An overview of the symposium (Photo: VNA) In late December 1972, the Vietnamese army and people resiliently fought against the US air strikes with B52 bomber - the most modern aircraft of the time, for 12 days and nights, creating the resounding ‘Dien Bien Phu inthe air" victory. The Vietnamese army and people shot down 81 aircraft of all kinds, including 34 B-52s. Hanoi forces alone shot down 23 B-52 strategic bombers and captured 43 pilots.
The symposium was jointly held by the Ministry ofNational Defence, the Party Central Committee’s Information and EducationCommission, the Ministry of Public Security and the Hanoi Party Committee.
In his remarks, General Luong Cuong, Chairman of theGeneral Department of Politics under the Vietnam People's Army (VPA), stressed that the victory had forced the US to halt bombings in Vietnam and sign the ParisPeace Accords – an agreement on ending the war and restoring peace in Vietnam,and withdraw troops out of the Southeast Asian nation.
He said that the victory was made possible thanks to the strong willand strength of Vietnamese people, and demonstrated the ingenious leadership ofthe Party.
Organisers received 130 reports and speeches byParty and State leaders, and representatives from ministries, agencies andlocalities, researchers and victory witnesses.
The participants highlighted the unique and creativethe tactics employed by Vietnam in the campaign, the significance of thevictory, along with new issues emerging during the cause of nationalconstruction and defence. /.
VNA
