Memorabilia tells stories about journalism

(Chinhphu.vn) - Not only leaving their mark through written pages, but also simple, rustic memorabilia has become silent witnesses, telling the story of a generation of resilient, brave, dedicated and devoted journalists-soldiers.

In the turbulent historical flow of the nation, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has always played a pioneering role, being the voice of the Party and the people, accompanying the country on every journey.

During a century of formation and development, journalists have continuously contributed and sacrificed, bringing to the public sharp and timely journalistic works, contributing to shaping and illuminating the revolutionary path. They have not only left their mark through written pages, but also through simple and rustic souvenirs.

At the Vietnam Fatherland Front Museum, these priceless artifacts are being respectfully preserved to tell stories about the glorious mission and great responsibility of writers during the heroic years.

The typewriter used by journalist Huynh Van Tieng during his time as Director of Ho Chi Minh City Television Station - Photo: VGP/Thu Hoan

Memorabilia of veteran journalist Huynh Van Tieng

When mentioning veteran journalists of Vietnam's revolutionary press, we cannot fail to mention journalist Huynh Van Tieng (real name Huynh Minh Sieng). He was born in 1920 in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City). He participated in revolutionary activities at the age of 16, famous for his revolutionary songs in the Hoang Mai Luu group. His career as a journalist was closely linked to the career of Vietnam's radio and television with many important positions: Deputy Director of the Southern Voice Station, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Voice of Vietnam , to Head of the Vietnam Television Department - the cradle of the country's television industry...

At the Vietnam Fatherland Front Museum, many relics of journalist Huynh Van Tieng have been collected, preserved and solemnly displayed. Among them, the most prominent is the manuscript of his memoirs on the student and youth movement 1940-1945. This manuscript, with his meticulous and careful editing, is not only a valuable document but also demonstrates the journalist's respect and dedication to history. Each word written is carefully considered to highlight the role of youth in the cause of national liberation.

In addition, the manuscripts with handwriting and signature of journalist Huynh Van Tieng on important issues of the country are proof of the sense of responsibility, sharp intelligence and enthusiasm of a veteran journalist, a leader who devoted his life to the country and the people. The articles he wrote on the occasion of the country's historical events such as: "Vanguard Youth, a core force of the Party in the General Uprising on August 25, 1945" or "August Revolution - A brilliant lesson in building and defending the country", "Never forget" about the event of December 20, 1960, the historic day of the founding of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam, "Our unity is strength, Our unity is iron and steel"... are all drawn from the experience, intelligence and broad vision of a journalist who has gone through two great resistance wars of the nation.

There are also other valuable souvenirs associated with the career of journalist Huynh Van Tieng. The Olympia brand typewriter made in West Germany that he used when he was the Director of Ho Chi Minh City Television Station. The diplomatic passport issued in 1988 to leave for East Germany. In particular, international gifts such as: a cigar box from Cuban President Fidel Castro or a sword given to journalist Huynh Van Tieng by Indonesian President Sukarno are proof of the recognition and respect of international friends for his contributions.

With his dedication and enthusiasm in journalism and revolutionary activities, journalist Huynh Van Tieng left behind many valuable works and much affection in the hearts of his friends, comrades, colleagues and the people. That affection is expressed through the portrait sketch of him drawn by artist Huynh Phuong Dong, and through the touching lines of remembrance written in two condolence books when he passed away.

Portrait of Cuban President Fidel Castro, kept by journalist Huynh Hung Ly's family for more than half a century - Photo: VGP/Thu Hoan

Portrait of Cuban President Fidel Castro and the heart of journalist Huynh Hung Ly

Journalist Huynh Hung Ly (real name Huynh Van Nham), born in 1927 in Ben Tre, was a key writer in the resistance war against the US, having held many positions in the field of journalism. He is a rare journalist who worked at three major events of the country: the Geneva Agreement, the Paris Agreement and the General Offensive and Uprising in the Spring of 1975. After the country's reunification, he continued to contribute to the Liberation and Dai Doan Ket newspapers.

