Continuing the immortal epic of Dien Bien Phu
WVR - Filled with emotion and overflowing with pride, millions of Vietnamese shared a common sentiment during the solemn celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 - May 7, 2024) held in Dien Bien, which maintained the heroic atmosphere of the victory that "shook the world."
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| The 70th anniversary celebration of the Dien Bien Phu Victory. (Photo: NDO) |
From early morning on May 7, tens of thousands gathered along the roads leading to the Dien Bien Stadium in Dien Bien Phu City to participate in one of the largest political events of the year, attracting nationwide attention—the 70th anniversary celebration of the Dien Bien Phu Victory.
Alongside former and current leaders of the Party and State, the celebration was attended by foreign dignitaries such as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Laos, Chansamone Chanyalath; Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, Neth Savoeun; Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, Zhang Jianwei; and the French Minister of Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu…
The twentieth century's defining battle
Witnessing and feeling the spirit of Dien Bien in recent days, several international news agencies have prominently reported on this significant historical event. On May 7, Reuters published an article titled "Vietnam commemorates the 70th anniversary of the historic Dien Bien Phu Victory," highlighting the gathering of veterans, high-ranking leaders, and diplomats at Dien Bien Phu to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the victory over the French colonialists. Reuters recognized the Battle of Dien Bien Phu as one of the great battles of the 20th century. France's defeat led to the signing of the Geneva Accords in 1954.
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| Artistic formation themed "The Epic of Dien Bien." (Photo: VNE) |
Reuters quoted Professor Carl Thayer, an Australian expert: "A lesson from the Dien Bien Phu campaign is that Vietnam must clearly define its national interests and pursue these strategically. Vietnam has systematized this approach with its 'bamboo diplomacy' policy—resolute and unyielding on fundamental principles but flexible in tactics and means to achieve strategic objectives."
Meanwhile, AFP featured images of thousands of Vietnamese people wearing traditional áo dài and costumes of the Thai and Hmong ethnic groups, watching the parade in Dien Bien Phu City. "We fought for independence and freedom," said veteran Hoang Van Bay, aged 93. The French news agency noted that the Dien Bien Phu battlefield is undergoing significant renewal as the government aims to transform it into an attractive tourist destination. Numerous international news agencies and media outlets collectively highlighted important milestones and historical events, describing the atmosphere at the celebration.
| On the morning of May 7, a delegation led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh laid wreaths and incense at the Martyrs' Shrine at the Dien Bien Phu Battlefield. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong sent a wreath to honor the heroes and martyrs. |
The miracles of “new Dien Bien”
With meticulous preparation, at exactly 7:30 AM on May 7, the activities of the 70th anniversary celebration of the Dien Bien Phu Victory proceeded as planned. Despite the heavy rain, thousands of officers, soldiers, and performers from the military and police forces delivered a moving artistic program that deeply touched people across the country.
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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivering a speech at the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory. (Photo: VNA) |
The rally commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory commenced with a unique national flag salute followed by a special 21-gun salute that echoed heroically and sacredly through the air.
On behalf of the Party and State leaders, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered a commemorative speech, emphasizing that the Dien Bien Phu Victory was a crystallization of the invincible strength of the national solidarity bloc. It was a victory of justice, of the people's heart, conscience, and human dignity, guided by the correct, innovative revolutionary path; stemming from the wise and skillful leadership of the Party and beloved Uncle Ho, and from the passionate patriotic tradition and unity spirit forged through thousands of years of history.
Particularly contributing directly to the victory was the enormous dedication and sacrifice of the heroic People’s Army of Vietnam - an army "born from the people, fighting for the people," with over forty thousand officers and soldiers participating in the Dien Bien Phu campaign.
In the commemorative program, representing the Party and State leadership, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh awarded the First-Class Independence Medal to representatives of the Party organization, local government, and people of various ethnic groups in Dien Bien province.
The head of the government emphasized that we must absolutely not become complacent with the achievements attained, nor despair in the face of difficulties and challenges that arise. On the contrary, we must strive with greater determination; ignite and strongly promote the resolute spirit of battle and victory from the Dien Bien Phu campaign of the past; with the utmost determination to continue creating new "Dien Bien Phu" miracles. Through this, we continue the epic of victory with all the determination, perseverance, enthusiasm, national pride, and love for the homeland and country of today and future generations.
Immediately following the rally was a parade and march celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, with over 12,000 participants. Highlighted in the event was the participation of the Artillery Corps, including 18 105mm howitzers and 12 helicopters flying over the audience, showcasing the prowess of the Air Force. This was followed by performances from the military parade, civilian march, and artistic blocks.
The 70th anniversary celebration of the Dien Bien Phu Victory concluded amidst the deep emotions of millions of people from all regions of the country. Whether witnessed in person or watched through television and smartphones, the hearts of everyone were filled with profound emotions, pride, and deep gratitude towards the generations who sacrificed blood and bones for the national liberation, construction, and defense of the Motherland; further solidifying the absolute trust in the leadership of the Party and the State.
