Hanoi is resilient and gallant in "Forever the Triumphant Song"

Guests and historical witnesses view the exhibition. Photo: Hoang Lan

Unforgettable memories

The exhibition "Forever the Triumphant Song" not only brings viewers back to the heroic history of Hanoi in particular and Vietnam in general on the Capital Liberation Day, but is even more meaningful with the presence of historical witnesses and family representatives of comrades who directly participated in taking over the Capital such as: The family of Major General Nguyen Duc Minh, former Hanoi Police officer who participated in taking over the Viet Bac Police Department and Hoa Lo Prison in October 1954; Mr. Do Duc Long, former Hanoi Party Committee officer who participated in directing the takeover of the Capital...

Mr. Do Duc Long, former official of the Hanoi Party Committee who participated in directing the takeover of the capital, was present at the exhibition. Photo: Hoang Lan

At a rare age, approaching 100 years old, Mr. Do Duc Long tried to go to Hoa Lo Prison Relics to see the exhibition. Although his eyesight was dim, his mind about the heroic historical days of Hanoi was still intact. “Fabric shops on Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, Hang Giay streets, and Dong Xuan market were crowded with people buying fabric to make flags. Many households, especially those on the street, sewed red flags with yellow stars to prepare to hang at the door. Many people sewed additional small flags to bring to welcome the returning troops. People also made welcome gates at the ends of the squares and streets. Neighborhoods gathered people to make lists, prepare ranks, and wait for October 10, 1954. The atmosphere was bustling with excitement, with unprecedented joy on the faces of families, residential areas, and streets,” said Mr. Do Duc Long.

Mr. Do Quang Trung, who used to join the Iron Bat Youth Newspaper Team, recalls the atmosphere of taking over the capital. Photo: Hoang Lan

Meanwhile, Mr. Do Quang Trung, who used to join the Iron Bat Youth Newspaper Team, recalled: “When I was 13 years old (1947), I was enlightened by my older brother Do Trang Trong and joined the Iron Bat Youth Newspaper Team. The two brothers were tasked with communication, delivering letters and documents into the inner city. At that time, my family lived at 54 Trieu Viet Vuong Street, which was also a secret base. In November 1947, we were arrested by the enemy and sent to the Secret Service, then transferred to Hoa Lo Prison where we were imprisoned until March 1949 before being released. On the day the Capital was liberated, the whole of Hanoi was filled with flags and flowers, the atmosphere was extremely joyful,” Mr. Do Quang Trung recalled.

Proud images

The exhibition “Forever the Triumphant Song” has three contents: Perseverance and perseverance; Hanoi - The Day of Victory; The Fragrance and Colors of Hanoi. In addition, the public can also watch a scene vividly recreating the jubilant and bustling atmosphere when the people of the capital eagerly welcomed the victorious army returning on the day of the Capital Liberation.

The scene "Forever the Triumphant Song" recreates the atmosphere of Hanoians preparing to welcome the victorious army back to take over the capital. Photo: Hoang Lan

The content of Perseverance recalls images of the first days of the struggle of the army and people of the Capital against the French colonialists in December 1946, responding to President Ho Chi Minh 's Call for National Resistance. With rudimentary weapons but indomitable spirit, the people of the Capital turned every house and street corner into a fortress, holding the enemy for 60 historic days and nights. In the fierce smoke and fire, the suicide soldiers of the Capital Regiment did not fear sacrifice, ready to hug three-pronged bombs and rush into tanks, keeping their oath "Determined to die for the Fatherland to live".

In 1946, Hanoi became an indomitable fortress. Even though they were imprisoned in Hoa Lo Prison or other prisons, they still trained their revolutionary will, organized protests against the harsh regime and escaped to return with the people, keeping the flame of resistance alive.

Image of the takeover of the Capital on October 10, 1954. Photo: Hoang Lan

At the exhibition Hanoi - Victory Day are images of the period in 1954, after the Geneva Agreement, Hanoi became the 80-day assembly area of the French army. Taking advantage of this time, the enemy sought to sabotage economic and cultural facilities, lure people to migrate, and delay the return of prisoners of war. In this situation, the cadres, soldiers and people of the capital were determined to maintain the revolutionary spirit, protect the city intact, and prepare for the day of takeover. The workers became "silent soldiers", staying at factories and construction sites, preserving facilities to welcome the victorious army.

Some artifacts on display. Photo: Hoang Lan

October 10, 1954 went down in history as a brilliant milestone. Under the leadership of the Party Central Committee, President Ho Chi Minh and the Party Committee taking over the Capital, comprehensive preparations were carried out. Before the historic moment, the forces had taken inventory and safely taken over offices, schools, hospitals and public works. When the victorious army advanced, the streets of Hanoi were filled with flags and flowers, filled with the sound of singing. People joyfully poured into the streets, filled with emotion, tears mixed with smiles on the national festival day.

People viewing the exhibition. Photo: Hoang Lan.

The contents of the exhibition “The Scents and Colors of Hanoi” are images of Hanoi today that still shine with the beauty of the harmony between the ancient and the modern, between tradition and dynamic life. Craft villages, cultural heritages, historical memories contribute to creating a profound and rich capital. Hanoians of today’s generation continue their ancestors, preserving and promoting thousand-year-old values, building the capital worthy of the title “Heroic Capital”, “City for Peace”.

The special exhibition “Forever the Triumphant Song” at Hoa Lo Prison Relics is a tribute to those who have fallen for the Fatherland. More than seven decades after Liberation Day, Hanoi has continued to rise, spreading the message of peace and friendship, continuing to write brilliant golden pages of history.

The exhibition runs until November 6, 2025.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/ha-noi-kien-cuong-hao-hoa-trong-vang-mai-khuc-khai-hoan-718159.html