Event “Memory and Faith” – preserving the heroic history of the nation

Towards the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army (December 22, 1944 - December 22, 2024) and the 35th anniversary of National Defense Day (December 22, 1989 - December 22, 2024), on the morning of December 19, the Vietnam Women's Museum coordinated with the "Forever 20" Club to organize the event "Memory and Faith". The event provided a space to connect the heroic memories of the nation and spread precious historical traditional values to future generations.

Việt Nam•19/12/2024

Delegates attending the "Memories and Beliefs" event.

Attending the event were Central Committee member and President of the Vietnam Women's Union Nguyen Thi Tuyen; Vice President of the Vietnam Women's Union Nguyen Thi Thu Hien; representatives from the Ministry of National Defense , the Central Propaganda Department, the Vietnam Veterans Association, former leaders of the Vietnam Women's Union, international guests, and a large number of veterans who came to reminisce about their years fighting for the cause of national defense.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, Vice President of the Vietnam Women's Union, delivered a speech at the event.

In her opening remarks, Vice President of the Vietnam Women's Union Nguyen Thi Thu Hien stated: “Today, the memories of national significance recreated through images, documents in the exhibition, and stories from special guests will be valuable resources, lessons, and a great source of encouragement for us to work together to build a happy and prosperous life in the new era; at the same time, contributing to educating the younger generation about the national tradition of "drinking water, remembering the source," about a glorious past that must not be forgotten, and following in the footsteps of our ancestors to "live a life worth living."

Panel discussion "There was a time like that"

During the panel discussion "There Was a Time Like That," historical witnesses shared memories of a time of youthful enthusiasm, stories of revolutionary ideals, the spirit of overcoming difficulties to serve the Fatherland, and camaraderie among comrades during the war. Ms. Hoang Thi Kim Vinh, a former youth volunteer of Company 812, Capital Youth Volunteer Team N43, Ministry of Transport, shared about the ideals of enlisting in the army at that time: "At that time, we gathered in Dong Anh to prepare for the battlefield with eagerness, joy, and without fear of anything."

Mr. Nguyen Tien Lich, former Political Commissar of Company 2, D530, Regiment 5, Cat Bi Hero Unit, performed the song "For the People, We Forget Ourselves".

In a moving atmosphere, the melody of the song "For the People, We Forget Ourselves" once again resonated through the harmonica playing of Mr. Nguyen Tien Lich, former Political Commissar of Company 2, D530, Regiment 5, Cat Bi Hero Unit. The harmonica music is closely associated with his heroic story of encouraging soldiers to safely navigate a time bomb in 1971.

Mr. Hoang Nam Tien – son of General Hoang Dan – shared his family's story.

With a story from the resilient home front, Mr. Hoang Nam Tien, Vice Chairman of the FPT University Board of Directors – son of Major General Hoang Dan, former Director of the Military Science Department, Ministry of National Defense – recounted a letter his father sent from the battlefield in 1972, in which he wrote: "I'm going to fight so that our children won't have to fight anymore."

As part of the event, the Vietnam Women's Museum also received war relics donated by veterans and relatives of fallen soldiers, and inaugurated the exhibition "Memories and Beliefs". In addition, the public could participate in the "Letters to Loved Ones" activity, where people could write meaningful letters, expressing sincere feelings to their loved ones through letters written in a distinctly "wartime" style.

Ceremony for receiving artifacts for the Vietnam Women's Museum

Sharing her thoughts on participating in the event, Phuong Dung, a third-year student at the Academy of Journalism and Communication, said: “Today was wonderful for me because I got to meet the veteran soldiers and listen to their stories at the seminar. I was incredibly moved. Seeing the exhibition “Memories and Beliefs” was even more touching because these mementos were once associated with those who sacrificed their lives and youth fighting for national peace.”

Here are some photos from the event: