic female generals Trung Trac and Trung Nhi in the uprising against the Northern domination, which gave immortal inspiration in the fight against foreign invaders for future generations. Next is the image of Mrs. Trieu Thi Trinh with her indomitable spirit and strong will that terrified the Ngo invaders, so that generations of Vietnamese people will forever remember, expressed right in the simple, daily lullaby of many mothers that "if you want to see, go up the mountain and see General Trieu riding an elephant and beating the gong",... Along with that, women are always an important labor force contributing to socio-economic development and promoting social progress.

After the success of the August Revolution (1945), the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was established, marking a fundamental change in the lives of women. From then on, Vietnamese women and men worked together to protect and build the Fatherland. On March 8, 1952, in a letter to Vietnamese women on the occasion of the anniversary of the Trung Sisters' Uprising and International Women's Day, President Ho Chi Minh emphasized: "The beautiful landscape of Vietnam is woven and embroidered by our women, young and old, to make it more beautiful and brilliant" ⁽¹ ); He further affirmed: "The Vietnamese people are a heroic people... Vietnamese women are heroic women" ⁽²⁾ . He affirmed: "Each and every woman must enthusiastically take on the responsibility of being the master of the country, that is, must strive to increase production and practice thrift to build the country, build socialism" ⁽³⁾ .

After the Geneva Agreement was signed (1954), our country was divided into two regions with two different political tasks. In which, the North entered the transitional period to socialism; at the same time, we had to carry out the people's national democratic revolution in the South, moving towards peace and national reunification. During this period, women played an important role on both fronts, typically the "Three Responsibilities" movement in the North and the "Long-Haired Army" in the South. In terms of geography, historical conditions, and political tasks, although different, the two movements had the same goal of national independence, freedom, happiness, and prosperity for the people, because the revolutions of the two regions had a closely-knit relationship, coordinated with each other, and were the relationship between the rear and the front. Both movements demonstrate the political mettle, intelligence, bravery, indomitability, and diligence, perseverance, loyalty, and party spirit of Vietnamese women, leaving behind many lasting values ​​for future generations. Regardless of the circumstances or tasks, women always fulfill their roles excellently, making an important contribution to promoting the country's overall strength.

About the "Long-haired Army" - the legend of generations of resilient, indomitable, patriotic women of the Vietnamese people

In the history of the struggle for national liberation of our army and people, in the South, where the American imperialists and the puppet regime occupied, the people of the South were always determined and brave to rise up and drive out the enemy, and from that patriotic spirit, many revolutionary armies were born. In Ben Tre province, the "Long-haired Army" gathered simple, honest women in everyday life but indomitable and courageous in combat. The "Long-haired Army" was born from the cradle of the Dong Khoi movement (Ben Tre province) on January 17, 1960, which was the name of the direct political struggle force of women participating in the Dong Khoi period. Their contributions contributed to making history, contributing to the overall victory of the nation.

During this period, our Party determined that the revolutionary movement in the South must combine political struggle with armed struggle, using armed forces to promote revolutionary propaganda, restore mass organizations, protect Party bases to support the political struggle of the people. Accordingly, to counter the enemy's plot, the Ben Tre Provincial Party Committee reached a consensus on building a plan to mobilize the people to directly fight political struggles throughout the province. By March 15, 1960, more than 5,000 women of many backgrounds and ages were organized into a "long-haired army" with more than 200 boats and canoes entering Mo Cay district, carrying out tasks such as helping to treat the wounded, providing medicine, food, rice and grain to the people when the enemy withdrew so that the people could return to work in peace... The "long-haired army" was assembled, commanded and used by comrade Nguyen Thi Dinh (Miss Ba Dinh) using three prongs: politics, military affairs and weapons to attack the US - puppet army. Despite the enemy's repeated use of vicious tricks such as cutting hair with scissors, arresting, imprisoning, torturing, soaking in water, exposing to the sun, raping, persecuting..., the women were still determined not to reveal revolutionary bases, not to reveal their comrades ⁽⁴⁾ .

The image of a woman wearing a black Ao Ba Ba, wrapped in a checkered scarf, strongly “walking like a flood” originated from the Dong Khoi movement, worthy of the 8 golden words: “Brave Dong Khoi, defeated the Americans, destroyed the puppets”. It can be affirmed that the development of the “Long-haired Army” is one of the unique phenomena of the movement against the American imperialists in the South; it has resounded and spread throughout the region, further glorifying the tradition of patriotism, indomitability, loyalty, and industriousness of Vietnamese women, worthy of being the descendants of the Trung Sisters and Trieu Thi Trinh of the past.

