Deputy Secretary of Hanoi's Party Committee Ngo Thi Thanh Hang delivers a speech at the workshop “Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu in the Air” victory on December 18, 2017. (Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn)

From December 18 to 30, the Vietnamese people and army shot down 81 US warplanes including 34 B52s, and captured 43 American pilots.

The victory was a turning point in the long war, forcing the US to sign the Paris Agreement in January 1973, and end its war in Vietnam.

More than 40 reports at the seminar affirmed the historical significance, valuable lessons, and theoretical and practical arguments to inspire patriotism and national pride in the Vietnam’s younger generation.  

An exhibition showcasing the 12-day campaign agaisnt US air strikes in December 1972.  (Photo:  Thanh Hai)

Lieutenant General Le Huy Vinh, Commander of the Air Defense-Air Force Service, said: “The confrontation between Vietnam and the US during the 12-day operation was relatively rare in world history. A small nation defeated a foreign invader much stronger in terms of military and economic power to regain its independence and freedom and reunite the country."

He added: "The victory was one of Vietnam’s greatest triumphs in its long struggle against foreign invaders and will forever be a bright symbol of revolutionary heroism, undaunted will, intellect, and the military arts of the Vietnamese people and soldiers. It has taught many valuable lessons for today’s national construction and defense.”