Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defense, chaired a meeting today with relevant agencies to launch the monument project. The initiative marks the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2.

This monument holds deep historical and symbolic meaning, paying tribute to the foreign experts and soldiers who supported Vietnam during its wars for national liberation.

A shared symbol of sacrifice and friendship

The central monument will include a unified bronze symbol commemorating the assistance and sacrifices of military experts from the six countries. The bronze elements will either be designed and crafted by the partner countries or created by Vietnam according to their proposals.

Additionally, a solid green stone relief sculpture, drafted and built by Vietnamese artists, will be part of the installation. The surrounding area will be landscaped with greenery and grass to complement the solemn atmosphere.

In accordance with guidance from the Ministry of National Defense and the General Department of Politics, the Department of Propaganda and Training has coordinated with the Vietnam Military History Museum and the Department of Foreign Relations to invite leading Vietnamese sculptors to draft preliminary models for statues representing the Soviet Union/Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, and Cuba. These drafts have been shared with the respective countries for feedback.

Ready for construction

Preparations are already underway. The General Department of Politics has ordered all relevant units to clear the area, level the ground, and construct an access road about 150 meters long and 5 meters wide. Materials, manpower, and equipment are being gathered in anticipation of construction orders.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien commended the efforts of the involved agencies, particularly the Department of Propaganda and Training, the Vietnam Military History Museum, and the Department of Foreign Relations.

He urged swift action to ensure the first group of statues is completed by August 15. He also emphasized that the main access route and central exhibition area should be finished by August 10.

General Chien also directed the Department of Foreign Relations to maintain close coordination with the six countries to obtain feedback on the statue drafts, ensuring the project stays on schedule and meets all diplomatic expectations.

Tran Thuong