Circular No. 199/2016/TT-BQP stipulates and guides the organization of commemorative days; the ceremony for presenting and receiving commendation forms and meritorious titles in the Vietnam People's Army.

CIRCULAR

REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF ANNIVERSARY DAYS; CEREMONIES FOR BESTOWING AND RECEIVING AWARDS AND HONORIFIC TITLES IN THE VIETNAMESE PEOPLE'S ARMY

Pursuant to Directive No. 45-CT/TW dated July 22, 2010 of the Politburo on reforming and enhancing the effectiveness of organizing anniversary days, ceremonies for bestowing and receiving state honors and high-level awards;

Pursuant to Decree No. 145/2013/NĐ-CP dated October 29, 2013 of the Government on the organization of anniversary days; ceremonies for bestowing and receiving awards and honorific titles; foreign diplomatic holidays and welcoming foreign guests;

Pursuant to Decree No. 35/2013/NĐ-CP dated April 22, 2013, of the Government, stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of National Defense;

At the proposal of the Director of the General Political Department;

The Minister of National Defense promulgates this Circular stipulating and guiding the organization of anniversary days; ceremonies for bestowing and receiving awards and honorific titles in the Vietnamese People's Army.

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

Article 1. This Circular stipulates and guides the organization of anniversary days; ceremonies for bestowing and receiving awards and honorific titles in the Vietnamese People's Army.

Article 2. This Circular applies to agencies, units, sectors, forces (hereinafter referred to collectively as units) under the Ministry of National Defense and related organizations and individuals.

Article 3. Requirements for the organization of anniversary days; ceremonies for bestowing and receiving awards and honorific titles

1. Must comply with the viewpoints and policies of the Party, regulations of the State, and the Army.

2. Must be implemented uniformly, suitable to the characteristics of the Army and units, ensuring solemnity, economy, effectiveness, safety, and avoiding ostentation.

3. Must be linked to the movement of decisive victory competitions, campaigns, and tasks of the Army and units.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. Full years, five-year intervals, and other years are the years of anniversaries (the number of times). The method of calculating full years, five-year intervals, and other years shall be carried out according to Clause 1, Article 3 of Decree No. 145/2013/NĐ-CP dated October 29, 2013 of the Government on the organization of anniversary days; ceremonies for bestowing and receiving awards and honorific titles; foreign diplomatic rituals and welcoming foreign guests; specifically:

a) Full years are those anniversary years ending in 0;

b) Five-year intervals are those anniversary years ending in 5;

c) Other years are those anniversary years ending in other digits.

For the Day of Ancestral Commemoration of King Hung: Full years, five-year intervals, and other years are calculated based on the current Gregorian year sequence.

2. Leadership of the Ministry of National Defense includes the Minister of National Defense, the Director of the General Political Department of the Vietnamese People's Army, the Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnamese People's Army, and Deputy Ministers of National Defense.

3. The traditional day of a unit is the day the unit was established or the day of a significant event worth remembering, proposed by the unit's party committee and command and recognized by the competent authority.

Chapter II
ANNIVERSARIES OF MAJOR NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

Article 4. Tet Festival

1. Units organize the New Year's Eve celebration and watch the President's New Year greetings broadcast live on Vietnam Television or Vietnam Radio.

2. Units organize activities to celebrate Tet, welcome spring, and ensure the material and spiritual life of soldiers.

Article 5. King Hung Ancestral Commemoration Day (March 10th Lunar Calendar)

1. For five-year intervals and other years:

a) The Commandant of Military Region 2 and the Provincial Military Command of Phu Tho participate in the incense offering ceremony organized by the Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee;

b) Units organize activities to promote education about the history and traditions of nation-building and national defense of the Vietnamese people; the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's laws on national solidarity and the promotion of national solidarity strength in the cause of building and defending the country;

c) Media outlets in the Army organize publicity and reporting on the event.

2. For full years:

a) Units organize for soldiers to watch Vietnam Television or Vietnam Radio broadcasting the national-level incense offering ceremony in Phu Tho Province live;

b) Other activities are organized as in five-year intervals and other years.

Article 6. The Founding Day of the Communist Party of Vietnam (03-02-1930); the Birthday of President Ho Chi Minh (19-5-1890)

1. For five-year intervals and other years:

a) Units shall not organize rallies to commemorate; they shall organize activities for propaganda, education, competition, visual propaganda, cultural, artistic, physical training, and sports events to celebrate; participate in mourning ceremonies and offering incense ceremonies commemorating President Ho Chi Minh organized by localities (if any);

b) News agencies and press organs within the Military shall open special pages and columns for propaganda and reporting on the event;

c) Cultural and artistic units shall build and perform artistic programs, organize exhibitions, and screen films to serve soldiers and the people;

d) In special cases, the Political Bureau shall provide specific guidance on implementation;

