Dong Thap Commemorates the 51st Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification; 47th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Ap Bac II Battalion and the Dong Thap Battalion

(DTO) On the morning of April 19, Dong Thap Province held a gathering to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2026), and the 47th anniversary of the establishment of the Ap Bac II Battalion and the Dong Thap Battalion (April 30, 1979 – April 30, 2026). 

In attendance were General Nguyen Trong Nghia, Member of the Politburo, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Standing Member of the Central Military Commission, and Chairman of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People’s Army; Truong My Hoa, former Member of the Party Central Committee, former Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and former Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; Nguyen Thi Hoai Thu, former Member of the Party Central Committee, former Member of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, and former Chairwoman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Social Affairs; veteran revolutionaries; military officials; Heroes of the People’s Armed Forces; officers and soldiers of the Ap Bac II Battalion and the Dong Thap Battalion; and leaders of Military Region 9 

Representing Dong Thap Province were Chau Thi My Phuong, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation; and Pham Thanh Ngai, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee. 

Forty-seven years ago, responding to the sacred call to defend the Northern border and under the direction of Military Region 9, each province established a battalion to reinforce mobile main-force units moving from the Southwestern border battlefield to the Northern border. Within that movement, the Ap Bac II Battalion (Tien Giang Province) and the Dong Thap Battalion (Dong Thap Province) were founded. Immediately after their establishment, the leadership and command officers of the two battalions organized, adjusted personnel structures, and conducted rapid training before receiving orders to march to the Northern border. 

After training at Division 441 of Military Region 4, on December 1, 1979, the unit received marching orders from the Ministry of National Defense and was assigned to Division 320 under Corps 3, stationed in Thai Nguyen Province. The soldiers endured numerous long-distance marches, nighttime combat drills, and treks across mountains and dense forests, proving their bravery, willpower, and combat capabilities, worthy of the title “steel fist” of the heroic Vietnam People’s Army. Many members of the unit have grown into leaders at various levels, while others continued their military careers, becoming senior officers holding key positions within the Vietnam People’s Army. 

Over the years, the Liaison Committee of the Ap Bac II Battalion and the Dong Thap Battalion has operated in accordance with established regulations and actively mobilized organizations and individuals to support activities that honor comradeship and solidarity. 

Speaking at the event, General Nguyen Trong Nghia emphasized that the gathering is not only an occasion to honor history and take pride in the heroic past, but also a moment to reaffirm responsibilities toward the present and confidence in the future. It reminds each of us to cherish the values of peace, independence, freedom, and national unity that previous generations secured through immense sacrifice and loss. No matter the circumstances, every veteran and former soldier of the Ap Bac II and Dong Thap Battalions will continue to embody the noble qualities of the “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers.” 

The event also serves as an opportunity to pass on the flame of tradition, patriotism, and revolutionary spirit, strengthening the belief, will, and responsibility of today’s younger generation. The patriotism, spirit of dedication, courage, and comradeship of the young generation of Tien Giang and Dong Thap in those years will always be preserved, upheld, and passed on to future generations. 

On behalf of provincial leaders, Chairman Pham Thanh Ngai extended heartfelt gratitude to the families of martyrs, wounded and sick veterans, and generations of officers and soldiers who once lived and fought within the ranks of the Ap Bac II Battalion and the Dong Thap Battalion, honoring their immense sacrifices and contributions. 

He emphasized that although time has passed, the traditions of the Ap Bac II Battalion and the Dong Thap Battalion remain deeply embedded in the hearts of the Provincial Party Committee, local people, and armed forces of Dong Thap. These traditions serve not only as motivation and encouragement, but also as a responsibility and a moral mandate toward those who sacrificed their lives to defend the nation, leaving behind the priceless legacy of independence and freedom, and a duty for today’s generation to build a stronger and more prosperous land. 

On this occasion, General Nguyen Trong Nghia presented gifts to disadvantaged youth and students who have excelled in their studies. Truong My Hoa presented gifts to female volunteer soldiers of the Ap Bac II and Dong Thap Battalions. The General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People’s Army provided funding to build five Charity Houses for veterans and their families facing housing difficulties. 

By HA NAM
Translated by ANH DUC