Among the souvenirs that journalist Huynh Hung Ly's family donated to the Vietnam Fatherland Front Museum, the most prominent is the portrait of President Fidel Castro, which was presented by a high-ranking Cuban leader to the delegation of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam in 1966. Journalist Huynh Hung Ly accompanied the delegation and was assigned to receive, preserve and maintain this painting. The painting is 70x90 cm in size, drawn in pastel with skillful and delicate strokes, exuding the spirit and temperament of a heroic leader. What is special is the respect that journalist Huynh Hung Ly has for this painting. He has painstakingly preserved it and brought it with him during many moves from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau. After his death, his family continued to carefully preserve the painting, placing it in the most prominent position in the house.

In 2024, journalist Huynh Dung Nhan, son of journalist Huynh Hung Ly, donated the painting to the Vietnam Fatherland Front Museum with an emotional sharing: "The painting is a "treasure" that my family has cherished and preserved for more than half a century because it is a souvenir associated with my father's journalistic career with a lot of affection and memories to educate children and grandchildren about the tradition of a family of 3 generations with 9 journalists who have contributed to building the country's journalism. But the family decided to donate it to the Museum with the hope that the Museum will promote and spread more widely the value of this precious souvenir to the general public." The story of the portrait of Cuban President Fidel Castro Not only does it show the special affection between the Vietnamese and Cuban peoples, but it also demonstrates the love for the profession and respect for historical values ​​of journalist Huynh Hung Ly's family.

War diary of journalist Ben Hai - Photo: VGP/Thu Hoan

Frontline reporter and war diary

Journalist Ben Hai (real name Pham Van Trinh), born in 1941 in Ben Tre, was a reporter for Giai Phong newspaper, the mouthpiece of the Central Committee of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam, which published its first issue on December 20, 1964 in War Zone C in Tay Ninh province, Southeast Vietnam. His years of working on the front line during the resistance war against the US to save the country have been preserved with many valuable souvenirs at the Museum.

Among them, it is impossible not to mention the war diary with 300 detailed, meticulous handwritten pages about the developments of the war in the two years 1968-1969. Although time has faded the handwriting and stained the pages, the diary still retains the spirit of the soldier-journalists, ready to confront and rush into the rain of bombs and bullets on fierce battlefields to work. This is a valuable source of information, serving the writing of hot news and articles about the revolutionary situation in the South, reflecting truthfully and vividly the life and fighting of our army and people.

The elaborate hand-drawn map guided him on his mission. In addition, simple, plain souvenirs such as the parachute cloth, the hammock... that journalist Ben Hai used were indispensable items for a reporter on his journey of work amidst bombs and fire. They contributed to portraying a generation of journalists who were persistent, brave, and resilient in overcoming hardships, writing in one hand and shooting in the other, both reporting and fighting, voluntarily dedicating themselves and sacrificing themselves for the country and its people to be at peace and unified.

Students of the training class for Front officials visit the relics on display at the Vietnam Fatherland Front Museum - Photo: VGP/Thu Hoan

The immortal flame of journalism

The century-long journey of Vietnam’s revolutionary journalism is one filled with hardships and challenges, but also with great glory and pride. Many generations of journalists have contributed, devoted themselves, and sacrificed themselves to create, build, and nurture the country’s journalism to become increasingly strong.

The journalistic relics preserved at the Museum are living histories from the memories of time, containing slices of life, indelible marks of generations of Vietnamese journalists. From veteran, experienced journalists holding leadership positions to reporters working on the battlefield, from arduous war zones, to hot, fierce fronts, or overseas missions to carry out foreign affairs missions... Each artifact carries within it a vivid story about the dedication, courage, and sense of responsibility of journalists during wartime, about the great responsibility and glorious mission of revolutionary journalism placed on the shoulders of journalists. They are a reminder of a glorious past, of the core values ​​that made up the strength of Vietnam's revolutionary journalism.

For the current and future generations of journalists, the journalistic relics will be a great source of inspiration and motivation to reflect on themselves, continue to preserve and light the flame of passion for the profession in the new era, inherit and promote the glorious traditions of their predecessors, so that the press will always be an honest and strong voice, serving the Fatherland and the people./.

Thu Hoan

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/nhung-ky-vat-ke-chuyen-ve-nghe-bao-102250619152218399.htm