Thematic Session - Party Cell 8: Pride in Our Homeland

As part of the implementation plan for the second quarter’s thematic session in 2025 with the topic “Pride in Our Homeland”, under the theme “Promoting the Tradition of Regiment 261 - Living up to the Title of Uncle Ho’s Soldiers in the New Era”, Party Cell 8 organized a field trip to Regiment 261, Division 367, under the Vietnam Air Defence – Air Force. The delegation was led by Ms. Le Thu Hang, Secretary of Party Cell 8 (a Party Committee member at Van Lang University).

Regiment 261 consists of four firepower battalions (56, 57, 58, 59) and Technical Battalion 60. This is the 10th missile regiment of the Vietnam People’s Army, officially established on May 30, 1966, under a decision signed by General Vo Nguyen Giap. During the resistance war against the United States, the regiment participated in 198 battles, shooting down 63 U.S. aircraft of 8 different types, including 13 B-52 bombers (8 of which crashed on-site, including those brought down by Battalion 72, temporarily affiliated with the Regiment during the second phase of the campaign). Notably, Regiment 261 was the first unit to shoot down a B-52 bomber on-site at 8:13 p.m. on the night of December 18, 1972, and is the missile regiment credited with shooting down the most B-52 bombers. In recognition of their outstanding achievements, the Regiment was honored with many prestigious awards by the Party and the State, including the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces, the Order of Independence, the Military Exploit Order, the Feat Order, and many flags and commendations.

The delegation offered incense at the Memorial Stele House to pay tribute to the heroes and martyrs (Regiment 261). Afterwards, Party members attended a report on the history of Regiment 261, themed “Promoting the Tradition of Regiment 261 – Living up to the Title of Uncle Ho’s Soldiers in the New Era”. 

During the visit, Party Cell 8 had the opportunity to visit Battalion 57 under Regiment 261. In addition to listening to the report on the history and heroic victories of the unit, the members also participated in a formation training session for new soldiers, as well as a drill demonstrating their transition into combat readiness.

Through the reports and inspiring stories shared by Mr. Tran Quang Huy, Secretary of the Party Committee of Regiment 261, Party members gained a deeper sense of respect, pride, and appreciation for the brave and wise soldiers who defended the nation and protected its skies, making today’s peace possible.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Ms. Le Thu Hang shared, “Through your stories, we feel deep admiration and pride. We admire the bravery and ingenuity of the soldiers, and we are proud of the heroic achievements they have made. We are sincerely grateful for all of this. In today’s challenging and ever-changing times, we believe that with intelligence, courage, responsibility, and determination, you will continue to successfully fulfill your mission and keep our nation’s skies peaceful”. 

As the session came to a close, all members of Party Cell 8 expressed a shared feeling: “This was a valuable and enriching experience”. They also expressed their hope that the Party Committee of Van Lang University will continue to organize similarly meaningful visits in the future.

News: Party Cell Committee – Party Cell 8
Photos: Party Cell 8 Delegation