Vietnam holds military parade to mark Dien Bien Phu victory

A grand military parade to mark the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory over French colonial forces (May 7, 1954 – May 7, 2014) took place on Wednesday morning at Dien Bien stadium in northern Vietnam’s Dien Bien Province.

The military display included members from different branches of Vietnam’s army, including land, air, and naval forces, along with war veterans.

A procession with the participation of representatives from the 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam, local farmers and workers was also organized at the sports ground.

“Dien Bien Phu is an eternal resplendent milestone in the country’s history,” president Truong Tan Sang stated at the event, which was broadcast live on national TV channel VTV3.

From early May 7, a high-profile government delegation led by the General Secretary of the Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong placed wreaths and burned incense in honor of the battle’s fallen soldiers at the A1 Hill Martyrs Cemetery in Dien Bien Phu City, the provincial capital.

Thousands of people across the country have flocked to Dien Bien Province in celebration of the Victory Day.

The Dien Bien Phu campaign, lasting 55 days, was the most decisive battle in Vietnam’s resistance war against French colonialism.

The battle took place between Vietnamese and French troops in Muong Thanh District, Lai Chau Province, which is now Dien Bien Province in the north.

The French were completely defeated and surrendered on May 7, 1954.

A military parade is organized at Dien Bien stadium on May 7, 2014 to mark the 60th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu victory. Photo: Taken from TV screen

President Truong Tan Sang makes a speech during the military parade to mark the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory at Dien Bien stadium on May 7, 2014. Photo: Taken from TV screen.

Military officers and veterans seen from a stand of Dien Bien stadium during the military parade to mark the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory on May 7, 2014. Photo: Taken from TV screen.

A dance performance organized at Dien Bien stadium to mark the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory on May 7, 2014. Photo: Taken from TV screen.

A corner of Dien Bien stadium on May 7, 2014. Photo: Taken from TV screen.

Women from some ethnic groups come to Dien Bien Province to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Vietnamese veterans from neighboring Lao Cai Province return to the former battlefield on the occasion of the 60^th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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