A collection of ammunition at the Museum of Sài Gòn – Gia Định Liberation Army Commandos, which officially opened to the public in HCM City’s District 1. VNA/VNS Photo by Thu Hương

HCM CITY – The Museum of Sài Gòn – Gia Định Liberation Army Commandos is officially open to the public in HCM City’s District 1.

The museum now has seven collections consisting of more than 300 artefacts, photos, and documents of the Sài Gòn commando force.

The special force had the mission of taking on the Sài Gòn regime and the US military forces in the city during the resistance war.

Displayed artefacts at the museum include cars and motorbikes, and ammunition, which the force members used when carrying out their tasks.

The showcase also includes their communication equipment, everyday tools, and other war memorabilia, as well as photos of their secret hideouts and activities.

The museum’s highlight is memorabilia that belonged to Trần Văn Lai, a member of the force, who was given the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces of Việt Nam.

Lai was using his cover as a rich contractor in Sài Gòn with connections to elite officials to safely purchase houses and dig underground basements to store materials and ammunition.

Nguyễn Thị Thanh Thúy, deputy director of the city Department of Culture and Sports, said the establishment of the museum would be an ideal destination for the city’s residents, particularly young people, and visitors from all over the world to learn about the culture and history of HCM City and Việt Nam.

According to Trần Trọng Nghĩa, the museum’s director, the museum plans to continue to seek and collect more exhibits to enrich the museum’s collections.

In the near future, it will focus on the digitalisation of the collections, and apply technologies such as 3D, virtual reality, and augmented reality to recreate events and spaces relating to the Sài Gòn commando force.

In addition, the museum will collaborate with historical sites relating to the special force and war museums in the city to host exhibitions and workshops on the liberation war, and talks with witnesses of the past.

It will work with schools to launch field trips and workshops to help young generations understand more about the traditions of patriotism, great national solidarity, and love for the country.

The museum is open daily from 7:30am to 5pm at 145 Trần Quang Khải Street in District 1. – VNS