Plans are underway to restore the bas-relief depicting the capture of American pilot John McCain.

According to Tay Ho District authorities, the restoration of the bas-relief aims to preserve the historical and cultural values ​​of the events that took place in the area for the long term; and to create a suitable space to promote the values ​​in the spiritual life of the people.

Regarding the scale of the project, the relief sculpture will be moved further back (closer to the railing of Truc Bach Lake), creating a larger space in front to facilitate access and the organization of events.

Image of the relief sculpture "Capturing American pilot John McCain". Photo: Thai Son

The form of the relief sculpture will remain the same, but its size will be increased to suit the new location, and the material will be changed from the current cement to solid stone. The district plans to rebuild the pedestal for the relief sculpture, creating a space for placing commemorative flowers.

In addition, the area where the relief sculpture is placed will be repaved to create a relative separation from the sidewalk, information signs will be added, trees and flowerbeds will be rearranged, and lighting will be added. The project costs nearly 2 billion VND from the district budget. The implementation period is 2024-2025.

Previously, in a spirit of openness and willingness to learn, the Tay Ho District People's Committee organized a scientific workshop on the renovation, restoration, and preservation of the relief sculpture "Capturing American pilot John McCain".

Amidst the US imperialist war of destruction against North Vietnam with its air and naval forces, from May to October 1967, the US Air Force launched five attacks on the Yen Phu Power Plant to cut off the electricity supply to Hanoi and surrounding provinces. Dozens of American aircraft and soldiers, including John McCain, attacked the plant, but were shot down or captured by Vietnamese troops.

To commemorate this event, a bas-relief titled "Capturing American pilot John McCain" was erected in 1967 on Thanh Nien Street (Yen Phu Ward, Tay Ho District). This pilot later became US Senator John McCain, who played a key role in normalizing and promoting friendly bilateral relations between Vietnam and the United States.

Architect Tran Huy Anh believes that this bas-relief is an urban memory. Every time he passes the street with the bas-relief commemorating the heroic achievements of the people and soldiers of Hanoi on President Ho Chi Minh's birthday, he is filled with emotion about the glorious years of the war against the Americans.

He recalled that when the air raid sirens sounded, children and the elderly took shelter in bunkers, soldiers climbed onto artillery platforms, and self-defense fighters took to the rooftops to confront enemy aircraft flying over Hanoi. The bas-relief is a historical landmark that reminds many people of President Ho Chi Minh's teachings from the past and the responsibility of Hanoians today whenever they pass by. Although small, the bas-relief holds immense spiritual and emotional value.

Former Hanoi Party Secretary Pham Quang Nghi also stated that the bas-relief "Capturing American pilot John McCain" is an image commemorating the heroic deeds of the army and people of Hanoi; the restoration and renovation of the bas-relief is for the purpose of managing, preserving, and promoting the value of the memorial site and event; meeting the requirements of historical, political , and diplomatic significance.

PV

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/du-kien-chinh-trang-ton-tao-buc-phu-dieu-bat-song-phi-cong-my-john-mccain-post303954.html