Dien Bien Phu Victory’s 60th anniversary celebrated

In his opening speech at the grand meeting, State President Truong Tan Sang highlighted the great significance of Dien Bien Phu Victory and praised the Vietnamese people and soldiers for their huge contributions to the historic military campaign that defeated the French invaders in 1954.

Sang expressed deep gratitude for the late President Ho Chi Minh, legendary General Vo Nguyen Giap, as well as the heroic military officials and soldiers who made enormous sacrifices to win Dien Bien Phu Victory.

Dien Bien Phu Victory is considered an immortal epic originating from Vietnam’s glorious tradition, outstanding leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh, as well as the national great unity bloc, he noted.

The State leader also expressed his appreciation for the strong support and valuable assistance from international friends, especially from Russia, neighbouring countries – Laos, Cambodia and China, and other countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

*** The same day, a grand military parade was also held in Dien Bien Phu city to mark the historic event in the presence of Party and State leaders, senior government officials, and international guests.

Before joining the parade, leaders of the Party, State, National Assembly, Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Defence Ministry and Ministry of Public Security offered incense at martyrs’ cemetery at A1 Hill in Muong Thanh ward, Dien Bien Phu city.

The parade started at 7am with impressive performance of 15,000 people divided into 64 blocs representing different division of armed forces, war veterans, workers, and farmers. Participants at the parade entered the main stage, went through Dien Bien’s most beautiful street named after legendary General Vo Nguyen Giap, then returned to May 7 Square before marching at Dien Bien provincial competition hall.

Some photos at the military parade on May 7:

*** A special music and dance performance in Dien Bien Phu city on the evening of May 6 paid tribute to the 60^th anniversary of the climatic confrontation that culminated in ending more than 80 years of French colonial rule.

Distinguished guests attending the event included Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Truong Tan Sang, senior officials, and representatives from ministries, central agencies, provincial leaders, and veterans of the Dien Bien Phu battle.

Tens of thousands flocked to the Dien Bien Phu city Square to enjoy the splendour of the evening which opened at around 8pm, vividly capturing and embodying the combative spirit of the Vietnamese people and soldiers in their struggle for national independence and freedom.

On the occasion, Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) broadcast a programme entitled “Dien Bien Phu – a glorious historical milestone”, which focused on historic decisions in the Dien Bien Phu campaign, a grand meeting to mark Dien Bien Phu Victory’s 60^th anniversary, strengths of the Ho Chi Minh era and valuable lessons learned from the Dien Bien Phu victory.