A solid foundation for the nation in peacetime.

VHO - Every year, on December 22nd, people across the country come together to commemorate the National Defense Day. This is an important occasion to recall the glorious traditions, honor the armed forces, and strengthen the power to protect the Fatherland in peacetime in Vietnam.

The Vietnam Propaganda and Liberation Army – the predecessor of the Vietnam People's Army – was founded on December 22, 1944, in the Tran Hung Dao forest ( Cao Bang ). (Archival photo)

National Defense Day is on December 22nd, coinciding with the anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army. This is considered a major celebration, demonstrating the spirit of national unity, honoring the patriotic tradition and indomitable will in the struggle to protect and build national defense and security.

The profound significance of the festival

December 22nd holds profound and sacred significance. First and foremost, it's an occasion to recall the glorious history associated with the founding of the Vietnam People's Army in 1944, affirming the tradition of "nation-building alongside nation-defense" that has been a continuous thread throughout the nation's history. At the same time, it's an opportunity for all citizens to express their deep gratitude and honor the noble image of "Uncle Ho's soldiers"—those soldiers always ready to fight and sacrifice for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland, and for the happiness of the people.

Above all, the event aims to raise awareness and responsibility among the entire population in building a strong national defense system, creating a solid foundation of popular support to firmly protect the socialist Fatherland of Vietnam.

Practical and meaningful activities

During this time, many rich and meaningful activities usually take place throughout the country. Propaganda and educational activities about military traditions and the awareness of protecting the homeland are intensified. The movement of showing gratitude, visiting and giving gifts to families of policy beneficiaries, wounded soldiers, and martyrs is always given attention, demonstrating the national tradition of "drinking water, remembering the source."

In addition, many places have launched emulation campaigns in labor and production, building the economy in conjunction with the task of strengthening national defense. Activities such as drills, militia training, and displays of weapons and equipment also help people better understand the strength and maturity of the armed forces.

The National Defense Day was officially decided upon by the Central Party Secretariat in 1989, using the founding date of the People's Army as a benchmark, and was first widely celebrated on December 22, 1989.

General Phan Van Giang, Member of the Political Bureau, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, and Minister of National Defense, reviews the honor guard during the founding ceremony of the 12th Army Corps in Ninh Binh.

This decision stems from the glorious history of the nation. Throughout thousands of years of nation-building and defense, the Vietnamese people have always upheld the spirit of unity and self-reliance to overcome natural disasters and defeat all invading enemies.

From the time of the Hung Kings who founded the nation, to the feudal dynasties, and especially during the two protracted wars of resistance against French colonialism and American imperialism, the lesson of harnessing the strength of the entire people and conducting people's war has always been the decisive factor in achieving victory.

Inheriting and developing that military ideology, our Party and State have always determined that building a strong national defense system is the undertaking of the entire Party, the entire people, the entire army, and the entire political system. Our national defense is peaceful and self-defensive in nature, aimed at maintaining independence and sovereignty, and ready to crush all conspiracies, acts of aggression, and rebellion.

Designating December 22nd as National Defense Day is a correct policy, further affirming the principle of "putting the people first," and promoting the strength of national unity in the cause of defending the Fatherland.

Enduring vitality and achievements

Over the past 35 years, the National Defense Day has truly become an integral part of life, a beautiful cultural tradition, and a widespread political and social event. Activities such as rallies, seminars, meetings to foster military-civilian solidarity, and offering incense to commemorate fallen heroes and martyrs have contributed to educating patriotism, national pride, and encouraging all segments of the population to work together to build national defense.

This practice has contributed to building an increasingly strong and comprehensive national defense system. The people's armed forces have been continuously strengthened, gradually modernized, and maintained their core role. The national defense and people's security postures are closely integrated across all regions. Defense diplomacy has been promoted, contributing to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for national development.

In the current new stage of development, continuing to promote the effectiveness of the National Defense Day is becoming even more important. This is a regular and crucial task for the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army to work together to build and firmly defend the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland, and to successfully achieve the goal of a prosperous people, a strong nation, democracy, fairness, and civilization.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/nen-tang-vung-chac-cho-to-quoc-thoi-binh-189319.html