On the morning of October 10, 1954, the 308th Division marched into Hanoi to take the capital. The city felt reborn after nine long years of resistance.

Art performance depicts the takeover of Hanoi on October 10, 1954. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

Tens of thousands of people, both young and old, took to the streets in their finest clothes, waving flags and flowers and singing joyfully in celebration of the victorious army's return.

This glorious moment in history is forever etched in the hearts of every Hanoian, especially the veterans who were present at that historic time.

Now 92 years old, former soldier Nguyen Thu from Hanoi's Hai Ba Trung District, who once served in the 308th Division, vividly recalled those historic days.

Thu was 22 years old at the time, full of youthful aspirations and enthusiasm. He still remembers the bravery and resilience of the soldiers who fought valiantly and sacrificed their lives and blood for 60 days and nights to defend the city from the invading French forces in late 1946.

After nine years of hardship, deprivation, and sacrifice, the army and people of Vietnam achieved the world-shattering victory of Dien Bien Phu, forcing the French colonialists to sign the Geneva Accords for a cease-fire in Vietnam.

"We had the mission to reclaim our beloved capital. Everyone was filled with pride and emotion," Thu said during the 70th national anniversary of Hanoi Liberation Day (Oct. 10, 1954 - Oct. 10, 2024)  at the National Convention Center in Hanoi.

War veteran Thu said that on the way back, the 308th Division held a victory celebration in Bac Giang Province. They were greeted by locals who had been liberated from French rule.

Delegates attend the ceremony. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

"Each of us was awarded the 'Dien Bien Phu Victory Medal' by President Ho Chi Minh. It was a source of immense pride. Each of us carefully pinned it to our left breast, near our heart, and kept it as a priceless souvenir for life," he recalled.

Continuing his historical recollection, Thu recounted how during their march to Hanoi, he and his comrades stopped at the Temple of the Hung Kings and had the privilege of meeting President Ho Chi Minh. He recalled the leader's words: "The Hung Kings founded the nation, and we must protect it."

"Uncle Ho stressed the importance of our mission to take over the capital, saying it was a moment of great honor and political significance. He reminded us to remain vigilant, uphold the revolutionary spirit and realize our responsibilities in the new era," Thu said.

Dressed in his medal-laden officer's uniform, 94-year-old veteran Le Duc Hoan was still sharp as he shared his memories of that historic day with The Hanoi Times.

At the age of 20, in 1950, Hoan was captured by the French and imprisoned in Hoa Lo Prison (now the Hoa Lo Prison Relic in Hanoi). He was released almost a year later.

After his discharge, Hoan immediately returned to his hometown in Thuong Tin District to continue his revolutionary activities. "Those nine years of resistance were hard, especially for my comrades and me who worked behind enemy lines," Hoan said.

Recalling October 10, 1954, Hoan said he was ordered to take over Ha Dong City (now Ha Dong District, Hanoi).

"Apart from those on duty, the residents and cadres in Thuong Tin poured into the streets, celebrating with flags and flowers," he recalled.

"For my comrades and me, that day was like coming back to life. After nine years of clandestine operations and enduring all the hardships, that moment was truly emotional," the veteran said.

Veteran Nguyen Thu. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

Looking back over the past 70 years, Thu, Hoan, and their fellow soldiers are proud and happy to have witnessed the tremendous transformation of the capital and the nation. The people now live in peace and happiness, with an ever-improving standard of living.

"We owe today's good fortune to the glorious Communist Party of Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap - the brilliant Commander-in-chief of the Vietnam People's Army - and the millions of soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives for our country's independence and made Hanoi heroic and Vietnam peaceful, united and prosperous," Thu said at the ceremony.

As Uncle Ho's soldier, Thu and other war veterans remain committed to actively participating in local movements and contributing to the development of a stronger and more progressive capital and nation.

Hanoi must lead the way

On September 2, 1945, Vietnam's independence was proclaimed and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was founded. However, on December 19, 1946, the French launched an invasion of Hanoi in an attempt to reoccupy the country.

In response, the Party, the Government, President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese people had no choice but to take up arms and launch a nationwide resistance to defend the nation's independence.

The cultured and refined youth of Hanoi accepted a long war in response to President Ho Chi Minh's call for national resistance. Many brave young men and women sacrificed their lives in defense of the country.

On May 7, 1954, the fortress of Dien Bien Phu collapsed and the French surrendered, signing the Geneva Accords and restoring peace to Vietnam.

On October 10, 1954, Hanoi was finally returned to its people, marking the official end of French colonial rule in Vietnam.

"We will never forget the historic morning of October 10, 1954, when more than 400,000 people streamed into the streets in jubilation, surrounded by flags and flowers, eagerly welcoming the return of the victorious revolutionary army," said General Secretary and President To Lam at today's 70th anniversary celebration.

General Secretary and State President To Lam delivers his speech at the ceremony. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

"This momentous occasion is a testament to the strength of our country, the comradeship of our people, and their desire for peace. It marked the end of nine years of resistance and the beginning of a new period of progress for Hanoi and the nation. It also stood for the total defeat of the French colonialists. The capital of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, Hanoi, was liberated from foreign enemies.

According to him, the event also symbolized the people's power over their own destiny and the promising future of the country.

Hanoi must now continue to strive to be a model of excellence and the pride of the entire country, as envisioned by President Ho Chi Minh, said General Secretary To Lam.

He stressed that Hanoi must take the lead in successfully implementing the Party's resolutions, ensure the success of the 2025-2030 Party Congress at all levels, as well as the 18th Hanoi Party Committee Congress, and pave the way for the 14th National Party Congress.

According to General Secretary To Lam, Hanoi must focus all efforts on unleashing resources, especially among the people, and combine national strength with global potential to build the capital into a center for politics, administration, business, culture, education, science, and international integration.

In addition, Hanoi must develop into a modern, smart, green and safe city that serves as a driving force for development in the Red River Delta, the key northern economic region and the nation, To Lam said.

"Hanoi must become a city of culture, civilization and modernity, and rapidly become a global connectivity hub with deep international integration, competing with cities in Southeast Asia and the world," he continued.

"The people of Hanoi deserve a high standard of living and quality of life. Moreover, its economy, culture and society must flourish in a balanced and distinctive way, truly becoming a center that embodies the essence of national culture and human civilization," the General Secretary concluded.

Nguyen Chi Phuong, a student at Hanoi Law University. Photo: Ngoc Tu/The Hanoi Times

Lam also urged the capital to expand its cooperation with other countries' capitals, step up its promotion of Thang Long-Hanoi's rich heritage, and build a positive image of Hanoi's culture and people at home and abroad to raise the city's global standing.

Nguyen Chi Phuong, an outstanding student from Hanoi Law University, representing the youth of Hanoi, said that October 10, 1954, is a shining milestone in the thousand-year history of Hanoi and Vietnam.

"This event epitomizes a resilient and strong Hanoi, reaffirms the intelligence and courage of the Vietnamese people, and proclaims to the world the heroism of our nation with its glorious achievements in resisting foreign invaders," she said.

She expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made by previous generations so that today's youth could enjoy the fruits of peace.

"We, the younger generation, were born and raised in peace, with love for our homeland and pride in our nation. We are taught to appreciate our nation's glorious past, which gives us a sense of pride and confidence in our heritage," Phuong added.

"In today's ever-changing world, it's important for the younger generation to carry on this legacy and uphold the revolutionary spirit to build a strong and prosperous Vietnam," she said.