A ceremony was held in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang on March 20 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Happiness Road (March 20, 1965-2015).

The event aimed to honour veteran voluntary youths of eight provinces, namey Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Hai Duong and Nam Dinh, for their contributions to opening the road stretching nearly 200km from Ha Giang city to the province’s four mountainous districts.

Addressing the celebration, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc highlighted the significance of the Happy Road and contributions and sacrifice of the voluntary youth force in building the road, which has helped Ha Giang to boost socio-economic development and ensure security and national defence.

He called on Ha Giang authorities and its local resident to turn difficulties and challenges into development opportunities moving towards sustainable development.

On behalf of the Party and State, the Deputy PM presented the ‘Hero of the People’s Armed Forces’ title to the veteran voluntary youths who participated in the construction of the Happiness Road 50 years ago.-VNA