Keeping Promises - Connecting Rivers: A Song of Gratitude

Keeping Promises is a program to honor the heroes and martyrs of the People's Public Security Forces initiated by VTV8 - Vietnam Television, in collaboration with the Party and Political Work Department - Ministry of Public Security since 2022. The program commemorates the War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27). Keeping Promises 2024, entitled "Connecting Rivers", pays tribute to the heroic past of the Vietnamese Security Forces in the fight for the liberation and reunification of the country.

A Special Artistic Program

In 2022, Keeping Promises was  held  for the first time at the Zone 5 Security Memorial Site in Bac Tra My District, Quang Nam Province, recounting the activities of the Zone 5 Security Forces during the resistance wars against the French and American invaders. In 2023, the program continued in Pleiku City, Gia Lai Province, under the title Keeping Promises - Green Central Highlands, telling stories of the security forces in the Central Highlands fighting  reactionary forces and political unrest.

This year, with the approval of the Ministry of Public Security and Vietnam Television, VTV8, in collaboration with the X03 Department of the Ministry of Public Security, is organizing this year's iteration of  "Keeping Promises"   under the theme"Connecting Rivers" at the Security Department Memorial Site - Central Southern Bureau in Tay Ninh Province. The program highlights historical milestones and quiet but  significant achievements, forming a song of gratitude for the heroic past of the Vietnamese Security Forces. "Keeping Promises - Connecting Rivers" will be broadcast live at 20:10 on July 27 on VTV1, VTV8, VTV9, VTV's digital platforms, and some local stations.

This special artistic program features revolutionary songs reflecting the indomitable fighting spirit of the army and people throughout the struggle for independence. It interweaves historical accounts and the activities of the Vietnamese Security Forces during different periods of the national struggle. There are also musical dramas and reenactments of security officers responding to the call of the nation, as well as the affection and care of President Ho Chi Minh for the Vietnamese Security Forces.

The Story of the "Rivers"

Keeping Promises 2024 comprises three parts: River of Ambition, River of Fire, and River of Aspiration. The first part - River of Ambition,  takes  viewers  through    the most arduous and fierce period  for the Vietnamese Security Forces. The US Army and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam launched Operation Junction City - an 82-day campaign aimed at "destroying the Central Southern Bureau,   the Liberation Army Command, and the Central Headquarters of the National Liberation Front", but they suffered a devastating defeat. For nearly 30 years after  the official establishment of the Central Southern Bureau, thousands of security officers from the North joined the army and people in the South, becoming soldiers of the Liberation Army, whose   flag was two-coloured: blue and red with a yellow five-pointed star symbolizing the aspiration for peace and national reunification.  Prior to April 30, 1975, the Vietnamese Security Forces endured numerous sacrifices and losses; many comrades were captured, tortured, imprisoned, and exposed to Agent Orange, resulting in severe illnesses.

The second part - River of Fire, showcases the contributions of the Vietnamese Security Forces to the victory of the  Tet Offensive  in 1968  and the total victory on April 30, 1975. After ten years of work and combat under extremely challenging conditions with  heavy losses and sacrifices, the Vietnamese Security Forces performed their assigned tasks with distinction and contributed to the total victory of the resistance war against the Americans. Revolutionary heroism is a shining quality that constitutes the glorious tradition of the People's Public Security Forces. Despite dangers, sacrifices, and losses, every officer and soldier of the People's Public Security Forces, especially the Security Forces, never falters because of the immense responsibility and trust reposed in them by the Party, the State, and the people.

The third part - River of Aspiration, is a heroic anthem  in memory of President Ho Chi Minh and the heroes and soldiers of the People's Public Security Forces who sacrificed their lives for national reunification. In today's peaceful times, the sacrifices of the Security Forces continue. President To Lam - General and former Minister of Public Security, recalled  the heroic sacrifices of thousands of officers and soldiers of the Vietnamese Security Forces during the resistance war against the Americans. In today's  complex and unpredictable global and regional situation, the task of safeguarding national security and social order remains challenging. The People's Public Security Forces continue to uphold their heroic tradition and remain loyal to the Party, the nation, and the people, sacrificing themselves for the country and serving the people.