Hanoi (VNA) - Nearly 140 Dien Bien soldiers, youth volunteers, and frontline workers who directly participated in the Dien Bien Phu campaign attended a meeting organised by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front in coordination with Dien Bien province on April 17 in the city of Dien Bien Phu.
Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that the Dien Bien Phu Victory is the victory of the courage, intelligence, and revolutionary heroism of Vietnam, manifested through the creative and skillful leadership and strategic direction of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, as well as the strategic prowess of the Commander-in-Chief - General Vo Nguyen Giap.
Chinh suggested that in the coming time, all levels, sectors, and localities continue to effectively implement the Party's direction, the State's policies, and laws, and further enhance the care for veterans, wounded soldiers, and families of martyrs, and those who have contributed to the revolution.
The Prime Minister proposed strengthening activities to raise public awareness about the great sacrifices and contributions of those who have devoted themselves to the revolution, to arouse patriotism, and to promote the strong tradition of "Gratitude for the Source" and the spirit of national unity, as well as the sense of responsibility towards history and the aspiration to contribute to the country.
Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Do Van Chien proposed that all levels, society must improve the material and spiritual lives of those who have devoted themselves to the nation.
They should promote the glorious traditions of the nation and the heroic spirit of the historic victory, seize opportunities, overcome difficulties and challenges, mobilize all domestic resources along with the assistance of international friends, to build the country more rapidly and sustainably, he said.
Among the 139 historical witnesses attending the meeting was Bui Kim Dieu, a former Dien Bien soldier.
Dieu expressed his pride in joining the inaugural battle of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign at the "steel gate" of Him Lam, marked by a resounding victory but also profound sorrow and sacrifice.
"The campaign was a victory. On May 13, our unit celebrated the victory in Muong Phang under the chair of General Vo Nguyen Giap. General Giap praised our achievements. The unit had 5 heroes honoured. The main force was entrusted by Uncle Ho to General Vo Nguyen Giap to deliver the flag 'Determined to Fight - Determined to Win,'" Dieu recalled.
Duong Chi Ky, a former Dien Bien soldier from Ho Chi Minh City, participated in the final all-out attack, digging trenches and roads to the A1 stronghold.
"We were deeply moved to return to Dien Bien Phu, visit the old battlefield, light incense to commemorate the fallen heroes, and meet comrades who fought in Muong Thanh, Hong Cum, Him Lam. Today, the people of Dien Bien Phu enjoy a happy and prosperous life, with light reaching every village, and night echoing with joyous melodies," Mr. Ky expressed./.
