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Veterans Day: Honoring the Brave Hearts of Vietnam

The 6th of December was chosen as the day to honor and recognize the contributions of Vietnam's veterans. This day marks the establishment of the Vietnam Veterans Association, a testament to the country's gratitude and respect for those who have served and sacrificed for the nation's revolutionary cause. It is a day to commemorate and celebrate their invaluable role in shaping the country's history and future.

Administrator

14 July, 2024

Annually, on the 6th of December, Vietnam celebrates Vietnamese Veterans Association Day. This day commemorates the establishment of the association, which plays a significant role in recognizing and honoring the country’s former soldiers. Let’s delve into the origins, history, and significance of this important association.

1. Exploring the Establishment of the Vietnamese Veterans Association

When is Vietnamese Veterans Association Day celebrated?

Vietnamese Veterans Association Day on December 6th

December 6, 1989, marks a significant date in Vietnam’s history. On this day, the Political Bureau and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (6th term) made the decision to establish the Vietnamese Veterans Association. This decision was a response to the changing revolutionary situation and tasks in the new period, as well as the aspirations of a large number of Vietnamese veterans.

Reference: What is the significance of this day?

Origins and History of the Vietnamese Veterans Association

For over half a century, Vietnam has been engaged in a struggle against foreign invaders. The country boasts over four million veterans who have dedicated their lives to protecting the nation and fighting for its liberation. As early as 1930–1931, many comrades joined the Red Self-Defense Force and various guerrilla forces, including the Ba To, Bac Son, and Nam Ky guerrillas, as well as the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army. Countless others participated in the resistance wars against the French and the Americans, with some taking part in the August Revolution of 1945.

Given the extremely challenging domestic situation and the veterans’ strong political will, there was a desire to establish a unified and legal organization under the leadership of the Party. Since the 1980s, Veterans’ Clubs have emerged in several localities to provide mutual support and assistance in daily life.

On December 6, 1989, the Vietnamese Veterans Association was officially established, and this date has since been commemorated annually.

Significance of the Vietnamese Veterans Association

Since its inception, the Vietnamese Veterans Association has attracted multiple generations of veterans to join. The organization quickly gained momentum and spread across the country.

The establishment of the association is a significant milestone in Vietnam’s history, serving as a motivator for veterans to continue contributing to the country’s development and upholding the qualities and traditions of the “Ho Chi Minh Army.”

Members of the association unite and strive to overcome challenges and difficulties, successfully fulfilling their tasks. They actively promote patriotism and socialism, and play a crucial role in educating the younger generations.

Additionally, the association enhances people-to-people diplomacy, contributing to the successful implementation of the Party and State’s foreign policies. It affirms its position as a socio-political organization, earning the trust of the Party, State, and people, and upholding its proud traditions of “Loyalty – Solidarity – Exemplarity – Innovation.”

December 6 is one of Vietnam’s most important commemorative days.

2. Activities on Vietnamese Veterans Association Day

Activities on Vietnamese Veterans Association Day

The Vietnamese Veterans Association actively contributes to the country’s socio-economic development and the strengthening of national defense and security. It plays a vital role in encouraging, uniting, training, and preserving the revolutionary moral qualities of its members, while also enhancing their political acumen and understanding of the Party and State’s policies.

The association engages in Party and government building, countering the plots of hostile forces, and fighting against bureaucracy, waste, corruption, and social evils.

It also provides assistance and care for veterans, aiming to improve their spiritual and material lives and support their families’ economic development.

Additionally, the association protects the legitimate rights and interests of veterans and promotes legal education, dissemination, and legal assistance for them.

We hope that through this article, you have gained a deeper understanding of the origins, significance, and history of the Vietnamese Veterans Association.

References: History, Significance

Frequently asked questions

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed annually on November 11, to honor and pay tribute to military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It marks the anniversary of the end of World War I, known as Armistice Day, and is a day to remember the sacrifices and bravery of all veterans who have defended the nation.

While both days honor those who have served, Veterans Day pays tribute to all military personnel who served in the Armed Forces, including those still with us, while Memorial Day specifically remembers and honors those who died while serving.

There are several ways to honor veterans on this day. Attending local parades and ceremonies, volunteering at veteran organizations, and simply taking the time to thank and recognize veterans for their service are all meaningful ways to show gratitude. It’s also a day to educate younger generations about the sacrifices made by veterans and the importance of remembering them.

November 11th marks the day World War I officially ended, with an armistice signed between the Allies and Germany taking effect at the ‘eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month’ in 1918. This made the date a significant symbol of peace and remembrance, and it became a day to honor those who fought and served in that war. Over time, it evolved to include all veterans of the US military.