HÀ NỘI — Memories of fierce battles to defend Hà Nội during the war of resistance against the French are reflected at an exhibition held yesterday at the Thăng Long Royal Citadel vestige.

To celebrate the 64th anniversary of Hà Nội’s Liberation Day, the Thăng Long-Hà Nội Heritage Conservation Centre opened the exhibition Hà Nội – Unforgettable moments in October 1954 to review the proud tradition of the capital army and residents.

The exhibition introduced to the public a large number of photos that depict unforgettable moments of Hà Nội.

Visitors will encounter stories of the hard conditions of the war time, the cruel battles, French colonialists withdrawing from the capital while Vietnamese troops arrived in Hà Nội through the city gates, the happiness of Hà Nội people and solemn salutes to the National Flag at the Flag Tower Stadium.

On October 10, 1954, people in Hà Nội witnessed no gunfire and fighting but the silent retreat of the French forces. Hanoians, with flags and flowers in hand, flooded the streets of the city to welcome triumphant Vietnamese soldiers.

That was the result of a nine-year resistance war against the French colonialists.

 Looking at the pictures of the victorious army returning to the capital after their success at the battle of Điện Biên Phủ, historian Dương Trung Quốc felt moved.

“One of the remarkable events on October 10, 1954 was people saluting the National Flag when the army took over the capital,” said Quốc.

“The flag was considered a symbol of victory that reflected the determination of the army to firmly defend the achievement of August 1945 Revolution.”

Phùng Đệ, 84, was moved to attend the exhibition. In 1951, he was assigned to work for an art troupe serving at the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign.

When Đệ and his comrades returned to Hà Nội, he was emotional to see that people had already set up welcome gates and banners along streets. Hanoians stood cheerfully along streets waving hands and flags.

Lê Ngọc Canh, 86, member of the Capital Regiment, shared the same feeling with Đệ when he came back home in 1954.

“When I was engaged in combat, people in my family supposed that I was killed,” said Canh.

“So when I arrived Hà Đông Market where my mother sold fruits, she was surprised. Then we embraced each other and cried.”

Canh appreciated the exhibition as it recalls the glorious victory of the nation and helps people, especially younger citizens, understand more about the history. 

“The exhibition is just sufficient to send visitors information and messages,” he said.

The exhibition will run until the end of this month at Đoan Môn (South Gate) of Thăng Long Imperial Citadel, 9 Hoàng Diệu Street, Hà Nội. — VNS