More than 70 years have passed, but the memories of the Dien Bien Phu victory live on with the Dien Bien Phu veterans in Lai Chau province.
In Tan Uyen commune, amidst the vibrant red of flamboyant blossoms and the national flag illuminating the streets, news about the Dien Bien Phu Campaign blared from the commune's public address system, reminding us and today's generation of that glorious historical period. At the home of Dien Bien Phu veteran Vu Van Tri (100 years old, village 21), right next to National Highway 32, he and his comrades reminisced about their time participating in the Dien Bien Phu Campaign. In the warm atmosphere, stories of a time of war gradually unfolded.
Mr. Tri emotionally recounted memories of fierce battles such as Him Lam, Doc Lap Hill, and A1 Hill. Back then, he belonged to the 351st Artillery Division, participating in combat from the Laotian battlefield back to Dien Bien Phu. In the early days, the unit moved artillery pieces in and out repeatedly to prepare for the "attack surely, advance surely" strategy. After thorough preparation for the opening battle at Him Lam, on March 13, 1954, our troops attacked the Him Lam Resistance Center, marking the beginning of the Dien Bien Phu campaign. After the victory at Him Lam, the unit continued its march to Doc Lap Hill. Our soldiers moved the artillery pieces with a "determined to fight - determined to win" spirit, without thinking about fatigue or hardship. After only one night of fighting, our troops won and took control of the stronghold. Step by step, our troops successively captured important positions, advancing towards E Hill and A1 Hill, and holding firm until the campaign's complete victory.
Mr. Tri shared: “In 2024, the province facilitated my return to visit the Dien Bien Phu battlefield of yesteryear. It was an extremely meaningful trip; I was able to meet my comrades who fought alongside me in the campaign, which was truly invaluable.”
For veteran Tran Duc Luan of the Dien Bien Phu battle (Hamlet 2, Tan Uyen Commune), who enlisted in 1953 in the 316th Division, the memories of the Battle of Doc Lap Hill remain vivid. It was an extremely fierce battle, where he witnessed his comrades fall one by one under the enemy's rain of bombs and artillery fire. Recalling the event with a choked voice, Mr. Luan said: “In the Battle of Doc Lap Hill, half of my unit's soldiers perished…” – tears welled up in his eyes, his voice trembling as he remembered his fallen comrades.
Veterans of the Dien Bien Phu campaign (from Tan Uyen commune) recount the arduous, fierce, yet heroic years of the Dien Bien Phu campaign to the younger generation.
The memories of the Dien Bien Phu veterans are filled with the ferocity of the battle, where the line between life and death was just a hair's breadth away. Yet, overcoming all losses and dangers, their profound love for their country, homeland, and fellow countrymen became their unwavering spiritual anchor. They stood shoulder to shoulder with their comrades, sharing hardships, bound together like blood relatives, entering the battle with an iron will: "To die for the Fatherland, to live for the Fatherland."
History records that during the Dien Bien Phu campaign, the people of Lai Chau contributed 2,666 tons of rice, 226 tons of meat, and 210 tons of vegetables; mobilizing 16,972 laborers with 568,139 man-days of work… to serve the campaign. Despite the immense difficulties, these figures clearly demonstrate the fervent patriotism of our people. Building on that tradition, the Party Committee, military, and people of Lai Chau continued to stand alongside the rest of the country to achieve victory in the spring of 1975, fulfilling international obligations to our neighbor Laos, safeguarding the border, and actively promoting the process of reform.
Mr. Mua A Tra, Chairman of the Provincial Veterans Association, said: Currently, there are 32 Dien Bien Phu veterans living in the province, concentrated in localities such as Doan Ket ward and the communes of Tan Uyen, Than Uyen, and Binh Lu… These Dien Bien Phu veterans fought bravely during the war, achieving many victories. Returning to civilian life, they continue to uphold the pioneering qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers in all fields. Many have held key leadership roles in their localities; actively participated in educating the younger generation about revolutionary traditions; and encouraged their children and grandchildren to actively work in production and build their homeland. In gratitude for these contributions, over the years, all levels of government and the people of the province have always shown concern and care for those who have rendered meritorious service through practical actions.
Seventy-two years have passed, but the echoes of the Dien Bien Phu Victory have never faded from the nation's memory. The soldiers of yesteryear, though their hair has turned gray, remain vivid witnesses to a time of "glorious victory that shook the world," continuing to pass on the flame of patriotism and unwavering will to today's generation. Building on the immortal spirit of Dien Bien Phu, the Party Committee, government, and people of Lai Chau province, encompassing all ethnic groups, remain united, striving to overcome difficulties and build a progressively developing homeland, aiming to become a moderately developed province in the Northern Midlands and Mountains region by 2030.
Source: https://baolaichau.vn/xa-hoi/sang-mai-ky-uc-dien-bien-1124681
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