2. For full years:

a) Units shall organize for soldiers to watch the live broadcast of the National Commemoration Ceremony on Vietnam Television or Voice of Vietnam Radio;

b) The Political Bureau shall develop plans, direct, and guide the organization of commemorative activities within the Military;

c) Units shall develop plans and organize commemorative activities; focusing on propaganda and educational activities about tradition, visual propaganda, cultural, artistic, physical training, and sports activities; intensify competitive activities and achievements to celebrate the event; organize activities to repay kindness and fulfill obligations;

d) Other activities shall be organized like those in years ending in 5, other years;

Article 7. The South Liberation Day, National Unification Day (30-4-1975); the Dien Bien Phu Victory Day (07-5-1954); the August Revolution Day (19-8-1945) and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (02-9-1945)

1. For five-year intervals and other years:

a) Units shall not organize rallies to commemorate; they shall organize activities for propaganda, education, competition, visual propaganda, cultural, artistic, physical training, and sports events to celebrate the anniversary; participate in mourning heroes and martyrs at cemeteries organized by localities (if any);

b) News agencies and press organs within the Military shall open special pages and columns for propaganda and reporting on the event;

c) Cultural and artistic units shall build and perform artistic programs, organize exhibitions, and screen films to serve soldiers and the people;

d) In special cases, the Political Bureau shall provide specific guidance on implementation;

2. For full years:

a) Units shall organize for soldiers to watch the live broadcast of the National Commemoration Ceremony on Vietnam Television or Voice of Vietnam Radio;

b) The Political Bureau shall take the lead, coordinate with relevant agencies to develop plans of the Ministry of Defense regarding the organization of commemorative activities; direct and guide the organization of propaganda, educational, and competitive activities within the Military;

c) The General Staff shall take the lead in developing plans to implement the program for rallies, parades, and marches organized by the State; direct and implement the organization;

d) Units shall develop plans and organize commemorative activities; focusing on propaganda and educational activities about tradition, visual propaganda, cultural, artistic, physical training, and sports activities; intensify competitive activities and achievements to celebrate the event; organize activities to repay kindness and fulfill obligations;

d) Other activities shall be organized like those in years ending in 5, other years;

Chapter III
COMMEMORATING THE BIRTHDAYS OF LEADERS OF THE PARTY AND STATE WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY; COMMEMORATING THE ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH OF OUTSTANDING PERSONALITIES

Article 8. Commemorating the birthdays of leaders of the Party and State who have passed away

1. The authority to decide and frequency of organizing the commemoration of the birthdays of leaders of the Party and State who have passed away shall be implemented according to the provisions of Article 14 of Decree No. 145/2013/NĐ-CP dated October 29, 2013 of the Government on the organization of commemorative days; the ceremony for awarding and receiving commendations and titles of honor; diplomatic rituals and welcoming foreign guests;

2. Organizing the commemoration of the birthdays of General Secretaries, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Speakers of the National Assembly who have passed away:

a) First commemoration:

Units shall organize for soldiers to watch the live broadcast of the National Commemoration Ceremony on Vietnam Television or Voice of Vietnam Radio;

Units stationed in the hometowns of the leaders shall cooperate with local party committees and authorities to participate in organizing commemorative activities;

b) Subsequent commemorations:

Units stationed in the hometowns of the leaders shall participate in offering incense at memorials of the leaders organized by localities; participate in scientific seminars or roundtable discussions on the life, career, and contributions to the revolution of the leaders; participate in cultural, artistic, physical training, and sports events celebrating the occasion organized by localities;

3. Organizing the commemoration of the birthdays of members of the Politburo, Central Secretariat members of the Party, Vice-Presidents, Deputy Prime Ministers, Vice-Speakers of the National Assembly who have passed away:

Units stationed in the hometowns of the leaders shall proactively cooperate with local party committees and authorities to participate in organizing commemorative activities organized by localities (if any);

4. In addition to the contents stipulated in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of this Article, agencies and units shall be responsible for:

a) The Political Bureau shall direct and guide the organization of propaganda and educational activities within the Military;

b) Units shall develop plans and organize propaganda and educational activities about the life, career, and contributions of leaders of the Party and State;

c) News agencies and press organs within the Military shall open special pages and columns for propaganda and reporting on the event;

d) Research institutions, academies, and schools may organize scientific seminars or roundtable discussions on the life, career, and contributions of leaders of the Party and State.

Article 9. Commemorating the Year of Death of Renowned Figures Recognized by the Party and State

1. For five-year intervals and other years:

a) Units stationed in the hometown of the renowned figure shall proactively coordinate with local party committees and authorities to organize appropriate, practical, and effective activities;

b) News agencies and press organs within the Military shall organize propaganda and reporting on the event.

2. For full years:

a) Units stationed in the hometown of the renowned figure shall proactively coordinate with local party committees and authorities to participate in organizing commemorative activities organized by the locality;

b) Units shall organize propaganda and education about the life, career, and outstanding contributions of the renowned figure;

c) Media outlets in the Army organize publicity and reporting on the event.

