Hà Nội Regiment of the Việt Nam People's Army seen marching on Hàng Gai Street on October 10, 1954. Photo courtesy of National Archives Centre III

HÀ NỘI Nearly 200 original archival images and documents related to the historic moment of the liberation of Hà Nội from French reoccupation 70 years ago are being exhibited at the National Archives Centre III.

The exhibition introduces national archival documents on the Hồ Chí Minh resistance government's takeover of Hà Nội, as part of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the capital city free from the French (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2024).

These documents feature the heroic historical moments since the signing of the Geneva Agreement in July 1954 ending the war in Indochina.

Among them are several documents about the Điện Biên Phủ battle victory.

According to Nguyễn Thị Nga, deputy director of the Department of State Records and Archives, the exhibition is also highly meaningful, reflecting the responsibility and role of archival agencies in publicising and promoting the value of archival documents.

“This initiative aims to facilitate widespread public access to important, authentic and reliable historical sources regarding a significant event in the capital's history.

“Nearly 200 archival documents and images have revived memories from 70 years ago, when the local residents joyfully welcomed the the victorious Việt Nam People's Army taking control of the city,” she said.

“Through the display, one can see the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people and their army during the war of resistance against French colonialism,” she added.

Hanoian women welcome the soldiers during the takeover of the capital on October 10, 1954. Photo courtesy of National Archives Centre III

Immediately after the Geneva Agreement was signed, the resistance government held several meetings in August and September 1954 to discuss the implementation of the agreement, including the takeover of the capital ciity.

On the morning of October 10, 1954, military units under the Military Committee of the city and the 308th Army Division, commanded by Major General Vương Thừa Vũ, conducted a march to liberate the capital.

Many significant reports and images related to the takeover were published on this occasion, including a report on the welcom of Vietnamese troops and government officials on October 10, 1954; photos of French soldiers withdrawing from various places in the capital; Vietnamese troops taking over the Hà Nội Flagpole; and the Golden-star flag-raising ceremony on the afternoon of October 10.

The exhibition also displayed documents from renowned songwriters whose archives are preserved at the National Archives Centre III, such as Văn Cao, Huy Du and Nguyễn Đức Toàn.

These documents and images will continue to be displayed at another exhibition, which is scheduled to open on October 2 at the Exhibition House at 61 Tràng Tiền Street.

The exhibition is organised by the National Archives Centre III in collaboration with the Department of State Records and Archives and the Information Centre of the Hà Nội Department of Culture and Sports. VNS