About the "Three Responsibilities" Movement - the endless potential and intelligence of heroic Vietnamese women

In the atmosphere of the fierce competition against American imperialism, to save the country, liberate the South, and unify the country, on March 18, 1965, based on the movement initiated in Dan Phuong district, Ha Tay province (now Hanoi city), the Central Executive Committee of the Vietnam Women's Union proposed to the Party Central Committee to organize the "Three Responsibilities" Women's Movement with 3 contents: 1- Women take on production and work to replace their husbands and children who go to war; 2- Women take on family responsibilities for their husbands, children, and brothers who join the army and serve long-term in the army; 3- Women take on combat service, participate in the militia and self-defense forces, and conduct military training to be ready for combat, and serve the army, police, and militia and self-defense forces in combat. The proposal of the Vietnam Women's Union was approved by the Party Central Committee. On March 22, 1965, the Central Standing Committee of the Vietnam Women's Union issued Directive No. 03 launching the women's movement "Three responsibilities". To promote the effectiveness of the movement, Uncle Ho suggested amending the "Three responsibilities" movement to the "Three responsibilities" movement.

It can be said that the “Three Virtues” women’s movement was a brilliant milestone in the history of the Vietnamese women’s movement as well as the activities of the Vietnam Women’s Union at that time. By actively participating in the “Three Virtues” movement, women clearly demonstrated their great revolutionary role and ability, patriotism, creative labor, self-reliance, and willingness to sacrifice for the Fatherland and the people of tens of millions of women in the Ho Chi Minh era. The “Three Virtues” movement also reflected the will and aspirations for independence and freedom of women, affirming the capacity of the Vietnam Women’s Union as well as the great strength and creativity of women under the leadership of the Party. From the center of the "Three Virtues" movement, the Northern women's classes spread out in patriotic emulation movements in all fields of production and combat. Other movements include "Three Ready", "Plowman, Gunman", "Hammer, Gunman", "Two Good", "Singing Over the Bombs",... helping women contribute and mature.

In fact, the “Three Virtues” movement has answered many questions: Should we fight the Americans or not? What is the basis and where does the strength come from to defeat the enemy? What is the wisdom and strength of Vietnamese women in the face of historical challenges? The successes of the “Three Virtues” movement are not only valuable in educating and promoting the traditions of Vietnamese women, but also suggest ways to promote the role of women in the cause of building socialism and defending the Fatherland today ⁽⁵⁾ .

Applying the historical value of the "Long-haired Army" and the "Three Virtues" movement in the current situation

In the context of a rapidly changing and unpredictable world, political and economic relations becoming complicated and unstable, the requirement is to find a way to promote the nation's combined strength, make the most of opportunities and advantages, push back risks and challenges, and bring the country to comprehensive and strong development, breakthrough and take off. After nearly 40 years of implementing the renovation process, with the position and strength accumulated as well as new opportunities and fortunes, our country has all the conditions to enter a new era, an era of national development, an era of development, completing the goal of "by the middle of the 21st century, our country will become a developed country with high income, following the socialist orientation, successfully realizing the wish of President Ho Chi Minh and the aspirations of the entire nation, bringing the country to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world powers" ⁽⁶⁾ . Accordingly, in order to "strongly arouse national spirit, spirit of independence, self-confidence, self-reliance, national pride, and aspiration for national development" ⁽⁷⁾ , it is necessary to continue to promote and maximize the role of women in socio-economic development as well as national defense, while ensuring the protection, care, nurturing, and education of future generations of the Fatherland.

Currently, the task of building and defending the Fatherland is affected by the process of globalization and international integration, especially when the Fourth Industrial Revolution is developing and achieving miraculous achievements, creating new opportunities, while also posing many challenges for each country, ethnic group, and women in particular. The role of women is not only limited to the family, but also directly participates in creating and building the country, and is a force promoting the development of the whole society. Accordingly, women need to continue to strive and practice the qualities of "Confidence, self-respect, loyalty, and responsibility", contributing positively, responsibly, and enthusiastically to the implementation of socio-economic development goals, contributing to building Vietnam into a "rich people, strong country, democracy, fairness, and civilization" in the new era. The immediate task is to summarize the experience in implementing Resolution No. 11-NQ/TW, dated April 27, 2017, of the Politburo, "On women's work in the period of accelerating industrialization and modernization of the country", using that as a basis to recommend the Central Committee to issue new policies on women's work in accordance with the practical requirements of the country, especially when entering the era of advancement.

Although the war has long since ended, the imprints, lessons, and historical values ​​of the “Long-haired Army” and the “Three Virtues” women’s movement remain intact; they are the pride of Vietnamese women, a vivid demonstration of the ardent patriotism and revolutionary enthusiasm, and the great strength of women in the struggle for national unification, building and defending the Fatherland. In particular, from the success of the movements, it is necessary to continue to study and draw experiences on how to launch and maintain movements, creating an environment that makes practical and effective contributions for women to contribute; at the same time, promoting a positive and proactive spirit, aiming to ensure “the elimination of inferiority and dependence; the will to be self-reliant and independent; and the improvement of women’s political, cultural, and technical levels” ⁽⁸⁾ .