Chapter IV
COMMEMORATION OF INTERNATIONAL DAYS

Article 10. Commemorating the Birthdays of V.I.Lenin (April 22, 1870), C.Marx (May 5, 1818), F.Engels (November 28, 1820), and the October Revolution in Russia (November 7, 1917)

1. For five-year intervals and other years:

a) Units shall organize activities for propaganda, education, and visual promotion. The Vietnam Military History Institute, research agencies, academies, and military schools shall organize commemorative activities such as seminars, exhibitions, and book presentations;

b) News agencies and press organs within the Military and units shall propagate about the biography, career, and contributions of V.I.Lenin, C.Marx, F.Engels, and the significance of the October Revolution in Russia for the world revolution and the Vietnamese revolution.

2. For full years:

a) The Ministry of National Defense leadership shall join the Party and State delegation to lay wreaths at the V.I.Lenin Monument in Hanoi on Lenin's birthday and the Day of the October Revolution;

b) The Political Bureau shall direct and guide the organization of propaganda and educational activities in the Military. Units shall develop plans and organize propaganda and educational activities to celebrate the commemoration;

c) Military representatives shall attend scientific conferences and commemorative ceremonies organized by the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics;

d) News agencies and press organs within the Military shall propagate and report on the event.

Article 11. Commemorating other international days

1. For five-year intervals and other years:

a) Units shall organize activities for propaganda, education, and visual promotion to celebrate the event;

b) News agencies and press organs within the Military shall propagate and report on the event.

2. For full years:

a) The Political Bureau shall direct and guide the organization of commemorative activities;

b) Units shall organize activities for propaganda, education, visual promotion, cultural, artistic, sports, and exhibition events to celebrate the commemoration;

c) News agencies and press organs within the Military shall propagate and report on the event.

Chapter V
COMMEMORATING THE DAY OF ESTABLISHMENT OF THE VIETNAMESE PEOPLE'S ARMY, NATIONAL DEFENSE DAY, AND TRADITIONAL DAY OF UNITS IN THE VIETNAMESE PEOPLE'S ARMY

Section 1.

 COMMEMORATING THE DAY OF ESTABLISHMENT OF THE VIETNAMESE PEOPLE'S ARMY (December 22, 1944), NATIONAL DEFENSE DAY (December 22, 1989)

Article 12. Organizing the Commemoration of the Day of Establishment of the Vietnamese People's Army and National Defense Day

1. Other years:

a) Units shall organize activities for propaganda, education, competition, visual promotion, cultural, artistic, and sports events to celebrate the commemoration;

b) News agencies and press organs within the Military shall organize propaganda and reporting on the event.

2. Years ending in 5:

a) The Political Bureau shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies of the Ministry of National Defense to direct and organize commemorative activities at the Ministry level;

b) Units shall organize activities for propaganda, education, visual promotion, cultural, artistic, and sports events, competitions, exchanges, and seminars; organize activities for competition, gratitude, and repayment;

c) News agencies and press organs within the Military shall intensify propaganda about the glorious history and tradition of the Vietnamese People's Army, about building a national defense system; report on commemorative activities;

d) Cultural and artistic units shall build and perform special artistic programs, organize exhibitions, and film screenings to serve soldiers and the people.

3. Leap years:

a) Units shall organize for soldiers to watch the live broadcast of the National Commemoration Ceremony on Vietnam Television or Voice of Vietnam Radio;

b) The Political Bureau and relevant agencies shall advise and assist the Ministry of National Defense to take the lead and coordinate with central ministries, sectors, mass organizations, and related localities to organize national-level commemorative activities;

c) Units shall develop plans and organize commemorative activities; strengthen activities for propaganda, education, visual promotion, cultural, artistic, and sports events, competitions, exchanges, and seminars; intensify activities for competition and achievement to celebrate the Day of Establishment of the Vietnamese People's Army and National Defense Day; organize activities for gratitude and repayment;

d) News agencies and press organs within the Military shall open special sections and columns to widely propagate about the history, tradition, functions, missions, achievements, and accomplishments of the Vietnamese People's Army, and the achievements of building a national defense system; report on commemorative activities;

đ) Cultural and artistic units shall build and perform special artistic programs, organize exhibitions, and film screenings to serve soldiers and the people.

Article 13. Construction and approval of plans and projects to organize commemorative activities for odd-numbered 5th years and even-numbered years marking the establishment of the Vietnam People's Army and the National Defense Day

1. Odd-numbered 5th years:

a) The Political Bureau shall take the lead and coordinate with functional agencies under the Ministry of National Defense to develop plans for organizing commemorative activities, submit them to the Minister of National Defense for consideration and decision;

b) Agencies and units directly under the Ministry of National Defense shall base on the plan of the Ministry of National Defense to develop their own plans, provide guidance, and implement according to their functions and tasks.

