Forgetting oneself for the people amid the epidemic
In the determined fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ho Chi Minh City Armed Forces and Military Region 7 have clearly affirmed their steadfast political will, their commitment and high responsibility to the people. Without danger, more than 36,200 officers, soldiers and militia volunteered to the front line, present at all hot spots to prevent epidemics.
With the spirit of "fighting the epidemic like fighting the enemy", the force has coordinated to deploy 4 Command Departments, establish 71 concentrated quarantine areas and 101 field hospitals with a scale of nearly 92,000 beds. At the same time, 320 posts were set up in key areas, nearly 8,000 posts were established to control the epidemic, 482 patrol posts were established, supporting the work of zoning, tracing and maintaining social order and safety.
Not only performing military duties, the soldiers also actively organized hundreds of social security programs such as "Zero-dong market", "Zero-dong supermarket", "Zero-dong mobile stalls", donating and mobilizing more than 300 billion VND to support people to overcome difficulties.
In particular, the Ho Chi Minh City Armed Forces also undertake heavy and humane tasks such as receiving, handling bodies, burning and handing over the ashes of more than 23,000 victims who died from the epidemic, with the highest spirit of thoughtfulness, affection and responsibility. Thereby, contributing to shining the qualities of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" in the hearts of the people of the city.
Recognizing the outstanding feats, on December 26, 2024, the President signed Decision No. 1533/QD-CTN, conferring the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces to the Ho Chi Minh City Armed Forces, Military Region 7 - a noble, sacred and worthy award.
The core in protecting the leading city in the country
The city named after Uncle Ho is not only the largest economic center in the country but also a symbol of self-reliance and national solidarity. In 2024, Ho Chi Minh City will achieve an estimated GRDP growth of 7.17%, budget revenue exceeding VND500,000 billion, accounting for about 24% of the total revenue of the country - this result has an important and silent contribution of the city's Armed Forces.
With the spirit of "forgetting oneself for the country, serving the people", the Ho Chi Minh City Armed Forces and Military Region 7 always proactively advise Party committees and authorities at all levels in leading and directing military and defense tasks; synchronously implementing solutions to improve training quality, combat readiness, building a comprehensive national defense associated with the people's security posture and a solid "people's heart posture".
The Prime Minister has repeatedly commended the Ho Chi Minh City Armed Forces and Military Region 7 as a fulcrum of the people's heart, a vivid demonstration of their loyalty to the Party and the people, taking the lead in the task of preventing natural disasters, epidemics, providing social security and building a stable and sustainable area for sustainable development.
Outstanding achievements of the Ho Chi Minh City Armed Forces, Military Region 7
- 3 times been awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces (in 1978, 2011 and 2024).
- 3 Bronze Medals.
- 1 Ho Chi Minh Medal.
- 2 Medals of Honor (1 First Class, 1 Second Class).
- 2 Military Orders (1 First Class, 1 Third Class).
- 2 First Class Labor Medals.
- 6 Fatherland Protection Medals (2 First Class, 2 Second Class, 2 Third Class).
- 19 flags of the leading unit in the Emulation and Resistance Movement (3 Government flags, 7 flags of the Ministry of National Defense, 3 flags of Military Region 7, 7 of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Flag).
The Ho Chi Minh City Armed Forces are one of the typical groups nominated for honor at the Vinh Quang Vietnam 2025 program.
Vinh Quang Vietnam is a special political - cultural - social event directed by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, in coordination with the Central Emulation and Reward Committee, assigned to Lao Dong Newspaper to organize annually since 2004. This year, the program enters its 21st tenure with the theme "Pride and Aspiration", to honor collectives and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the 80 years of building and defending the Fatherland, especially in the fields of digital economy, green economy, innovation and sustainable development.
The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 22, 2025 at the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Labor Cultural Palace, Hanoi.
With 3 times being awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces, the Ho Chi Minh City Armed Forces, Military Region 7 constantly affirms its important position in the hearts of the Party, State and people. It is not only a recognition of achievements, but also an expectation for the next great contributions, for a sustainable, civilized, and humane development of Ho Chi Minh City - for a Vietnam that firmly enters a new era.
