Youth volunteer force celebrates 65th founding anniversary

The President said that since it was formed by late President Ho Chi Minh 65 years ago, the force has overcome numerous difficulties to fulfil its tasks, joining hands with the people and army in victories that led to the success of the revolution and national reunification.

The Party, State and people always remember the great sacrifice and devotion that former youth volunteers made during the struggles for national liberation, he stated. He highlighted the contributions of Youth Volunteer Team 36 members who faced hardships and danger, made sacrifices and managed to complete the important task of protecting President Ho Chi Minh, the Party Central Committee, the Government and central agencies in the Viet Bac safety zone during the struggle against French colonialists. He praised the ex-youth volunteers' efforts to engage in social activities and continue making contributions to the national construction and development despite their old age. The ex-youth volunteers have also taken the initiative to study and follow the moral example of President Ho Chi Minh, transferring the revolutionary heroism to the young generation, he said. The State leader urged the Party committee, Government at all levels and authorised agencies to offer preferential policies to all ex-youth volunteers to improve their living conditions. He also called on the ex-youth volunteers to put forth ideas to improve policies. President Sang asked for stronger communications and education among the youth on the patriotism and loyalty to revolution ideology chosen by the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, assuming a vanguard role in national defence and construction. According to Chairman of the Vietnam Ex-Youth Volunteer Association Nguyen Anh Lien, the first youth volunteer team debuted on July 15, 1950 in Hong Mountain, Dai Tu district in the northern province of Thai Nguyen. Two months later, the young volunteers were sent to the battle and fought hand-in-hand with the military to eliminate the enemy's Dong Khe post, making the first victory in the Border Campaign. Since then, the force has been expanded and took part in the glorious victories of the nation, including the Dien Bien Phu victory and the Great Victory in the spring of 1975. Inheriting and promoting the tradition of the force, the youth participated in socio-economic and cultural programmes to reconstruct the nation after reunification day. Currently, tens of thousands of youth are working through hardships to exert efforts in maintaining the national territorial integrity and protect the country's border, sea and islands, added Lien.

(Source: VNA)