Commemorating national heroes and martyrs on the 100th anniversary of Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press

On June 18, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press (June 21, 1925 - June 21, 2025), a delegation representing the Quang Ninh Journalists’ Association and the Quang Ninh Provincial Media Group paid tribute to revolutionary martyrs and the first Secretary of the Quang Ninh Special Zone Party Committee, Vu Van Hieu.

Participating in the ceremony were former and current leaders of the Quang Ninh Journalists’ Association, members of its Executive Committee, the Council of Senior Journalists, as well as key personnel and youth union members of the Provincial Media Center. 

Together, they reflected on the proud century-long tradition of revolutionary journalism in Vietnam, which began on June 21, 1925, when Thanh Nien newspaper, founded by President Ho Chi Minh (then known as Nguyen Ai Quoc), released its first issue, marking the birth of Vietnam’s revolutionary press.

Thanh Nien played a pivotal role in laying the political, ideological, and organizational foundation that led to the establishment of the Communist Party of Vietnam on February 3, 1930.

President Ho Chi Minh considered journalism a sharp weapon in the struggle against colonialism and imperialism and a tool for building socialism. He regarded journalists as ideological soldiers and was himself a pioneering figure on the frontlines of the revolutionary press.

Throughout the resistance wars against the French and American imperialists, more than 400 journalists made the ultimate sacrifice. Many died on the battlefield with notebooks, pens, cameras, or film recorders still in hand, a powerful symbol of their dedication and bravery in contributing to national liberation and unification.

In Quang Ninh, revolutionary journalism emerged early in Vietnam’s press history. Just three years after Thanh Nien was first published, in late 1928, a group of Party members from Hai Phong and Thai Binh came to Cam Pha and Cua Ong and formed a Party cell. On the day of its formation, they resolved to publish a newspaper named Than (Coal). The first issue spread Marxist-Leninist ideology and inspired patriotism and class consciousness among miners, marking the beginning of a dynamic revolutionary press movement in the region. 

After that, numerous revolutionary publications were born in the mining area, playing a significant role in the struggle for national independence and the cause of building and defending the fatherland.

Throughout various revolutionary periods, under the leadership of the Party and the management of the state and the journalists’ association, the province’s media agencies and journalist community have maintained unity, creativity, and resilience. They have closely followed and supported the revolutionary cause of the Party, the province, and the nation. 

In every circumstance, Quang Ninh journalists have effectively communicated the Party's guidelines and the State’s policies and laws, encouraged public engagement in national renewal efforts, actively contributed to Party-building and the consolidation of the political system, and played a vital role in combating corruption and misinformation while safeguarding the ideological foundation of the Party and reinforcing national solidarity.

Thanks to these efforts, Quang Ninh’s revolutionary press has grown steadily, fulfilling its mission of shaping public opinion and political orientation, and contributing significantly to the province’s reputation as a prosperous and forward-looking locality. 

Over the past 97 years, Quang Ninh’s journalism has affirmed its role as the voice of the provincial Party Committee, government, political and social organizations, and as a public forum for the people.

Today, journalists across Quang Ninh continue to strive for professional excellence, enhancing their political awareness, professional ethics, technical skills, foreign language proficiency, and digital capabilities, to meet the evolving demands of modern multimedia journalism. Through timely and accurate reporting on political, economic, cultural, social, and national defense affairs, they inspire creativity and patriotism and help harness the collective strength of the people under the leadership of the Party.

Throughout 100 years of revolutionary journalism nationwide and 97 years of press history in Quang Ninh, many journalists have been honored with prestigious national and provincial awards. Notably, at the upcoming 19th National Press Awards, scheduled to take place on June 21, 2025, four groups of authors from Quang Ninh will be recognized with top prizes: one B prize, two C prizes, and one Consolation prize.

On this momentous occasion, with deep pride and unwavering faith in the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, and in honor of the fallen heroes, Quang Ninh’s journalists solemnly pledge to follow the noble path of those who came before. They vow to remain loyal to the Party, the State, and the People, uphold the spirit of revolutionary heroism, and fulfill their duties with excellence.

At the incense offering for the hero of the People’s Armed Forces and revolutionary martyr Vu Van Hieu, the delegation reaffirmed that Quang Ninh has always been a cradle of Vietnam’s working class and labor movements. It was the birthplace of the “proletarianization” movement and the training ground for many pioneering revolutionaries, fostering the courage, willpower, and “Discipline and Solidarity” spirit that became the hallmark of Vietnam’s working class and the Communist Party.

The first Secretary of the Quang Ninh Special Zone Party Committee, Vu Van Hieu, is remembered as a symbol of both resilience and compassion, a shining embodiment of the “Discipline and Solidarity” spirit. His devotion and sacrifice have become a lasting ideal for generations of Vietnamese communists.

In honoring his memory, Quang Ninh journalists renew their commitment to unity, creativity, and perseverance. They will continue to grow stronger, accompany the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation, actively contribute to patriotic movements, and devote their wisdom and efforts to fulfilling their responsibilities. They reaffirm the role of the press as the voice of the Party, government, mass organizations, and the people of Quang Ninh, contributing to the province’s socio-economic development and the aspiration to build a prosperous, civilized, and modern Quang Ninh.