Winter memories 1944
The exhibition space of the Vietnam Military Museum visibly and vividly reminds us of the formation, fighting and growing journey of the revolutionary armed forces - from the difficult early days in the mountainous forests of Viet Bac to a disciplined, modern army today.
When entering the exhibition space from 1930 to 1945, visitors felt lost in the difficult early years of the revolution. Each relic from backpacks, military uniforms, to sung and historical documents - tells the story of the first steps of the revolutionary armed forces, demonstrating the spirit of fighting, patriotism and steadfast ideals of the soldiers at that time.
From this exhibition area, the historical flow takes visitors back to the winter of December 22, 1944 in Tran Hung Dao forest (Cao Bang province).
That was the day the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army officially held its founding ceremony according to the direction of leader Ho Chi Minh with only 34 soldiers and 34 guns, but carrying a great ideal: Independence for the nation to prepare for the armed uprising.
Just 3 days later, that young force had their first major victory with 2 battles at Phai Khat Station (December 25, 1944) and Na Ngan Station (December 26, 1944), marking the beginning of our army's tradition of determination to fight and win.
This is the first regular army of Vietnam to have achieved resounding feats, liberating large areas as a basis for activities fighting for independence. This achievement marks the beginning of the tradition of determination to fight and win of the Vietnam People's Army in the future.
In the corner of the exhibition about December 22, 1944 a diary, a silver safety net, or a rudimentary rifle is not only an artifact, but a witness to the years of "determination to die for the Fatherland". Each artifact carries the story of people who put their youth and family aside to join the revolutionary army.
From 34 soldiers in the Tran Hung Dao forest that year, a powerful army has matured through the smoke and fire of war. The quiet artifacts in the museum tell the story of the price of independence, exchanged for blood, tears and the sacrifice of millions of Vietnamese children.
The Vietnam People's Army today is not only present in modern equipment models, but also vividly preserved in documentaries being shown on the big screen.
Continuing the historical journey, the exhibition areas of the peacetime reflect the comprehensive appearance of the Vietnam People's Army today: Building forces, training combat readiness, participating in rescue, helping people overcome natural disasters, protect borders and islands.
The images of soldiers fighting alongside the people show that the army is not only a fighting force, but also a solid support of the country in all circumstances.
The exhibition "Defense and peacekeeping foreign affairs" opens up a new perspective. The uniforms of the Vietnam Blue Beret Force that have served in South Sudan, the Central African Republic or the Abyei region are a testament to the maturity and international integration of the Vietnam People's Army in peacetime.
Continuing the flow of history
At the end of December, when the whole country turned to the traditional day of December 22, historical exhibition spaces not only recalled the milestones, but also contributed to fostering national pride, sense of responsibility and awareness of defending the Fatherland for the younger generation.
Among the people visiting the museum these days are many veterans from all over the country.
Mr. Dao Thanh Tung, a veteran from Nghe An, visited the museum before the 81st anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army and met on the traditional day of division 304.
As someone who has been in the army for nearly 50 years and has participated in many major campaigns such as Quang Tri and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, he shared: Coming here to meet traditionally, meet teammates and review the years of the war is an honor and pride for those who have fought for peace today. I hope the younger generation can continue the achievements of their ancestors, continue to build and protect the country.
From simple beginnings in the Cao Bang mountains in the winter of 1944), the Vietnam People's Army has continuously grown, becoming a core force in the cause of defending the Fatherland.
December 22 is not only an occasion to miss the glorious past, but also a time for each Vietnamese person to look back at history, more clearly aware of the responsibility to preserve and promote the values that previous generations have worked hard to nurture.
