(VOVworld) - A grand ceremony honoring the 50th anniversary of the first triumph of the Vietnam People’s Navy in the resistance war was staged in the northern port city of Haiphong on Monday.
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| Defense Minister, General Phung Quang Thanh addressed the meeting |
50 years ago on August 4, 1964, the US made up the “Gulf of Tonkin Incident” to accuse the northern Vietnam People’s Navy of attacking a US warship in international waters. The following day, the US mobilized the USS Maddox destroyer and aircraft to attack Vietnamese marine bases as well as key military and economic targets along the northern coast. The Vietnam People’s Navy closely coordinated with the air force, armed policemen, militias, and local people to encounter the USS Maddox destroyer, shot down 8 aircraft, and caught their first US pilot. It was the first victory of the Vietnam People’s Navy and northern people in the war against the American imperialists.
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| Minister Phung Quang Thanh met with veterans |
Defense Minister General Phung Quang Thanh spoke at the ceremony: “Naval officers and soldiers should be more aware of the strategic role of the sea and islands in national construction and defense. It’s important to heighten vigilance, fulfill all missions, strengthen political and ideological consciousness, and understand the Party and State policies regarding resolving sea related issues. It’s essential to protect national sovereignty while maintaining peace and political stability for socio-economic development, in order to improve people’s living conditions and foster friendly relationship with neighboring countries.”