2. For full years:

a) The Political Bureau shall take the lead and coordinate with functional agencies under the Ministry of National Defense to develop a project for organizing commemorative activities; seek opinions from central ministries, sectors, mass organizations, and relevant localities; compile and perfect the draft project; report to the Central Military Commission Standing Committee, the Minister of National Defense, and submit to the Prime Minister for approval;

b) The Political Bureau shall take the lead and coordinate with functional agencies under the Ministry of National Defense to develop a plan to implement the project for organizing commemorative activities within the military, submit it to the Minister of National Defense for consideration and decision;

c) Agencies and units directly under the Ministry of National Defense shall base on the approved project by the Prime Minister and the plan of the Ministry of National Defense to develop their own plans, provide guidance, and implement according to their functions and tasks.

3. The time for developing and submitting the project and plan for organizing commemorative activities for approval must be at least one year before the commemoration date.

Section 2.

COMMEMORATION OF THE TRADITIONAL DAY OF UNITS IN THE VIETNAM PEOPLE'S ARMY

Article 14. Conditions and authority to decide recognition of traditional days of units

1. Units at the brigade level and equivalent or higher that meet the following conditions may be considered for recognition of their traditional day:

a) There is a document from the competent authority regarding the establishment or historical evidence proving the birth of the unit and significant events worth remembering;

b) There has been a stable development process of at least ten years.

2. Authority to decide recognition of traditional days of units:

a) The Minister of National Defense decides on the recognition of the traditional day of units directly under the Ministry of National Defense and those with nationwide characteristics;

b) The head of units directly under the Ministry of National Defense decides on the recognition of the traditional day of subordinate units.

Article 15. Procedure for recognizing the traditional day of units

1. The application dossier for recognizing the traditional day includes:

a) A proposal from the unit requesting the competent authority to recognize the traditional day, clearly stating the necessity, grounds, and significance of determining the traditional day;

b) An excerpt from the minutes of the party committee meeting (standing committee of the party committee) on determining the traditional day;

c) Historical documents and materials related to determining the traditional day of the unit such as copies of documents from the competent authority regarding establishment; excerpts from seminar minutes; opinions of groups and individuals who witnessed the event chosen as the traditional day and other related documents (if any).

2. Recognition procedure:

a) For traditional days within the authority of the Minister of National Defense to decide:

- The unit requesting recognition of the traditional day shall prepare two dossiers in accordance with Clause 1 of this Article and send them to the Propaganda Department;

- Within two months from the date of receiving valid dossiers, the Propaganda Department shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to review, report to the Chief of the Political Bureau, and submit to the Minister of National Defense for issuance of the recognition decision; if the dossier is not valid, the Propaganda Department shall issue a notification specifying the reasons for the unit to complete according to requirements.

b) For traditional days within the authority of the heads of units directly under the Ministry of National Defense to decide:

- The unit requesting recognition of the traditional day shall prepare two dossiers in accordance with Clause 1 of this Article and send them to the Political Agency of the unit directly under the Ministry of National Defense;

- Within two months from the date of receiving valid dossiers, the Political Agency of the unit directly under the Ministry of National Defense shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to review and submit to the head of the unit directly under the Ministry of National Defense for issuance of the recognition decision; if the dossier is not valid, the Political Agency of the unit directly under the Ministry of National Defense shall issue a notification specifying the reasons for the unit to complete according to requirements.

c) The application dossier for recognizing the traditional day of sectors and forces shall be prepared by the managing agency of the sector or force in accordance with Points a and b of this Clause.

Article 16. Organizing traditional anniversary commemoration activities of units

1. Other years:

Units organize propaganda, education, visual publicity, cultural, artistic, physical training, sports, contest, sports meet, exchange, seminar, and competition activities to celebrate the traditional anniversary of the unit.

2. Years ending in 5:

a) The unit builds plans and organizes anniversary celebration activities ensuring safety, economy, practicality, and effectiveness.

b) Organize propaganda, education, visual publicity activities, cultural, artistic, physical training, sports activities, contests, sports meets, exchanges, seminars; consolidate campsites and environmental landscapes; compete to achieve outstanding results to celebrate the traditional anniversary of the unit; organize activities to repay kindness.

c) Units at regiment level and equivalent or higher shall organize traditional meetings.

3. Leap years:

a) The unit builds plans and organizes anniversary celebration activities ensuring safety, economy, practicality, and effectiveness.

b) The political office of the unit compiles a framework for propaganda on the unit's tradition and guides subordinate units in organizing anniversary celebration activities; strengthen educational activities on traditions, visual publicity, cultural, artistic, physical training, sports activities, contests, sports meets, exchanges, seminars; consolidate campsites and environmental landscapes; promote competitive activities to achieve outstanding results to celebrate the traditional anniversary of the unit; organize activities to repay kindness.

c) Strengthen propaganda about the unit's tradition, achievements, and activities through mass media.

d) Units at regiment level and equivalent or higher shall organize memorial ceremonies in auditoriums or outdoors, parade formations when organizing outdoors. In cases of parades, military reviews, or processions, they must report to the Central Military Commission and the Minister of National Defense for consideration and decision.

