In late 1944, following the directives of the Central Committee and the Northern Regional Party Committee, the first communist fighters arrived in the Van-Hien Luong area (bordering Phu Tho and Yen Bai provinces) to establish a revolutionary base. In that remote mountainous area, on June 14, 1945, the Au Co Guerrilla Team – the predecessor of the Yen Bai Provincial Armed Forces – was founded with 23 members, equipped with only one machine gun, 11 rifles, and rudimentary knives and sticks. From here, the flame of revolution ignited, spreading throughout the Northwest region, fostering an indomitable fighting spirit among the people of Yen Bai province.

Leaders of Yen Bai province visit training equipment models at the 2025 training commencement ceremony of the Yen Bai Provincial Military Command. Photo: DUC LUU

On July 6, 1945, the attacking forces converged at Ba Khe (Cat Thinh commune, Van Chan district) to liberate Nghia Lo, establishing the Provisional Committee of Van Chan district—the first district-level government in the entire Northwest region—initiating the August General Uprising throughout the province. Given this historical significance, the Command of Military Region 2 decided to recognize July 6, 1945, as the Traditional Day of the Armed Forces of Yen Bai province.

During the resistance war against French colonialism, from an initial small guerrilla unit, the provincial armed forces developed into companies, battalions, and regiments, achieving many victories in battles at Din Pass, Dong Me, Bo Lum... In total, the provincial armed forces participated in more than 200 battles of varying sizes, eliminating more than 10,000 enemy soldiers, shooting down 2 aircraft, and mobilizing more than 3.6 million man-days to serve the Dien Bien Phu Campaign.

During the war against the US, the province sent more than 25,000 young people to join the army. The provincial armed forces participated in both production and combat bravely, shooting down 115 aircraft and capturing 8 commando units. Thousands of civilian laborers crossed the Truong Son Mountains, contributing to the Great Victory of Spring 1975, liberating the South and unifying the country.

Entering the period of reform, the armed forces of Yen Bai province proactively consolidated their organization, improved the quality of training, combat readiness, and political and ideological work. The standing forces, militia, and reserve forces were continuously strengthened. Emphasis was placed on national defense and security education for all citizens and on providing national defense knowledge training for cadres and Party members. Many effective models such as "Security-safe residential areas," "Villages free from lawbreakers," and "Units with absolute internal political security" have been widely implemented, contributing to building a solid foundation of public support.

Officers and soldiers of the armed forces in Yen Bai province help people harvest rice. Photo: DUC LUU
Armed forces of Yen Bai province participate in clearing unexploded ordnance left over from the war in the province. Photo: DUC LUU

During natural disasters, storms, and floods, the provincial armed forces have always been the vanguard, leading the way in helping people overcome the consequences, rebuild houses, clear roads, and restore production. The image of soldiers closely connected with and sharing with the people has left a deep impression, further enhancing the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers in the hearts of the people of all ethnic groups.

The provincial armed forces also actively participate in building new rural areas, eradicating hunger and poverty, protecting the environment, and preserving local cultural identity. With these great achievements, the Yen Bai provincial armed forces have been awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces, the First Class Order of National Defense, and many other medals and decorations by the Party and the State.

Currently, in response to the demands of the new situation, the provincial armed forces continue to enhance their combat readiness, actively advising the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Committee on building a solid defense zone, linking the all-people national defense posture with the people's security posture. Units proactively implement comprehensive solutions to protect the Party's ideological front, preventing any passive or unexpected situations. The emulation movement is being intensified with many exemplary models such as: "80 Days and Nights of Decisive Action," "Excellent Training, Strict Discipline, High Combat Readiness," and "The Army Joins Hands in Building New Rural Areas"...

The spirit of innovation and creativity is clearly demonstrated through the application of information technology in management and operation, and the development of digital transformation models in local defense. Many training and drill models for commune and district-level defense zones have been implemented systematically and effectively, leaving a profound mark and contributing to improving the overall quality and combat strength of the forces.

Throughout the revolutionary periods, the armed forces of Yen Bai province have always been the core force in fighting, building, and defending the Fatherland. The maturity of the provincial armed forces is not only marked by victories but also by their unwavering political resolve and spirit of "serving the people," becoming a reliable support for the Party committee, government, and people of the locality.

The 80th anniversary of the Traditional Day (July 6, 1945 / July 6, 2025) is an opportunity for officers and soldiers of the armed forces of Yen Bai province, together with the people of all ethnic groups, to reflect on the glorious journey, rekindle pride, and further strengthen their determination to strive to build a strong armed forces, excellently fulfill all tasks, and contribute to building a relatively developed Yen Bai in the northern midland and mountainous region.

Colonel PHAM VIET KHANH, Political Commissar of the Yen Bai Provincial Military Command

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    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/khoi-niem-tu-hao-tiep-them-suc-manh-834311