Lao People’s Army celebrates 73rd anniversary

Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh led high-ranking officials and military personnel in events to celebrate 73 years of the Lao People’s Armed Forces.
The event reflected the all-round growth of the armed forces under the direct, decisive and comprehensive leadership of the government.
The celebrations took place at the Kommadam Military Academy in Phonhong district, Vientiane province, and were also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Chansamone Chanyalath.

Troops trained for many months to pull off a successful and impressive display, with the programme including demonstrations involving handguns, assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and other weaponry.
The action-packed event also comprised hand-to-hand combat and martial arts demonstrations, a parachute drop by airborne soldiers, and a flypast by military aircraft.
Prime Minister Phankham expressed his appreciation for the dedication of the steering committee, led by the guerrillas who participated in the training and overcoming difficulties with dexterity in coordinating and completing the exercises as planned in complete safety.
He also congratulated all soldiers on their glorious achievements.
Prime Minister Phankham said it was the duty of the army to support the nation’s two strategic goals of protection and development, as well as the four major tasks and 26 programmes outlined by the Party Committee of the Ministry of National Defence.
He called on all members of the armed forces to increase their vigilance in safeguarding the Party and State’s policies and guidance, protecting the fruits of the revolution, and upholding democracy.
Lao People’s Army Day is officially recognised on January 20 while the special military forces’ anniversary falls on December 25.
The army has played a strong role in national security and development over past years and will continue to do so in the future.
The Lao People’s Army was officially established on January 20, 1949. During the revolution, the army fought many battles before eventually achieving victory and liberating the nation from foreign domination in 1975.
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 complies with Party guidelines and the fine traditions of the armed forces.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update January 20, 2022)