Article 17. Building and Approving Plans for Organizing Anniversary Commemoration Activities on Odd-Fifth and Round Anniversaries of the Unit

1. The plan for organizing anniversary commemoration activities on odd-fifth and round anniversaries of the unit includes the following main contents:

a) Objectives and requirements;

b) Contents of commemoration activities:

- Propaganda and education activities;

- Competition and award activities;

- Cultural, artistic, physical training, and sports activities, contests, and sports meets;

- Scientific conference, exchange, seminar, and meeting activities;

- Policy and public mobilization activities;

- Organization of memorial ceremonies (or traditional meetings), including clearly defined time, location, program, and participants.

c) Implementation organization;

d) Financial guarantee.

In addition to the above contents, based on actual circumstances, the unit may determine other appropriate contents.

2. Time for building and approving the plan:

a) Units under the Ministry of National Defense build and submit the plan for approval at least one year before the traditional anniversary date;

b) Units at division level and equivalent build and submit the plan for approval at least nine months before the traditional anniversary date;

c) Units at regiment level and equivalent build and submit the plan for approval at least six months before the traditional anniversary date.

3. Approval authority for the plan:

a) Plan for organizing anniversary commemoration activities of units under the Ministry of National Defense:

- The plan for organizing anniversary commemoration activities on odd-fifth traditional anniversaries is compiled by the political office in coordination with relevant agencies, submitted for approval by the unit's head, and then sent to the Propaganda Department;

- The plan for organizing anniversary commemoration activities on round traditional anniversaries is approved by the Chief of the General Political Department; specifically, the plan for organizing anniversary commemoration activities on round traditional anniversaries of the General Staff Department and the General Political Department is approved by the Minister of National Defense.

b) The plan for organizing anniversary commemoration activities of other units is approved by the immediate superior head;

c) The plan for organizing anniversary commemoration activities on odd-fifth and round traditional anniversaries of sectors and forces is compiled by the managing agency of the sector or force, submitted for approval by the immediate superior head of the managing agency of the sector or force;

d) For plans for organizing anniversary commemoration activities within the approval authority of the Minister of National Defense, the General Political Department is responsible for reviewing before submitting to the Minister of National Defense for approval.

4. Documents for requesting plan approval include:

a) The unit's request letter;

b) The plan for organizing anniversary commemoration activities of the unit.

Article 18. Forms of encouragement from Party and State leaders, Ministry of National Defense on the occasion of commemorating the traditional day of units

1. On the occasion of the anniversary of the traditional day, units at the brigade level and equivalent or higher may be considered and proposed for commendation letters by the President or the Minister of National Defense by the competent authority.

a) Units under the Ministry of National Defense, sectors, forces with nationwide characteristics that have outstanding achievements will be considered and proposed for commendation letters by the President by the competent authority;

b) The remaining units will be considered and proposed for commendation letters by the Minister of National Defense by the competent authority.

2. Procedure for proposing commendation letters:

a) The proposal dossier includes:

- A report from the unit directly subordinate to the Ministry of National Defense requesting the Director of the Political General Department to consider and submit a commendation letter to the Minister of National Defense (or request the Minister of National Defense to submit a commendation letter to the President), accompanied by reports from heads at all levels requesting their immediate superiors;

- A copy of the decision recognizing the traditional day of the unit;

- Plan for organizing activities to commemorate the anniversary of the traditional day of the unit;

- Summary report on the tradition and achievements of the unit. In this report, it is necessary to generalize the characteristics of the situation, functions, tasks, traditions, outstanding feats of arms and achievements throughout the process of construction, development, and growth; summarize the forms of rewards and accolades bestowed by the Party, State, and Military;

- Draft content of the commendation letter.

b) Implementation procedures:

- For commendation letters from the President: The unit shall prepare two sets of dossiers according to the provisions of Point a Clause of this Article and send them to the Propaganda Bureau three months before the commemoration ceremony. Within one month from the date of receiving valid dossiers, the Propaganda Bureau shall be responsible for reviewing, reporting to the Director of the Political General Department, and submitting to the Minister of National Defense to propose the President to issue the commendation letter. In case the dossier is not valid, the Propaganda Bureau shall issue a notification letter specifying the reasons for the unit to complete according to the requirements;

- For commendation letters from the Minister of National Defense: The unit shall prepare two sets of dossiers according to the provisions of Point a Clause of this Article and send them to the Propaganda Bureau two months before the commemoration ceremony. By the 15th of each month at the latest, the Propaganda Bureau shall be responsible for reviewing the dossiers of units commemorating the anniversary of their traditional day in the following month, reporting to the Director of the Political General Department, and submitting to the Minister of National Defense for decision. In case the dossier is not valid, the Propaganda Bureau shall issue a notification letter specifying the reasons for the unit to complete according to the requirements.

c) Dossier for proposing commendation letters for sectors and forces shall be prepared by the management agency according to the provisions of Points a and b of this Clause.

