Touched by meeting Dien Bien veterans on hill A1

The work "The Dien Bien veterans of the past met on A1 hill" by author Duong Van Anh, Association of Photographic Artists of Hoa Binh province is one of two works awarded a gold medal at the 23rd Northern Mountainous Region Art Photography Festival recently held in Dien Bien province. This is an honor for the author as well as the Association of Photographic Artists of the province.

Artist Duong Van Anh, Hoa Binh Province Photographic Artists Association, presents gifts to Dien Bien veterans in the gold medal winning work.

Artist Duong Van Anh said: I have a connection with the Northwest, with Dien Bien. The two times I went to the creative camp here, I went to A1 hill to take photos and both times I achieved high results. The first time in 2012, I met a French guest who visited the old battlefield and was given a scarf by a Thai girl. I captured the most beautiful moment and won many awards for that work. During the journey back to the source on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the historic Dien Bien Phu victory, by chance I met and witnessed veterans who were all over 90 years old visiting the old battlefield on A1 hill. They were: Pham Duc Cu in Hong Linh commune, Hung Ha district, Thai Binh province; Nguyen Minh Cam in Dong Hung district, Thai Binh province; Bui Kim Dieu in Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province. I still clearly remember the image of them standing in front of the command bunker on A1 hill in the blazing sun, medals shining on their chests, smiling happily when meeting their old comrades. The elders were all moved when they met and recalled the heroic memories of the war, when all efforts were focused on defeating the last stronghold of the French colonialists.

The setting and space could not be more beautiful, artist Duong Van Anh captured the wonderful moment with a wide-angle lens, natural light, beauty and happiness. Recalling the journey to receive the award, she confided: The delegation of the Literature and Arts Association of Hoa Binh province had 10 people coming to Dien Bien Phu. Due to objective conditions, the delegation could not book a room in the city, so they went straight to the Muong Then homestay in Lo village, 7 km from the venue of the Festival and Award Ceremony of Artistic Photography of 15 Northern Mountainous Provinces. Departing from Hoa Binh at 5:30 am on April 26, we arrived at the homestay after 5 pm; after 12 hours of traveling to Dien Bien under the blazing sun. Arriving in Dien Bien at sunset on a sunny day, the round sun gradually rolled behind the mountain. The car passed through the immense Muong Thanh fields of golden rice. The beautiful scenery and fresh air made the fatigue of the long journey disappear. On the morning of April 27, our group moved to the city to offer incense to the heroic martyrs on A1 hill. The path was crowded with people, from veterans, women, mothers from all over the country to students, organizations, local authorities and many ethnic people in Dien Bien coming to pay their respects. In the early morning, the church on A1 hill seemed to echo the sound of 70 years ago in the sound of bells and prayers for souls. After the incense offering ceremony, we passed A1 hill where there was a historic battle that "resounded throughout the five continents and shook the earth". The path leading to the temple was now covered with Tec trees that were shedding their leaves, making the two royal poinciana trees on the hill stand out with their brilliant red color. Many people say that the royal poinciana here is darker and more beautiful than in other places, perhaps because it was nurtured in the soil soaked with the blood of heroes and felt the glory of victory, so every time the anniversary of Dien Bien's liberation day comes, it blooms as a way to show gratitude to this land.

Ms. Van Anh shared more: The joy was multiplied because I was the lucky one to meet the character in my work again at the award ceremony. My happiness, the joy and pride of the elders made the award ceremony more meaningful about the tradition of "When drinking water, remember its source" of the nation. My work is like a gift of gratitude to the elders. The Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists invited the elders to attend the award ceremony and presented them with gifts of gratitude, including a photo that won a gold medal. I was really touched and also had a small gift to send and wished them good health. Saying goodbye to Dien Bien, I made an appointment to return to record more beautiful moments and innovations in this historic land.

Huong Lan

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