Asean Headline: Viengxay marks 50th anniversary of its founding
Viengxay district, Huaphan province: Viengxay district in the northeast of Laos is famous for being the stronghold of the nation’s revolutionary movement and yesterday celebrated its 50th anniversary.
This momentous occasion was honoured by the presence of President Bounnhang Vorachit, along with high-ranking officials and local residents at a grand celebration in the district’s main stadium.
Addressing the event, Vice President Phankham Viphavanh said that today the Party, government and people of Huaphan province, along with people throughout the country, had organised this national celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the Viengxay liberation forces’ command centre.
In addition, the event stirred up national sentiment ahead of the 70th anniversary of the Lao People’s Army.
President Bounnhang said that people across the country were happy and proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Viengxay, the 43rd anniversary of the liberation of Laos, and the 98th anniversary of the birth of former President Kaysone Phomvihane.
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of President Kaysone Phomvihane, who set the country on the mission to liberate our nation, and other leaders of the Party and State, people of all ethnic groups, advisors from Vietnam and our friendly partners for the sacrifices they made for the independence and the well-being of our people,” President Bounnhang said.
Thousands of people attended the celebratory activities that took place in Viengxay district from November 28-30. Visitors were entertained with stage shows, product fairs, and exhibitions.
But the main ceremony took place yesterday, centering on a grand parade that included more than 20 groups.
In addition, a convoy consisting of 126 vehicles and nearly 600 people travelled to Viengxay from Vientiane and the provinces.
After the grand ceremony, stage shows and fireworks entertained the crowd long into the evening.
Before the parade took place, leaders laid a wreath at the Unknown Soldier Monument and the Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong memorials.
Many visitors toured the caves which housed the offices of the revolutionary leaders as they devised strategies that resulted in the defeat of their enemies. The caves witnessed the birth of the Lao PDR and today serve to teach visitors from far and near about the revolutionary struggle.
A tour allows people to explore the caves inhabited by former presidents Kaysone Phomvihane, Souphanouvong and Nouhak Phomsavanh, Khamtay Siphandone, and Xanglort.
The provincial capital of Huaphan province, Xamneua district, is home to a majestic city pillar which rises from the town centre.
It has a large crystal ball at its apex that glistens in the sunset. It too celebrates the site of the revolutionary movement.
The combined forces of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia turned the war in Indochina’s favour with the defeat of the French at Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam, resulting in the three countries finally achieving their independence.
But soon after the defeat of the French, American interventionism saw the region facing a renewed threat from outside aggressors.
Throughout this second war, some 580,000 bombing missions were conducted over Laos, equating to one raid every eight minutes around the clock from 1964-1973.
On May 17, 1964, the first US plane, a T28, attacked the Viengxay area.
The soldiers of the Lao People’s Army fought countless brave battles before eventually achieving victory and liberating the nation and people of Laos in 1975.
But Laos’ cunning strategists proved stronger than the military might of the Americans and overthrew their political influence as well as their hardware, resulting in the triumphant declaration of liberation on December 2, 1975.
As well as travelling by private vehicle, Viengxay district can be reached by bus from Vientiane or from Luang Prabang and Xieng Khuang provinces and also from Son La province in Vietnam.
The district has numerous restaurants serving food and drinks at reasonable prices.
(Latest Update December 1, 2018)
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