Thousands of people across Vietnam are coming to the northern province of Dien Bien to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954-2024) – the victory that forced France to sign Geneve Accords two months later, officially ending the First Indochina War. 

Pham Ngoc Ly, 82, from the northern province of Thai Binh, and his wife visit the Dien Bien Phu Battle. Photos: Thinh An/The Hanoi Times

People come to Dien Bien to pay tribute to people who sacrificed for national independence and respect the value of peace and what they have today.

Pham Ngoc Ly, 82, from the northern province of Thai Binh, is among those eager to live in exciting celebrations and be more proud of the fierce fighting and strong will of the army and people 70 years ago.

Ly identified himself as the second generation of "Uncle Ho's soldiers," claiming to have fought in the resistance against the US and to have endured days of rain, bombs, and bullet storms in 1972. Despite this, Ly was unable to control his emotions when he visited the Dien Bien Phu battlefield, where his father's generation fought.

He made it to every historical site despite the scorching weather in the Dien Bien basin. He appeared to be walking through a recreation of every battle, from the Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum to the martyrs' graves, the Hill A1 base's fortified command bunker to General Vo Nguyen Giap's combat command bunker, the workplace of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign Information Department.

He was deeply moved by the nation's tenacious fighting spirit, particularly that of the soldiers and civilians fighting on the front lines who had endured the ordeal of "digging into the mountains, sleeping in tunnels, soaking in the rain, eating rice balls" to supply soldiers with enough food and gear for battle.

The Dien Bien Phu Victory, described as "illustrious in five continents, shaking the earth," was also the result of numerous soldiers engaging in fierce combat to take the enemy's command bunker, a strong fortress.

The veteran remarked: "I feel so proud and moved. This is what driving me to finish the arduous trek to Dien Bien, the magnificent historical land of the country."     

Pham Thi Thanh, 76, from the northern coastal city of Haiphong, visits the Dien Bien Phu Museum.

Pham Thi Thanh, 76, in Haiphong, who participated in the resistance war against the US to save her nation, traveled to Dien Bien with almost 40 other members of the Hai Phong Women's Association, who were connected in every direction.

I have been back to Dien Bien twice in the last 22 years, but this time, in honor of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, I am even more thrilled with the stunning triumph of the Dien Bien Phu Victory. Dien Bien has seen a lot of changes and increased socioeconomic development, which makes me happy as well. 

Nguyen Thi Thu from Long Bien District, Hanoi, visits the Dien Bien Phu Battle.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Thi Thu’s delegation came to Dien Bien from Ngoc Lam Ward, Long Bien District, Hanoi. She saw historical artifacts while singing to praise the resilient fighting spirit of the people and army when she visited the graves of martyrs.

“The 70th anniversary comes around only once in a lifetime, so I returned to pay my respects and honor the valiant martyrs for their achievements and selfless sacrifices to the nation. I sang "Be Van Dan live forever" as soon as I got to the martyrs' cemetery. On this significant anniversary, I made my first visit back to Dien Bien, which makes me extremely happy and touched,” she shared.

Children and students, in addition to veterans and elders, had the opportunity to visit and hear briefings about the history of the country and its valiant battle while traveling back to Dien Bien. 

Students at Thanh Nua Secondary School visit the Dien Bien Phu Museum.

Lo Gia Bao, a 7th grader at Thanh Nua Secondary School in Dien Bien District, Dien Bien Province, visited the old battle with his classmates.

"I get proud every time I visit a historical site because my ancestors gave their lives to preserve this nation. I have a stronger sense of love and attachment to this brave historical place as a result of the tour, and I believe that I must work even harder in my studies to protect and develop my homeland.

A cemetery of nameless martyrs sacrificed in the Dien Bien Phu Battle.

People from different parts of Vietnam come to offer incense to martyrs.

Visitors in traditional Ao dai (long dress) visit Dien Bien Phu Museum.

A painting depicts people of all classes and groups join the battle.

The image of caring for wounded soldiers in the war reappeared at the museum.