The leader made the remark when meeting with representatives of Central Highlands Front B3 Liaison Board on the 48th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975- 2023).

He said armed forces of the Central Highlands Front B3 fought in a key battlefield with many difficulties, hardships, and fierceness, but they were resilient, brave, clever, and creative, continuously winning victories of great strategic significance. Especially, the Central Highlands campaign in 1975 opened up great opportunities for the historical victory in Spring 1975 that completely liberated southern Vietnam and reunited the nation.

Merits of martyrs to be remembered foreverr. Photo: QĐND

The President said the more than 30-year struggle for national liberation under the leadership of the Party reflected a brilliant historical period in the nation's cause of national construction and defence. But the pain and losses caused by the war still exist in many families. More than 40,000 officers and soldiers of the 3rd Army Corps laid down their lives heroically.

He said he is pleased to know that over the years, the liaison board has gathered veterans who fought in the Central Highlands, and regularly organised practical activities for them to support each other in life. The board also joined in collecting information, searching for fallen soldiers whose remains have not been found yet.

He called on the veterans to actively participate in the fight against corruption, help each other in life, and set an example for the younger generations to follow.

President Vo Van Thuong and the delegation respectfully offer incense in tribute to martyrs, revolutionary soldiers and patriots who heroically sacrificed their lives in Con Dao.

The delegates also met with revolutionaries who were once detained in the offshore Con Dao Prison and presented gifts to people with meritorious services to the revolution, in Con Dao district.

Con Dao is a sacred land marking the resilient and indomitable struggle of heroic martyrs, revolutionary soldiers, and patriots during the two resistance wars against the French colonialists and the American imperialists. The land witnessed the sacrifice of thousands of soldiers and patriots who laid down their lives for national liberation and reunification, or those who lost part of their body by the fierce tortures of the enemies.

In Hang Duong Cemetery, President Vo Van Thuong and the delegation respectfully offered incense in tribute to martyrs, revolutionary soldiers and patriots who had heroically sacrificed their lives in Con Dao. The ceremony saw the participation of nearly 80 former Con Dao prisoners nationwide.

The delegation attended a ceremony at Con Dao Temple commemorating the death of martyrs, revolutionaries and patriots who died on this island.

President Vo Van Thuong meets former Con Dao political prisoners.

During a meeting with 76 former Con Dao political prisoners, President Vo Van Thuong heard about the operation of the national liaison committee of Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers imprisoned by the enemies, which is responsible for implementing the policy of supporting and taking care of the health of imprisoned revolutionaries.

The ex-prisoners expressed their gratitude to the attention of the Party, State, Ba Ria - Vung Tau province and the liaison committee, affirming that they will try their best to make more contribution to the country’s development.

President Vo Van Thuong noted his respect for the great losses and sacrifices of former political prisoners, affirming that Con Dao, once dubbed as “Hell on Earth," witnessed the unyielding revolutionary will of revolutionary soldiers and patriots who turned the prison into a revolutionary school - the place to educate and promote the revolutionary spirit and patriotism.

He asked ministries and sectors to continue giving advice to the Party and State regarding policies taking care of national contributors, strengthening gratitude activities such as searching for and gathering remains of martyrs, constructing cemeteries, and organizing political education activities for young people.

The President visits and presents gifts to Nguyen Xuan Vien - a former political prisoner living in Con Dao district.

He applauded efforts made by the provincial authorities in developing Con Dao into a historical and spiritual tourist destination, which attracts many visitors.

The President called on the liaison committee to further promote their activities, really becoming a place connecting former Con Dao political prisoners nationwide.

The same day, President Vo Van Thuong visited Con Dao Museum and Phu Hai Prison historical relic site.

On the occasion, the leader also visited and presented gifts to Nguyen Xuan Vien - a former political prisoner living in Con Dao district, and Le Thi Diem, a martyr’s wife residing in Con Dao since 1996.