Commemorating the 61st anniversary of the opening of the Ho Chi Minh Trail on the sea.

The artistic program, performed by veterans, welcomed the traditional reunion. Photo: Thanh Chung

At the meeting, veterans who are members of the Nghe Tinh Association of the Unnumbered Ships and delegates together reminisced about the glorious history and heroic achievements of the "The train without a numberAccordingly, 61 years ago, on October 23, 1961, the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army decided to establish the 759th Maritime Military Transport Unit - the predecessor unit of the 125th Brigade (Naval Command).

Delegates attend a meeting to commemorate the heroes and martyrs who fell for the cause of national liberation and reunification. Photo: Thanh Chung

Following its establishment, and based on research and reconnaissance, in mid-August 1962, the Central Military Commission passed a resolution "Opening a strategic sea transport route".The Ho Chi Minh Trail on the SeaFrom here, Unit 759 entered a new phase of transportation.

To ensure the secrecy of this special transport route, the ships of Unit 759 had to be converted into fishing boats, without fixed identification numbers, blending in with the fishing fleets of local fishermen at sea. The name "Unnumbered Fleet" was thus coined.

During its 14 years of service, nearly 2,000 ships and boats were mobilized, traveling over 4 million nautical miles. Unit 759 transported 80,000 people, over 150,000 tons of weapons and ammunition, and tens of thousands of tons of other goods, providing crucial support to numerous battlefields.

The Nghe Tinh Association of Unnumbered Ships commemorates the glorious achievements of the "Unnumbered Ships Fleet". Photo: Thanh Chung

The Ho Chi Minh Trail on the sea and the "Nameless Fleet" will forever be a source of pride for the Vietnamese Army and people, a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism, intelligence, courage, and unwavering will, contributing to the complete liberation of the South and the reunification of the country.

Building upon the heroic traditions of the Ho Chi Minh Trail at sea and the "Nameless Fleet," the Nghe Tinh Nameless Fleet Tradition Association was established in 1998. Over the past 24 years, the Nghe Tinh Nameless Fleet Tradition Association has united as one, building and developing a stronger organization; doing good work in showing camaraderie and mutual support; and visiting and assisting members and officials facing difficulties.

At this gathering commemorating the 61st anniversary of the opening of the Ho Chi Minh Trail on the sea (October 23, 1961 - October 23, 2022), the veterans of the "No Number" naval fleet reminisced about their memories; shared their joys and sorrows; encouraged each other to live happily and healthily; and engaged in various activities to educate their children and grandchildren about the glorious traditions of their ancestors.

Thanh Chung