In reality, it is necessary to know how to launch appropriate movements so that Vietnamese women can both contribute to the revolutionary cause of the nation and at the same time rise up to assert themselves in the struggle for true equality. Women's movements must ensure profound humanity, attract and promote intelligence, help unleash the potentials and good, noble qualities of women, and contribute to building an increasingly rich and civilized country. Continue to promote the role of women in ensuring national security, maintain and promote the movements "All people protect national security", "Women's groups protect the border", ... to both build a solid rear and be a support for cadres, soldiers and armed forces to work with peace of mind. Along with that, there must be ways and methods to promote and attract the contributions of women in all fields based on the qualities and abilities of each individual and the traditional qualities of Vietnamese women.

It is necessary to determine that the mobilization of women from all walks of life to participate in building and developing the country will only be successful and effective when it meets the will and aspirations of women. It is necessary to pay attention to the starting point of each movement, in accordance with the psychology, emotions and capacity of women. The desire to work and contribute to building a beautiful country, for the next generation and a prosperous and happy life for the family and society is always the driving force for women's movements to exist and develop. Only when grasping the aspirations and truly practical desires of women in specific historical conditions, boldly launching movements, can we create the most effective forms and methods of action. It is necessary to promote the emulation movement "Building Vietnamese women in the new era" to gather and multiply the aspirations for development and contribution of Vietnamese women.

Female officers of Level 2 Field Hospital No. 6 set off for duty_Photo: VNA

The reality of women's movements shows that in order to launch, maintain and develop the women's movement, it is necessary to have an organization with a team of dedicated cadres, representing the rights and aspirations of women, acting as a center to gather and guide women to fight and care for, and protect their vital interests. History has proven that the tireless efforts of the Vietnam Women's Union with a team of dedicated cadres from the Central to the grassroots levels have helped the "Three Responsibilities" movement to be nurtured and developed with a seething spirit for a decade, contributing to bringing the cause of resistance against the US to save the country to a day of total victory. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly develop and strengthen the organization of women's unions at all levels, building a team of union cadres with heart and vision. In particular, further promote the role of women's associations in preparing and equipping women with knowledge, skills, intelligence, health, aspiration, and spirit of dedication to help them confidently step into the era of national advancement.

The significance of women's activities and movements in history still holds true today, serving as an example for women today to promote their traditions, to light up their movements and actions in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland. In the new context, it is necessary to continue to thoroughly grasp the viewpoints and guidelines on promoting the combined strength of all levels, sectors and organizations under the leadership of the Party, especially to comprehensively promote the role and potential of Vietnamese women, making the country increasingly stronger in the new era./.

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(1) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works , National Political Publishing House Truth, Hanoi, 2011, vol. 7, p. 340
(2) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, op. cit. , vol. 14, p. 752
(3) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, op. cit. , vol. 13, p. 59
(4) See: Hoang Tuyet - Manh Linh: "Long-haired army" in the resistance war against America to save the country - Part 1: Coconut girls go to battle", Tin Tuc online newspaper , April 20, 2020, https://baotintuc.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/doi-quan-toc-dai-trong-khang-chien-chong-my-cuu-nuoc-bai-1-nhung-co-gai-xu-dua-ra-tran-20200417220629819.htm
(5) See: Vu Quang Hien: “The “Three Responsibilities” Movement in the Cause of Fighting America and Saving the Country”, Nhip Cau Tri Thuc Magazine , April 28, 2020, https://www.nxbctqg.org.vn/phong-trao-%E2%80%9Cba-dam-dang%E2%80%9D-trong-su-nghiep-chong-my-cuu-nuoc.html
(6) Professor, Dr. To Lam: "The Vietnam Fatherland Front continues to innovate, be proactive, creative, promote the strength of the great national unity bloc, patriotic tradition, mettle, strength of the Vietnamese people, self-reliance, pride, and confidence to enter the new era", Communist Magazine , issue 1.048 (October 2024), p. 5
(7) Professor, Dr. To Lam: “Some basic contents about the new era, the era of national rise; strategic orientations to bring the country into a new era, the era of national rise”, Electronic Communist Magazine , November 1, 2024, https://www.tapchicongsan.org.vn/web/guest/media-story/-/asset_publisher/V8hhp4dK31Gf/content/ky-nguyen-moi-ky-nguyen-vuon-minh-cua-dan-toc-ky-nguyen-phat-trien-giau-manh-duoi-su-lanh-dao-cam-quyen-cua-dang-cong-san-xay-dung-thanh-cong-nuoc-vie
(8) Ho Chi Minh: Complete Works, Ibid ., vol. 13, p. 59

Source: https://tapchicongsan.org.vn/web/guest/quoc-phong-an-ninh-oi-ngoai1/-/2018/1066102/gia-tri-lich-su-cach-mang-cua-%E2%80%9Cdoi-quan-toc-dai%E2%80%9D-va-phong-trao-%E2%80%9Cba-dam-dang%E2%80%9D-trong-cuoc-khac-chien-chong-de-quoc-my-va-viec-van-dung-sang-tao-vao-ky-nguyen-moi%2C-ky-nguyen-vuon-minh-cua-dan-toc-viet-nam.aspx