3. Sending congratulatory telegrams, flower baskets, banners, or other forms of encouragement from Party and State leaders, Ministry of National Defense on the occasion of commemorating the traditional day of the unit can only be implemented upon the directive of the leader (the unit does not make a proposal document).

Article 19. Production, issuance, and presentation of emblems and badges; making traditional films; publishing books and cultural publications on the occasion of commemorating the traditional day of the unit

1. Units with plans to produce, issue, and present emblems and badges; make traditional films; publish books and cultural publications on the occasion of commemorating the traditional day of the unit must be included in the plan for organizing commemorative activities, and have separate plans for implementation and reporting as prescribed.

2. The plan for producing, issuing, and presenting emblems and badges; making traditional films; publishing books and cultural publications of the unit shall be developed by the functional agency, approved by the head of the unit, and reported, bearing responsibility to the superior for the organization and implementation. Plans of units under the Ministry of National Defense shall be sent to the Propaganda Bureau (accompanied by mock-ups or design drawings of emblems and badges; scripts for traditional films; drafts of books and cultural publications).

Article 20. Organizing press meetings, inviting journalists to reflect on unit activities and report on traditional anniversary ceremonies

1. Units organizing press meetings on the occasion of their traditional anniversary must be included in the plan for organizing commemorative activities, and at the same time develop a separate plan to implement such organization.

a) The plan for organizing press meetings by units shall be developed by the political office, approved by the unit's head, and reported, bearing responsibility to superiors for the implementation of the organization.

b) Plans of subordinate units under the Ministry of National Defense shall be sent to the Propaganda Department.

2. Inviting journalists to reflect on unit activities during traditional anniversary celebrations shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Press Law and the Management Regulations for the Press in the Vietnam People's Army issued together with Circular No. 164/2014/TT-BQP dated November 17, 2014 of the Minister of National Defense; providing information to journalists must be objective and truthful, strictly adhering to the Spokesperson and Information Provision Regulations for the Press issued together with Circular No. 133/2013/TT-BQP dated August 5, 2013 of the Minister of National Defense.

Article 21. Participants in odd-year 5th anniversary commemoration meetings, traditional anniversary ceremonies of units

1. For odd-year 5th anniversary commemorations, based on actual circumstances, units shall invite appropriate representatives and numbers of delegates to attend the meeting. The composition of participants includes:

a) Delegates from heads and superior offices when the unit combines award presentations and reception of commendations and accolades;

b) Delegates from former officers and soldiers who have worked at the unit;

c) Delegates or all officers, professional military personnel, non-commissioned officers - soldiers, workers, and defense civil servants of the unit.

2. For round-year traditional anniversaries, based on the nature and scale of the ceremony, units shall determine appropriate participants and numbers of delegates to attend the ceremony. The composition of participants includes:

a) Delegates from heads and superior offices;

b) Delegates from local party committees, governments, and mass organizations where the unit is stationed;

c) Delegates from other agencies and units;

d) Delegates from former officers and soldiers who have worked at the unit;

e) Delegates or all officers, professional military personnel, non-commissioned officers - soldiers, workers, and defense civil servants of the unit.

3. Inviting comrades from the Party, State, Ministry of National Defense, Chief of General Staff, and Political Bureau to attend the traditional anniversary ceremony of the unit shall be carried out as follows:

a) For units directly under the Ministry of National Defense:

- Inviting Party and State leaders: Only one key leader of the Party and State (one among four: General Secretary, President, Prime Minister, Chairman of the National Assembly) may be invited. When there is a decision to invite, the unit must submit a written report to the Minister of National Defense;

- Inviting Ministry of National Defense leaders: Only one leader of the Ministry of National Defense may be invited;

- Inviting Chief of General Staff and Political Bureau leaders: Only one Chief of General Staff and one Political Bureau leader may be invited.

b) For department-level agencies, divisions, naval zones, coast guard zones, and equivalent units: One leader of the Ministry of National Defense, one Chief of General Staff, and one Political Bureau leader may be invited.

4. Units may invite foreign experts and students currently working or studying at the unit (if any) to attend traditional meetings or anniversary ceremonies. For other cases, the unit must submit a proposal for the Minister of National Defense to decide on inviting foreign guests.

5. Guests invited include veteran revolutionaries, Mothers of Vietnam's Heroes, Heroes of the People's Armed Forces, Labor Heroes, and delegates from families of martyrs, decided uniformly by the unit's standing committee (party committee).

