In his opening speech at the grand meeting, State President Truong Tan Sang highlighted the great significance of Dien Bien Phu Victory and praised the Vietnamese people and soldiers for their huge contributions to the historic military campaign that defeated the French invaders in 1954.
 

Sang expressed deep gratitude for the late President Ho Chi Minh, legendary General Vo Nguyen Giap, as well as the heroic military officials and soldiers who made enormous sacrifices to win Dien Bien Phu Victory.

Dien Bien Phu Victory is considered an immortal epic originating from Vietnam’s glorious tradition, outstanding leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh, as well as the national great unity bloc, he noted.

The State leader also expressed his appreciation for the strong support and valuable assistance from international friends, especially from Russia, neighbouring countries – Laos, Cambodia and China, and other countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The same day, a grand military parade was also held in Dien Bien Phu city to mark the historic event in the presence of Party and State leaders, senior government officials, and international guests.

Before joining the parade, leaders of the Party, State, National Assembly, Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, Defence Ministry and Ministry of Public Security offered incense at martyrs’ cemetery at A1 Hill in Muong Thanh ward, Dien Bien Phu city.

The parade started at 7am with impressive performance of 15,000 people divided into 64 blocs representing different division of armed forces, war veterans, workers, and farmers. Participants at the parade entered the main stage, went through Dien Bien’s most beautiful street named after legendary General Vo Nguyen Giap, then returned to May 7 Square before marching at Dien Bien provincial competition hall.