It is every cadre and troop's responsibility to practice and promote Uncle Ho Soldier virtues (Illustrative Photo)

Over 70 years of establishment, fighting and maturing, under the leadership, education and training of the Party and president Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam People’s Army has grown stronger and stronger, won land sliding victories and deserved the core force of the national defence posture and of the people war for national liberation in the past and in the cause of building and defending the socialist Homeland at present. It is from this glory history that the title “Uncle Ho soldier” came into being naturally and has been ascribed to the cadres and troops of the VPA. The fact that the image of “Uncle Ho soldier” shining, imprinting in people’s heart and mind, in social life and in the nation’s history represents a noble award for the VPA and becomes one of the notable virtues in the new era – the Ho Chi Minh era. Notably, such an honour just comes to a revolutionary military which “was born from people, and fights for people” regardless of hardship and sacrifice, and always on the forefront against the invasion enemy to gain and safeguard the independence and sovereignty of the Homeland. The “Uncle Ho soldier” virtues are manifested vividly and concisely right in the appraisal that president Ho Chi Minh gave to the VPA: “Our Army is loyal to the Party, pious to the people, ready to fight and sacrifice their lives for national independence and freedom, for socialism; fulfill any missions, overcome any hardships and defeat any enemies”.

The title of “Uncle Ho soldier” is so simple, familiar and noble. This unique characteristic was formed firstly from the braveness, and devotion of cadres and troops no matter how hardship and sacrifice they may face, from the education and training of the Party and president Ho Chi Minh and from the love and care of the people. Moreover, it has been passed on, inherited and developed through revolutionary struggles, force building and through the process of Homeland protection. “Uncle Ho soldier” virtues are about the high standards of political ideology, moral and lifestyle of revolutionary troops. More clearly, they are the sublime ideal for fighting; patriotism; the utmost loyalty to the Party, to Homeland and to the people; the determination to fight and to win; the strong will to overcome hardship and dangers; the brave, resilience, cleverness and creativity in fighting and working; the close comradeship and camaraderie; the blood and fresh relation with the people; the self-discipline, etc. Those virtues and tradition reflect the revolutionary nature and internal strength built up from a long process of maturing and fighting of our Army.

Promoting the virtues of “Uncle Ho Soldier” in the current situation is a necessity in order to meet the requirements of building the Army politically strong in the new condition.

First, the Party committees and cadres in charge at all levels must carry out thorough propagation, educate the necessity to promote “Uncle Ho Soldier” virtues.

Second, continue to push up the movement  of study and follow Ho Chi Mina moral example and carry out the movement “Promoting tradition, devoting talent, deserving Uncle Ho Soldier” with concrete measures and effectiveness.

Third, strengthen practical activities, renovating and enhancing the mass mobilization work to create favorable environment for “Uncle Ho Soldier” virtues to thrive in the new condition.

Fourth, promote the role of cadres and party members, particularly the cadres in charge at all level in training and striving for the standards of “Uncle Ho Soldier” virtues.

Fifth, be proactive in fighting against the wrongdoings and distortion of the “Uncle Ho Soldier” virtues.

Lieutenant General Nguyen Trong Nghia

Deputy Director of The General Political Department, VPA