Article 22. Organizing Commemorative Ceremonies

1. General provisions:

a) Level of organization: Regiment and equivalent or higher;

b) Location: Outdoors or in conference halls;

c) Duration: Not exceeding two hours.

2. Decorations for commemorative ceremonies:

a) For outdoor commemorative ceremonies:

From outside looking in:

- Slogan “THE VIETNAMESE COMMUNIST PARTY GLORIOUS FOREVER” on a red background with yellow letters, in formal font style, all capitalized, standing; hung in the center, above the main backdrop;

- In front of the stage, there is a flagpole with the National Flag already hung;

- A bust of President Ho Chi Minh placed on a platform, at one-third from the left side of the backdrop;

- The name of the unit organizing the ceremony: Displayed in formal font style, all capitalized, standing, on the backdrop to the left of the stage. Depending on the size of the main backdrop, the name of the unit can be arranged to the right of the backdrop, above the event title;

- Event title: Displayed in formal font style, all capitalized, standing, on the backdrop to the right. If combined with awarding or receiving commendation titles or forms of reward, the highest commendation title or form must be fully recorded;

- Place name and date of the event: Displayed in italicized lowercase letters; arranged at the bottom row under the event title;

- On the platform where the bust of the President, the speaking platform, and the representative table are decorated with flowers. Flower baskets from Party and State leaders, Ministry of Defense are placed in prominent positions;

- Two slogans are hung on both sides of the stage;

- The venue and surrounding areas are decorated with flags and slogans.

b) For indoor commemorative ceremonies:

Basic decorations are similar to outdoor commemorative ceremonies, except:

- Flags are arranged at one-third of the width of the backdrop from the left; on the flags, the hammer and sickle and the golden star are aligned horizontally, the hammer and sickle are positioned in the middle of the left half of the flag, the golden star is positioned in the middle of the right half of the flag;

- A bust of President Ho Chi Minh is placed on a platform, in the center between the flags, below the hammer and sickle and the golden star;

- The name of the unit and the event title should not exceed the height of the golden star;

- Inside the hall, two slogans are hung on both sides;

- Outside the hall, the venue is decorated with flags and slogans.

3. Program of the ceremony:

a) Announce the program;

b) Report to superiors;

c) Salute the flag, sing the national anthem;

d) Declare the purpose, introduce representatives;

đ) The head of the unit delivers a speech;

e) Read the President's or Minister of Defense's letter of commendation (if applicable):

- A representative of the leadership and command of the unit reads the letter of commendation;

- If the President or Minister of Defense has just sent the letter of commendation and attended the ceremony to make a speech, then the letter will not be read.

g) Announce and present awards (if applicable);

h) Speeches by superior heads or guest representatives;

i) The head of the unit responds;

k) Inspect the formation (in case of outdoor organization);

l) Conclude the ceremony.

4. The General Staff stipulates specific regulations regarding attire, equipment, formation arrangement, preparation work, and the sequence of conducting the ceremony.

Article 23. Financial Support for Activities Marking the Anniversary Year of the Traditional Day of Units

1. Annually, the Ministry of Defense supports part of the funding for propaganda and educational activities marking the anniversary year of the traditional day for units at the regiment level and equivalent or higher. The specific objects and levels of support are proposed by the Political Bureau, reviewed by the Finance Department, and reported to the Minister of Defense for approval.

2. Each March, subordinate units of the Ministry of Defense compile a list of units at the regiment level and equivalent or higher that will mark their anniversary year in the following year and submit it to the Propaganda Department for consolidation.

3. In the second quarter each year, the Propaganda Department prepares a budget estimate to support units subject to Clause 1 of this Article that will mark their anniversary year in the following year, which is submitted to the Finance Department for review, and reported to the Chief of the Political Bureau for the Minister of Defense to decide.

Chapter VI
PROTOCOL FOR ANNOUNCING AND PRESENTING AWARDS AND COMMENDATION TITLES

Article 24. Forms of rewards and titles of excellence to be announced in decisions, presented, and received

1. National honorary titles, Ho Chi Minh Prize, State Prize, medals, and commendation badges.

2. The Flag of Excellence from the Government, Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister, National Model Soldiers.

3. The Flag of Excellence from the Ministry of National Defense, Certificates of Merit from the Minister of National Defense, National Model Soldiers of the Entire Military, badges, commemorative medals; The Flag of Excellence from the Steering Committee of the Ministry of National Defense, various sectors, movements, and campaigns.

4. The Flag of Excellence from units under the Ministry of National Defense; Certificates of Merit, Letters of Commendation, and other titles of excellence within the authority to reward of heads of units under the Ministry of National Defense.

5. Letters of Commendation, and other titles of excellence within the authority to reward of heads of units from division level and equivalent to battalion level and equivalent.

