In late December 1972, the Vietnamese army and people resiliently fought against the US air strikes with B52 bomber - the most modern aircraft of the time, for 12 days and nights, creating the resounding ‘Dien Bien Phu in the air" victory. The Vietnamese army and people shot down 81 aircraft of all kinds, including 34 B-52s. Hanoi forces alone shot down 23 B-52 strategic bombers and captured 43 pilots.
The symposium was jointly held by the Ministry of National Defence, the Party Central Committee’s Information and Education Commission, the Ministry of Public Security and the Hanoi Party Committee.
In his remarks, General Luong Cuong, Chairman of the General Department of Politics under the Vietnam People's Army (VPA), stressed that the victory had forced the US to halt bombings in Vietnam and sign the Paris Peace Accords – an agreement on ending the war and restoring peace in Vietnam, and withdraw troops out of the Southeast Asian nation.
He said that the victory was made possible thanks to the strong will and strength of Vietnamese people, and demonstrated the ingenious leadership of the Party.
Organisers received 130 reports and speeches by Party and State leaders, and representatives from ministries, agencies and localities, researchers and victory witnesses.
The participants highlighted the unique and creative the tactics employed by Vietnam in the campaign, the significance of the victory, along with new issues emerging during the cause of national construction and defence.
