Since its early days of establishment with only 34 soldiers, the Vietnam People's Army has grown remarkably, achieved glorious feats, and accompanied the nation in all historical periods, from the struggle for independence and national unification to protecting and building the Fatherland in peacetime.
The birth of the Vietnam People's Army, a historical milestone
On December 22, 1944, in the forest between Hoang Hoa Tham and Tran Hung Dao communes, Nguyen Binh district, Cao Bang province, the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army - the predecessor of the Vietnam People's Army - was officially established. This was a historic decision, implementing the policy of the Party Central Committee and the directive of President Ho Chi Minh in the context of the Vietnamese Revolution facing urgent demands.
The army at that time had only 34 soldiers, equipped with rudimentary weapons such as flintlock guns and rifles, but carried within them an iron will and a strong belief in the victory of the revolutionary cause. Comrade Vo Nguyen Giap, the first commander, led the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army to carry out the first battles at Phai Khat and Na Ngan, opening the tradition of "determination to fight, determination to win" of the Vietnam People's Army. Since then, December 22, 1944 has been taken as the founding day of the Vietnam People's Army.
From the very first days of its establishment, the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army affirmed its core role in the revolutionary movement. In April 1945, the Northern Military Revolutionary Conference decided to unify armed organizations across the country, establishing the Vietnam Liberation Army. This force made an important contribution to the August Revolution of 1945, leading the Vietnamese nation to independence.
After the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was founded, the Vietnam Liberation Army was renamed the National Guard, then the Vietnam National Army in 1946, before officially being named the Vietnam People's Army in 1950. Through stages of development, the Vietnam People's Army has continuously grown in terms of numbers, organization and equipment, becoming a regular, elite and modern army.
Brilliant achievements
During the resistance war against French colonialism, the Vietnam People's Army achieved resounding victories. From the Border Campaign in 1950, the Peace Campaign, the Northwest Campaign to the peak of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign in 1954, our army demonstrated the strength of a people's army, well-organized and fighting with a courageous spirit. The Dien Bien Phu victory not only "resounded throughout the five continents, shook the world" but also forced the French colonialists to sign the Geneva Agreement, ending the war in Indochina.
Continuing that spirit, in the resistance war against the US to save the country, the Vietnam People's Army continued to play a key role. From the victories in Ap Bac and Van Tuong, to the Tet Offensive in 1968 and the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975, our army made a decisive contribution to the unification of the country. On April 30, 1975, the victory flag flew over the Independence Palace, ending more than 20 years of war, bringing the country into an era of peace and unity.
Protect the border, build the country
After the country was reunified, the Vietnam People's Army continued to face new challenges. In the war to protect the southwestern and northern borders, our army fought steadfastly, firmly protecting the national sovereignty. At the same time, the army also participated in helping Cambodia escape the Khmer Rouge genocide regime, demonstrating a noble international spirit.
In peacetime, the Vietnam People's Army not only protects the border, but also actively participates in socio-economic development. Defense economic groups such as Viettel, the Military Bank or construction corporations have made significant contributions to the country's development. In addition, the army also participates in international peacekeeping, demonstrating Vietnam's active role in the international arena.
In the context of complex changes in the world and the region, the Vietnam People's Army is facing new challenges. Hostile forces are constantly carrying out plots of "peaceful evolution", "self-evolution" and "depoliticization of the army". At the same time, sovereignty disputes in the East Sea and non-traditional security issues also pose new requirements for national defense work. To meet the tasks in the new situation, the Vietnam People's Army is aiming to build a regular, elite and modern force.
The renewal of equipment, improvement of combat skills and development of special forces such as the air force, navy and peacekeeping forces are top priorities. At the same time, the army also focuses on strengthening mass mobilization work, closely connecting with the people, and implementing President Ho Chi Minh's teachings: "Our army is loyal to the Party, filial to the people, and ready to fight and sacrifice for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland, for socialism."
From the early difficult days, with 34 soldiers and rudimentary weapons, to today, our army has become a powerful force, ready to face all challenges to protect independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Vietnam People's Army is not only the pride of the nation, but also a symbol of strength, patriotism and solidarity.
In the new period, with challenges and opportunities awaiting, the Vietnam People's Army will certainly continue to promote its glorious tradition, excellently fulfill the tasks assigned by the Party, State and people, worthy of being "the heroic army of a heroic nation".
