State President Lương Cường presents the First-class Fatherland Protection Order to the armed forces of Military Region 3 at its 80th anniversary ceremony on Tuesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Lâm Khánh

HẢI PHÒNG — State President Lương Cường on Tuesday attended and delivered a keynote speech at a ceremony marking the 80th traditional day of the armed forces of Military Region 3 (October 31, 1945–2025).

Party General Secretary Tô Lâm, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn sent flowers to congratulate the unit on this occasion.

President Cường commended the remarkable achievements of Military Region 3 over the past 80 years. He emphasised that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Việt Nam, particularly the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence, and with the strong support of local people, the zone’s armed forces carried forward glorious traditions to protect the Red River Delta – a land of rich culture, resilience and patriotism.

The President praised their spirit of loyalty, discipline, creativity and bravery, highlighting the proud tradition of 'Solidarity – Initiative – Creativity – Sacrifice – Victory,' which has become a shining example of the Việt Nam People’s Army.

Amid rapid and complex changes in global and regional situations, President Cường urged the Party Committee and Command of Military Region 3 to focus on strengthening political and ideological foundations – the core of overall combat power.

He called for the effective implementation of resolutions adopted at the 12th Congress of the Army Party Organisation and the 2025–2030 Congress of Military Region 3’s Party Organisation, building a clean, strong Party Committee with political steadfastness, moral integrity and capable leadership.

The President also emphasised the importance of thoroughly understanding Hồ Chí Minh’s military thought and the Party’s guidelines on national defence, especially the strategy for safeguarding the Fatherland in the new situation. He directed Military Region 3 to develop into a 'revolutionary, regular, elite and modern' force capable of providing timely and effective advice on defence policies and firmly protecting national sovereignty 'from early on and from afar.'

President Cường also asked the zone to streamline its organisation toward greater efficiency and modernity, promote scientific and technological innovation and enhance digital transformation in training and command. He underscored the need to continuously improve combat readiness and learn from global conflicts to maintain preparedness in all situations.

At the ceremony, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, President Cường presented the First-class Fatherland Protection Order to the armed forces of Military Region 3 for their outstanding achievements in training, combat readiness, force building and defence consolidation.

Major General Lương Văn Kiểm, Commander of Military Region 3, said that on October 31, 1945, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Việt Nam decided to establish War Zones 2 and 3 to defend the achievements of the August Revolution. Covering much of the Red River Delta, the founding of Military Region 3 marked a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to consolidate national defence in the early days of independence.

Throughout its 80-year journey, generations of officers and soldiers of Military Region 3 remained absolutely loyal to the Party, the State and the people. They bravely fought and sacrificed for national independence and freedom and in peacetime continued to uphold the tradition of heroism and unity, fulfilling all military and defence tasks entrusted by the Party and State.

For its outstanding contributions, the armed forces of Military Region 3 have been awarded many noble distinctions, including the Gold Star Order, the Hồ Chí Minh Order and the Independence Order of various classes. — VNA/VNS