HCM CITY — An exhibition of 80 photos featuring Vietnamese soldiers and people who took part in the resistance war has opened on Nguyễn Huệ Pedestrian Street in downtown HCM City.

The Truyền Thống Hào Hùng Của Quân Đội và Nhân Dân Việt Nam (Patriotic Tradition of Việt Nam’s Army and People) exhibition includes rare photos of the establishment of the Việt Nam’s People’s Army and its role in the war to maintain national independence in the 1941-1975 period.

Images of HCM City’s Armed Forces during peaceful, modern times are on display as well.

The photos feature the achievements and contributions of the armed forces to ensure the city’s social security as well as national security.

The images of exchange activities between the People’s Army of Việt Nam and armies of foreign countries are also on display.

All of the photos are printed on canvas and displayed outdoors. They can be seen until December 30, 2016.

Another exhibition under the same theme showing images of Hà Nội’s soldiers and citizens valiantly fighting against French colonialists for 60 days (December 19, 1946 – February 17, 1947) are on display at the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s headquarters in Hà Nội.

The monochrome photos were taken by VNA photojournalists during the historical period. Through the images, visitors can understand more about the struggle and how the Capital Regiment and Hanoians protected the city.

Until mid-December 1946, the situation in Hà Nội and other regions from the 16th Parallel to northern Việt Nam was becoming increasingly serious as the French sped up their invasion. On the evening of December 19, 1946, Vietnamese troops zeroed in their cannon on Láng Fortress, initiating the war.

The next morning, the Voice of Việt Nam Radio broadcasted President Hồ appeal’s for national resistance.

The VNA organised this exhibition to mark the event. It will run until December 24 at VNA’s headquarters, 5 Lý Thường Kiệt Street, Hà Nội. — VNS