A place that ignites the passion for journalism in its practitioners.

Hearing the name Vietnam Military History Museum, one might assume it only displays military artifacts related to war. But upon arrival, one discovers it's a vibrant and captivating space of memory. This allure isn't limited to history enthusiasts or those who have served in the armed forces; it holds a special appeal for journalists as well. That's what I thought when I found myself "lost" in this truly unique space.

Teachers and students from Nat Son Primary and Secondary School, Kim Boi district, will visit the Vietnam Military History Museum in April 2025.

Since late 2024, while traveling along Thang Long Avenue in Tay Mo and Dai Mo wards, Nam Tu Liem district, Hanoi , I witnessed long lines of people (mostly students and veterans) waiting to visit. Upon inquiry, I learned that the Vietnam Military History Museum would begin offering free admission to visitors from April 11, 2025; admission fees would only start in mid-April 2025. I visited at a time when the museum had already started charging 40,000 VND per ticket. However, the crowds were still as large as a festival. This demonstrates the extraordinary appeal of this special space.

Indeed, upon entering the gate, I was truly overwhelmed by the vast space and unique architecture of the museum. The main building has four above-ground floors and a ground floor, with a construction area of ​​23,198 m² and a total floor area of ​​64,640 m², reaching a height of 35.8 m. The museum currently houses over 150,000 artifacts, including four national treasures and many other valuable items. Notably, the museum has implemented a range of modern technologies, such as 3D mapping dioramas illustrating typical battles and campaigns like the Dien Bien Phu Campaign and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign.

Overall, the building is designed simply yet modernly, visually and harmoniously reflecting the flow of history. Upon entering the gate, everyone takes the opportunity to capture the moment standing at the foot of the majestic and sturdy 45-meter-high Victory Tower in the front courtyard. The number 45 is symbolic: 1945 is the year Vietnam gained independence. Visitors then stroll through the left and right wings of the museum to explore, learn, and take souvenir photos.

On the left side of the museum, weapons and equipment used by the Vietnamese army and people during the resistance against French colonialism and American imperialism, as well as during training and combat readiness in the period of national construction and defense, are displayed. Notable examples include: 85 mm cannons, 57 mm anti-aircraft guns, PT-67 tanks (number 555), MiG-17 aircraft (number 2047), and SU-22 aircraft. The right side of the museum displays weapons and equipment used by the French and American armies during the Vietnam War, including various types of artillery, infantry fighting vehicles, and tanks. Particularly noteworthy is the M-107 175 mm self-propelled howitzer, nicknamed the "king of the battlefield," along with many types of American military aircraft left behind after the war, such as the A-37, F-5E, CH-47, C-130, and dozens of bombs used in the Vietnam War.

Tourists take souvenir photos in the outdoor area of ​​the Vietnam Military History Museum.

The interior of the museum's main hall draws attention with its LED screen and a MiG-21 aircraft suspended high above the ground. The large LED screen displays films and videos showcasing the beauty of Vietnam, along with content about the nation's history, culture, and traditions of nation-building and defense. The "Silver Swallow" MiG-21, bearing the number 4324, is suspended by cables from the roof, creating the feeling of taking off to protect the nation's skies.

According to the explanatory notes, during the war against the US, nine pilots flew this MiG-21, making 69 sorties, encountering the enemy 22 times, engaging in 16 engagements, and shooting down 14 American aircraft. The aircraft is inscribed with 14 red stars, symbolizing 14 victories in shooting down enemy planes. This is one of four national treasures displayed at the museum, including: two MiG-21 aircraft with serial numbers 4324 and 5121; a T-54B tank with serial number 843 – one of the first tanks to ram through the side gate of the Independence Palace on the afternoon of April 30, 1975; and a map showing the determination to fight during the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign.

The museum's exhibition space on the first floor is divided into six themes: The early days of nation-building and defense; Protecting independence (939 - 1858); Fighting French colonialism and achieving national independence (1858 - 1945); Resistance against French colonial invasion (1945 - 1954); Resistance against the US (1954 - 1975); Building and defending the country (1976 to the present). The themes are arranged chronologically and logically; all artifacts are specifically annotated and accompanied by information about the events. Furthermore, there is a diversity of presentation formats, including text, information retrieval screens, photographic media, automatic audio guides, and QR codes for searching information about artifacts and images.

Visiting the museum, tourists not only see but also feel the hardships of those years and the historical battles through artifacts, photographs, and articles… Therefore, the museum can be considered a “place to nurture the passion for the profession” for journalists.

Lam Nguyet (Contributor)

Source: https://baohoabinh.com.vn/16/201790/Noi-hun-duc-lua-nghe-cho-nguoi-lam-bao.htm