Celebrating the 79th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army (December 22, 1944 - December 22, 2023) and the 34th anniversary of "National Defense Day" (December 22, 1989)

Born from the People, fighting for the People, the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) is affectionately called "Uncle Ho's Army" by the People. Over the past 79 years (December 22, 1944 - December 22, 2023), under the leadership and guidance of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh , the Vietnam People's Army in general and the Binh Thuan People's Armed Forces (PAF) in particular have overcome countless difficulties and hardships, fought bravely, sacrificed, and gradually matured and grown stronger.

Glorious history

79 years ago (December 22, 1944), in Cao Bang , the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army - the predecessor of the heroic Vietnam People's Army was established, under the direct command of comrade Vo Nguyen Giap. This was the first main unit of the revolutionary armed forces, the predecessor of the Vietnam People's Army. Immediately after its establishment, with only 34 officers and soldiers, equipped with rudimentary weapons, the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army opened the traditional history of "hundred battles, hundred victories" with the victory of Phai Khat, Na Ngan full of intelligence, courage and creativity. This victory created a strong echo, excited the people, from here opening a new period of development of our people's armed struggle. The August Revolution in 1945 succeeded, the Vietnam Liberation Army was renamed the National Defense Army. In 1946, the National Defense Army was renamed the Vietnam National Army. In 1950, the name was changed to the Vietnam People's Army.

On October 17, 1989, the Central Party Secretariat (6th tenure) issued Directive No. 381-CT/TW deciding to take the Founding Day of the Vietnam People's Army (December 22) as well as the National Defense Day - the Day of the tradition of defending the Fatherland. The day honors and promotes the noble image of "Uncle Ho's soldiers". After 79 years of fighting, building and growing up, facing countless challenges and hardships, the Vietnam People's Army has always demonstrated the mettle of a revolutionary army; a special political force, a fighting force absolutely loyal and trustworthy to the Party, State and People. In the new revolutionary period, the good nature and tradition of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" have been further tempered and shined through the resistance wars and wars of national defense. Thoroughly grasping the Party's guidelines and viewpoints, our army has focused on building a revolutionary, disciplined, elite, and gradually modern people's armed forces; Improve overall quality and fighting strength, worthy of being a political force, a loyal and trustworthy fighting force of the Party, State and People...

It can be said that, through 79 years of fighting, building and growing, the Vietnam People's Army has affirmed: The strength of the heroic Vietnam People's Army lies in its close bond with the people. Therefore, in the process of building and fighting, the army has always received the love, protection and nurturing of the people. It is for that reason that our army has wholeheartedly and wholeheartedly served the Fatherland and the people, ready to "forget itself for the people, sacrifice for the people".

Binh Thuan Armed Forces promote glorious tradition

On December 20, 1979, the People's Armed Forces of the province were awarded the noble title "Hero of the People's Armed Forces" by the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The Southern Liberation Army Command awarded 12 golden words: "Self-reliance, heroic fighting, glorious victory" and August 25, 1945 is the traditional day of the People's Armed Forces of Binh Thuan province.

Respectfully inheriting and promoting the tradition of the "Heroic People's Armed Forces" of the province, over the years, under the direct leadership and direction of the Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial People's Council, the Provincial People's Committee, the care and support of the People, the Provincial Armed Forces have constantly promoted their revolutionary nature, promoted the spirit of solidarity, strived to overcome difficulties, built a strong and comprehensive armed force; lean, compact, strong, advanced to modernity, enhanced combat strength, truly a sharp tool to protect the Party, protect the government and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; protect the lives, property and lives of the people, contributing to building the homeland of Binh Thuan increasingly rich, beautiful and civilized.

In particular, in 2023, the Provincial Party Committee and Military Command will actively and effectively perform their advisory functions to the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Committee to lead, direct, organize, deploy, and seriously and comprehensively implement all aspects of local defense and military work. Thereby, contributing to building a strong all-people national defense (ND), a strong all-people defense posture associated with a solid people's security posture; linking socio-economic development with ensuring national defense and security in the area. Leading and directing the building of a strong all-people national defense, building an increasingly solid defense zone. Focusing on building and improving the overall quality, combat readiness level and combat strength of the provincial armed forces, meeting the requirements of the task. In particular, the focus is on building a politically strong provincial armed force, effectively implementing the work of staffing, building forces, making breakthroughs in improving the quality of training, building regulations, complying with laws and disciplines.

officer-1-.jpg.jpg — Forces performing defense drills. Photo: Duy Thinh

Faced with new developments in the situation and increasingly high requirements for military and defense tasks. In 2024, the Party Committee and the Military Command of Binh Thuan province determined to continue to thoroughly grasp and effectively implement the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's policies and laws, directives and resolutions of the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defense, the Party Committee - Military Region Command, the Provincial Party Committee - Provincial People's Committee. Actively and proactively advise leaders and direct the building of a strong national defense, building a solid provincial defense zone. Closely coordinate with forces to grasp the situation, effectively handle situations, avoid being passive and surprised, contribute to maintaining political security - social order and safety in the area, creating conditions for local socio-economic development. Leaders improve the capacity and combat readiness level, enhance the overall strength of the provincial armed forces. Focus on building a strong provincial Military Party Committee in terms of politics, ideology, ethics, organization and cadres; build a "Model and typical" provincial military force, taking political strength as the foundation. Strive to fully complete the targets and tasks set by the resolution of the Provincial Military Party Congress for the 2020-2025 term.

The 79th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army and the 34th anniversary of the National Defense Day is an important political event for the country and the Army. With national pride, the Vietnam People's Army will continue to inherit and promote the 79-year tradition of building, fighting and growing. The Vietnam People's Army will continue to write a glorious history, making the country and mountains of Vietnam glorious.

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