Article 25. Requirements for presenting and receiving forms of rewards and titles of excellence

1. Do not organize separate ceremonies for presenting and receiving forms of rewards and titles of excellence; only organize them in conjunction with traditional anniversaries, traditional meetings, training commencement ceremonies, mobilization meetings, mid-term and final summary conferences, or other ceremonies (except in cases of presenting and receiving rewards for outstanding and sudden achievements, rewards for combat achievements, Heroic Labor Medal, and Heroic People's Armed Forces Medal).

2. Announce, present, and receive only once for each award decision. Do not organize parades or receptions from one level to another.

3. Representatives of the collective being rewarded directly receive the award decision, form of reward, and title of excellence of the collective. Individuals being rewarded directly receive the award decision, form of reward, and title of excellence. In cases of posthumous awards, representatives of the family of the person being posthumously awarded receive on their behalf.

4. Present forms of rewards and titles of excellence in descending order. If the same form of reward, present it to the collective first, then to individuals; present before posthumous presentation.

5. During the announcement, presentation, and reception of forms of rewards and titles of excellence, those without responsibility do not give flowers, film, or take photos on the stage.

6. Inviting Party and State leaders to attend the ceremony for presenting and receiving forms of rewards and titles of excellence requires the unit to submit a report to the Minister of National Defense for consideration and decision.

Article 26. Rituals for announcing, presenting, and receiving forms of rewards and titles of excellence

1. Announcing the award decision:

a) A representative of the leadership of the agency responsible for competition and reward work or the unit organizing the ceremony announces the full text of the award decision;

b) Award decision of the President: Before announcing, the announcer invites the Flag Team (if available) and representatives of the collective or individual being awarded to the position to hear the announcement of the award decision;

c) Award decision of the Prime Minister and other levels: After announcing, the announcer invites representatives of the collective or individual named in the award decision to the position to receive the award.

2. Presenting forms of rewards and titles of excellence:

a) The presenter is a representative of the leaders and commanders attending the ceremony;

b) Present the medal (or badge accompanying the title) first; then present the Certificate and the Flag of Heroes (for collectives receiving the title of Hero);

c) For units with a Flag: The presenter attaches the medal (or badge accompanying the title) to the upper corner of the Flag. The position of attaching the medal (or badge accompanying the title) on the Flag is carried out in descending order from highest to lowest;

For collectives without a Flag: The presenter presents the Certificate already attached with the medal (or badge accompanying the title) at the upper left corner of the Certificate viewed from the outside;

d) Presenting to individuals: The presenter attaches the medal (or badge accompanying the title) to the left chest of the recipient, then presents the Certificate. The position of attaching the medal (or badge accompanying the title) on the chest is carried out in descending order from highest to lowest;

đ) Posthumous presentation: The presenter presents the Certificate already attached with the medal (or badge accompanying the title) to the representative of the family of the individual being posthumously awarded.

3. Receiving forms of rewards and titles of excellence:

a) Position to receive the award:

- Outdoor organization: In the center in front of the formation of the unit, facing the stage;

- Indoor organization: In the center of the stage, facing the audience;

b) Formation to receive the award: If there are many collectives and individuals receiving together, they stand at attention in a single row formation at the position to receive the award;

c) Receiving forms of rewards signed by the President: The recipient goes to the position to receive the award, stands at attention to listen to the announcement of the decision and receive the award;

In case of attaching the medal, badge, or badge accompanying the title to the Flag: The Flag Team and the commander, political commissar, or political officer (if there is no political commissar, then a deputy secretary or deputy party secretary) go to the position to receive the award, listen to the announcement of the decision and receive the award;

d) Receiving forms of rewards and titles of excellence signed by the Prime Minister and other levels: After listening to the announcement of the decision, the recipient is invited to the position to receive the award;

đ) In necessary cases, representatives of the collective or individual being awarded may make remarks after receiving the award.

4. The General Staff stipulates specific actions for presenting and receiving forms of rewards and titles of excellence; actions of service personnel for the presentation ritual.

Chapter VII
IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 27. Effective Date

This Circular takes effect from January 15, 2017, and replaces Circular No. 27/2005/TT-BQP dated February 21, 2005, of the Ministry of National Defense on guiding the protocol for organizing rallies, commemorative ceremonies; awarding and receiving State Honorary Titles, Orders, Medals, Government Flags of Merit, Prime Minister's Certificates of Merit, and forms of reward within the Military; Decision No. 159/2007/QĐ-BQP dated October 29, 2007, of the Minister of National Defense promulgating the Regulation on Traditional Day and commemorative activities on the Traditional Day of the Military and units of the Vietnam People's Army.

Article 28. Responsibility for Implementation

1. The Director of the Political General Department, the Chief of the General Staff, heads of units, and related individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.

2. During the implementation process, if there are any difficulties, units shall promptly report to the Ministry of National Defense (through the Political General Department) for consideration and resolution.