Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (fourth from right) bestows a first-class Military Exploit Order some high-ranking officers of the army in recognition of their particularly excellent achievements at a ceremony held on Saturday to celebrate the 30th All People’s Defence Festival and the 75th founding anniversary of the Việt Nam People’s Army. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — The Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence held a grand ceremony in Hà Nội on Saturday to celebrate the 30th All People’s Defence Festival and the 75th founding anniversary of the Việt Nam People’s Army (VPA) (December 22).

Party General Secretary, State President and Secretary of the Central Military Commission Nguyễn Phú Trọng sent a basket of flowers to the event.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân, along with incumbent and former Party and State leaders. It also saw the presence of foreign senior military officials, revolutionary veterans, Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, Heroes of the People’s Armed Forces, and Heroes of Labour.
In his speech, Gen. Ngô Xuân Lịch, Vice Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defence, expressed deep gratitude to late President Hồ Chí Minh – the “beloved Father” of the people’s armed forces, late Gen. Võ Nguyên Giáp – the “Eldest Brother” of the VPA and an outstanding commander-in-chief, along with historical leaders, national heroes, martyrs and people who heroically fought and sacrificed for the sake of the country’s independence and freedom, the people’s happiness, and the international missions of great importance.
He also acknowledged the nationwide joint efforts to build strong all-people defence, along with the precious support from the militaries and people of other countries for the Vietnamese army and people in the struggle for national liberation in the past and national development and safeguarding at present.
The minister noted after 30 years of the All People’s Defence Festival, the national defence has been increasingly enhanced, adding that the combination of economic, cultural and social aspects with defence and security has been strengthened. Meanwhile, defence diplomacy has been intensified both bilaterally and multilaterally, helping maintain peace and security.
Officers and soldiers of the whole army pledge to be absolutely loyal to the Party, State, people and socialist regime. They are determined to successfully perform the army’s functions and forever be a special political force, an absolutely loyal combatant force, and the core force in joining the people to firmly safeguard the nation, Lịch affirmed.
On behalf of the Party and State leaders, PM Phúc bestowed a first-class Military Exploit Order upon the VPA and some high-ranking officers of the army in recognition of their particularly excellent achievements in the VPA building, defence consolidation, and contributions to socialism building and national protection.
Addressing the ceremony, the PM stressed that under the absolute and direct leadership of the Party and President Hồ Chí Minh, upholding patriotism and the nation’s military, and with the support of the people and international friends, over the last 75 years, the VPA has joined hands with the people to obtain great victories in liberating and safeguarding the nation and fulfilling international missions.
The VPA has continually overcome every difficulty and challenge while resolutely and persistently fighting to firmly protect the country’s sovereignty and territory. It has also taken the lead in natural disaster prevention and control, search and rescue activities, and settlement of war consequences, while effectively taking part in socio-economic development, economic-defence zone building, and the construction of the country’s strategic works, he said.
Applauding the VPA’s achievements, PM Phúc affirmed that those prominent successes have substantially helped reinforce the great national unity bloc and promote defence capability and the all people’s defence, thus deserving the trust and noble rewards granted by the Party, State and people.
Prior to the ceremony, a delegation of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence paid tribute to late President Hồ Chí Minh at his mausoleum and laid wreaths at the Monument to War Heroes and Martyrs. — VNS