President Thongloun Sisoulith (centre) joins army officers at the start of a walk to mark the 75th anniversary of the Lao People’s Army in Vientiane. - Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN): Party Secretary General and State President Thongloun Sisoulith on Thursday morning led members of the armed forces and local residents on a short walk in central Vientiane to demonstrate the unity between the army and people of Laos.
The walk was one of many events organised this week and last to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Army.
The walkers gathered at the That Luang marsh and included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Chansamone Chanyalath, ministers, other officials, army personnel and members of the public.
Speaking at the event, Deputy President of the Lao Front for National Development, Inlavanh Keobounphanh, gave a brief summary of the development of the army since it was founded on January 20, 1949, to support the revolution.
During its 75-year journey, the army has achieved great victories and built up its fighting prowess and capabilities.
Its leaders and all personnel have overcome numerous difficulties and made many sacrific-es on behalf of Lao citizens, with their outstanding achievement being victory over an enemy with vastly superior firepower, leading to the liberation of Laos from foreign domination.
Over the past 75 years, the army has fulfilled the great and difficult mission assigned to it in a dignified manner, with its successes serv-ing to gild the pages of history as it ably protected the nation and en-sured that peace prevailed at all times.
During the walk, there was also a display by eight aircraft from the Lao People’s Army and the Chinese army.
Today, high-level leaders, ministers and governments officials will gather at the National Convention Centre for another event to mark the anniversary.
The Lao People’s Army promotes peace, stability and international cooperation by strengthening relationships with fraternal armies in line with the government’s foreign policy. It also complies with all Party guidelines and the fine traditions of the armed forces. - Vientiane Times/ANN
