Amid the arduous years of resistance against French colonialists, in the hardship of the Viet Bac revolutionary base, a modest newspaper was born - a publication created by soldiers who wielded both guns and pens. These were the first officers and reporters of the People’s Army Newspaper.
In his congratulatory message to mark the 75th anniversary of the newspaper's founding, General Secretary To Lam wrote: “Born amidst the flames of resistance, the People’s Army Newspaper has carried the mission of a soldier’s press - wielding the pen alongside the rifle - walking in step with our army and people throughout the revolutionary journey. For 75 years, the newspaper has remained steadfast, absolutely loyal to the Party, the State, the Army, and the People.”
The General Secretary also expressed his belief that in this new era, the People’s Army Newspaper will continue to innovate and modernize, while preserving the spirit of honesty, humanity, and responsibility - values that have sustained its vitality over the past 75 years.
Over the decades, the People’s Army Newspaper has made countless contributions, gradually affirming its role as a vanguard publication on the ideological and cultural front of the Party - the voice of the people’s armed forces and a trusted companion to its readers.
Speaking at the anniversary ceremony, Colonel General Truong Thien To, Deputy Director of the General Department of Politics, recalled President Ho Chi Minh’s guidance in the newspaper’s very first issue: “Write concisely, understandably, and only about what is truly necessary.” According to Colonel General Truong Thien To, this is not only a professional principle but also a way for journalists to stay close to real life, to the soldiers, and to the people.
He also expressed his hope that the People’s Army Newspaper would continue to stay grounded in reality, writing about what is happening all around - from training grounds, borderlands, and islands to the everyday lives of soldiers and civilians so that “the voice of the newspaper will always be the voice of truth and trust.”
Colonel General Truong Thien To, Deputy Director of the General Department of Politics, speaking at the ceremony.
The 75th anniversary celebration was made even more solemn with the presentation of the Third-Class Fatherland Defense Order, awarded by the Party and State - a prestigious honor recognizing the quiet and enduring contributions of generations of journalists.
Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Gau, Deputy Minister of National Defense, presenting the Third-Class Fatherland Defense Order to the People’s Army Newspaper on behalf of the Party and State.
At the ceremony, Major General Doan Xuan Bo, Editor-in-Chief of the People’s Army Newspaper, expressed heartfelt emotion: “The People’s Army Newspaper was born out of hardship, matured in the resistance, and has grown alongside the nation. Each one of us understands: our pen is also a weapon. All we hope for is to write the most truthful stories — about soldiers, about our country, and about our people.”
Major General Doan Xuan Bo, Editor-in-Chief, delivering a speech at the ceremony.
Seventy-five years is no short journey. Countless generations of journalist-soldiers have come and gone - some resting forever on the battlefield, others still quietly writing, editing, printing, and publishing each day. They are the “rear guard” soldiers on the information front, those who believe that every article, every photo, and every printed page reaching readers is part of a sacred mission: to serve the Fatherland and the People.
Delegates take commemorative photos with the People’s Army Newspaper.
Today, as they reflect on their 75-year journey, those at the People’s Army Newspaper can be proud - but not complacent. As General Secretary To Lam emphasized in his message:
"May the People’s Army Newspaper continue to grow stronger, always worthy of its role as a vanguard soldier on the ideological and cultural front of the Party - the voice of the armed forces and the Vietnamese People."
Translated by MINH KIÊN
VNQD