Unforgettable memories

- More than seven decades have passed, but the memories of a time of "digging tunnels in the mountains, sleeping in bunkers, enduring torrential rain, and eating dried rice rations" remain vivid in the minds of the veterans of Lang Son province - those who directly participated in the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, "renowned throughout the world and shaking the earth."

Veteran Ngo Gia Thanh (on the left) reminisces about revolutionary memories.

In early May 2026, we had the opportunity to visit and chat with Mr. Ngo Gia Thanh, born in 1933, residing in Na Chuong Hamlet, Dong Kinh Ward - a veteran who participated in the Dien Bien Phu Campaign in 1954. At the age of 93, Mr. Thanh still maintains his sharp mind. Mr. Thanh recounted: "In my twenties, I volunteered to join the army, joining the 351st Artillery Division. At the end of 1953, the unit marched to the Dien Bien Phu front. At that time, artillery was considered the 'steel fist' of the campaign, playing a crucial role in providing fire support, suppressing important targets, and creating favorable conditions for infantry attacks."

The artillery pieces, weighing tons, were pulled by hand by artillery soldiers across high mountains and steep slopes. Recalling that time, Mr. Thanh said in a somber voice: "We mainly marched at night to maintain secrecy, without lights, following each other through the deep forest. At times, we marched continuously, our shoes worn out, many had to go barefoot, stepping on sharp rocks and thorns, blood mixing with mud. Despite the hardships, everyone was determined to complete the mission and contribute to the historic victory."

Although he didn't directly participate in combat like Mr. Thanh, when recalling the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, Mr. Hoang Cong Thinh (born in 1935, Tran Phu village, Bac Son commune) couldn't hide his emotion and pride. That year, he served as a security guard in the Viet Bac Inter-regional Command, participating in protecting conferences and key government agencies, ensuring absolute safety for the leadership and command of the campaign. At that time, Viet Bac played a particularly important role, serving as both a revolutionary base and a place for organizing, managing, and providing manpower and resources to the front lines, so security and safety were always prioritized.

Upon hearing the news of the victory, the guards in the Viet Bac Inter-regional Command erupted in joy, embracing each other emotionally. Mr. Thinh said proudly: "We weren't directly on the battlefield, but we always understood that every task we performed contributed to the day of victory. Hearing the news of the win, everyone felt that all the hardships and responsibilities became truly meaningful."

Not only Mr. Thanh and Mr. Thinh, but thousands of people from Lang Son province also directly or indirectly contributed to the glorious victory that shook the world during the Dien Bien Phu Campaign. For more than seven decades, the memories of that time of war have been preserved and recounted by veterans as vivid lessons about patriotism, helping today's generation better understand the value of independence and peace.

To ensure these stories are continued and spread, every year, the Veterans' Associations at all levels in the province regularly coordinate to organize activities and talks on traditions and historical education about the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, and many other periods of revolutionary struggle for young people in the area. From 2025 to the present, the entire province has organized over 300 events with nearly 20,000 young people participating.

Through these exchanges, meetings, and historical storytelling sessions, the spirit of "Fighting to the death for the Fatherland" continues to spread from these inherited memories, becoming a source of motivation for young people to cherish the past and be more steadfast on the journey of building and protecting the country.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/giu-mai-hao-khi-dien-bien-phu-5090664.html