General Trinh Van Quyet, Director of the General Department of Political Affairs of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), awarded the First-Class Military Merit Order to General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense.

In turn, General Phan Van Giang presented the First-Class Military Merit Orders to General Trinh Van Quyet and other Deputy Ministers of National Defense, including General Nguyen Tan Cuong - Chief of the General Staff, Senior Lieutenant General Vo Minh Luong, Senior Lieutenant General Le Huy Vinh, and Senior Lieutenant General Vu Hai San.

He also awarded Second-Class Military Merit Orders to Deputy Ministers: Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Hien, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Hong Thai, and Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang.

General Phan Van Giang affirmed that this decoration represents a prestigious honor bestowed by the Party and State, reflecting their recognition and trust. It acknowledges the personal achievements of each recipient and the outstanding contributions and high sense of responsibility of the Central Military Commission, Ministry of National Defense, and all officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People’s Army.

Throughout its 80-year history of development and combat, the Vietnam People’s Army has always played a core role in defending the country. Originating from the people and fighting for the people, the army has remained true to its oath of absolute loyalty to the Party and deep devotion to the people. It has overcome every challenge, fulfilled every mission, and triumphed over every enemy, affirming its role as a special political force and a reliable, loyal combat force trusted by the Party, State, and people.

Entering a new era, the army continues to uphold its heroic tradition, steadily improving its overall quality and combat strength. It fulfills its core roles as a combat force, a working force, and a production force, continuing to embody the noble image of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers” deeply connected with the people.

In recent times, the Central Military Commission and Ministry of National Defense have led the entire army in promoting patriotism, revolutionary traditions, and a spirit of initiative and creativity. Despite facing challenges and dangers, the army has completed all tasks and many with outstanding and exceptional results.

The generals honored today are seasoned officers who have matured through hands-on experience in combat and unit development. They have demonstrated firm political will, exemplary revolutionary ethics, model conduct, high responsibility, and strategic thinking. They have excelled in every assigned duty and made significant contributions to national defense, military development, and the protection of national sovereignty in this new era.

General Phan Van Giang emphasized that regardless of position, from soldier to senior officer, everyone must strive toward the Party’s ideals with absolute loyalty to the Party, the homeland, and the people. He underscored placing the Party’s and the army’s interests above all else, adhering strictly to organizational regulations, state laws, and military discipline. He called for upholding principles, strengthening solidarity, fostering revolutionary virtues, and remaining exemplary Party members and officers of high moral integrity. He urged continued innovation and unity to build a revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern Vietnam People’s Army capable of firmly defending the nation and maintaining peace and stability.

Tran Thuong