A commemorative postal stamp collection marking the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) and the 35th anniversary of All People’s National Defense Day has been officially released in a special ceremony by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and the General Political Department of the Ministry of National Defense.

The ceremony took place on December 18 in Hanoi. The collection celebrates the founding of the VPA (December 22, 1944) and All People’s National Defense Day (December 22, 1989).

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Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Duc, Director of the Department of Propaganda, and La Hoang Trung, Director of the Postal Department, sign the official release of the commemorative stamps. Photo: M.Q

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The stamp designs showcase consistent themes across all four samples. Photo: Vietnam Post

At the event, La Hoang Trung, Director of the Postal Department at the MIC, noted that the collection is a continuation of Vietnam’s postal tradition of honoring significant national milestones.

This collection highlights the glorious tradition of the VPA, emphasizing its role as an army "born from the people, fighting for the people." It aims to share Vietnam's message of peace with the world.

The commemorative set, designed by artist Nguyen Du, includes four stamps (measuring 43 x 32 mm) with denominations of 4,000 VND, 4,000 VND, 4,000 VND, and 15,000 VND. The stamps feature a cohesive graphic style, focusing on the VPA's history, modernization, and its role in international peacekeeping efforts.

The stamps are available through Vietnam’s postal network from December 18, 2024, to June 30, 2026.

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The commemorative stamps are available through Vietnam’s postal network until June 30, 2026. Photo: M.S

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Mr. La Hoang Trung presents the commemorative stamps to the General Political Department of the Vietnam People's Army. Photo: M.Q

Stamp designs and themes

1.     "Born from the people, fighting for the people": This stamp portrays the establishment of the Vietnam Liberation Army Propaganda Unit with 34 members in 1944. It also reflects the August Revolution of 1945, which led to Vietnam's independence and the foundation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

2.     "Determined to fight, determined to win": This design highlights the heroism of liberation soldiers, advancing through storms of bullets to defeat their enemies. The background features historic victories, including the 1954 Dien Bien Phu victory, the 1975 Spring Offensive, and the unification of the country.

3.     "Ready to defend the Fatherland": This stamp showcases soldiers from Vietnam’s main military branches - army, navy, and air force - in readiness to protect the nation. It also symbolizes the modernization of the VPA and its international integration, including participation in UN peacekeeping missions and contributions to sustainable, green economic development.

4.     "Army and people united as one": Depicting soldiers helping farmers harvest rice, this stamp illustrates the deep bond between the VPA and the people. It celebrates the VPA’s unwavering support for the population in both wartime and peacetime.

This release follows similar commemorative issues for the 15th, 20th, 35th, 40th, and 50th anniversaries of the VPA. These collections aim to promote patriotism, inspire the nation to strengthen its defense, and honor those who sacrificed for the peace Vietnam enjoys today.

Van Anh