Strength and mettle of the Vietnam People's Army

80 years of building, fighting and growing of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) is a journey full of pride.

Propaganda logo celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army. (Source: Ministry of National Defense)

Established on December 22, 1944 under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh , the Vietnam People's Army has gone through a long process of development, and today has become a revolutionary, disciplined, elite army, ready to face all challenges.

One of the proudest traditions of our army is the spirit of patriotism and indomitable resilience in all circumstances. Whether in war or peace , our army always puts the interests of the Fatherland and the people first. This tradition is not only demonstrated through glorious victories in resistance wars, but also in activities to help the people and maintain order and security in peacetime.

Throughout history, the tradition of the Vietnam People's Army has always been preserved and promoted, which is the value of the heroic armed forces of the heroic Vietnamese nation, bearing the qualities of "loyalty to the Party, filial piety to the people, ready to fight and sacrifice for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland, for socialism, completing any mission, overcoming any difficulty, defeating any enemy". Those values have always existed, been maintained and promoted through many generations.

Along with that, the Vietnam People's Army must firmly grasp the principle of the Party's absolute and direct leadership in all aspects of the armed forces; continue to promote the building of a lean, compact and strong force; strive to train and be ready for combat, together with the entire Party and people to build and defend the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland; resolutely and persistently fight to firmly protect fundamental national rights.

In the process of carrying out the two strategic tasks of building and defending the Fatherland, our army is the core force protecting national interests. In all its activities, national interests must be considered first and foremost. Vietnam is a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community with the motto of diversification, multilateralization, and mutually beneficial cooperation on the basis of ensuring basic national rights, complying with international law and the United Nations Charter. Vietnam's national interests must be consistent with the social progress of humanity, actively and effectively participating in international cooperation in all aspects for peace, national independence, democracy and social progress. That is not only the task of the entire Party and people, but also speaks to the very important role and task of the Vietnam People's Army.

Looking at the long-term development of a nation, people often entrust values to the young generation. Therefore,educating the young generation about the tradition of the Vietnam People's Army is especially important in the current context.

In about 15-20 years, the current young generation will be at their most vigorous age and will make outstanding contributions to the development of the country. Among the traditional cultural values of the nation, there is the heroic tradition of the Vietnam People's Army. That tradition must be imbued in the young generation, to turn into revolutionary actions in all fields, making the country progress rapidly and sustainably.