The exhibition space "When drinking water, remember its source" at the Hai Phong Cultural, Cinema and Exhibition Center, although modest in area, contains a deep historical depth, preserving the pain, pride and infinite gratitude for those who have fallen for the independence and freedom of the nation.
This photo - documentary exhibition is an opportunity for the city's residents and visitors to light incense to commemorate the heroic martyrs, pay tribute to the war invalids and sick soldiers - those who wrote the heroic song with blood and tears, with even the most sacred things in their lives.
Memories still there, emotions still
In the quiet space, each photo is displayed as a slice of memories, reminiscing about the unforgettable stories that have never faded in the minds of Vietnamese people. That was when the Navy soldiers boarded a ship to turn the waves in mid-spring of 1988, carrying on their shoulders the sacred mission: to guard Truong Sa.
And then, on the historic March 14, 64 of them were forever lying at sea in the battle of Gu Ma, blood blending into the waves to protect the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland.
The commemorative photos in the coastal areas of Co Lin, Len Dao, and Gac Ma - where the brothers fell - are not only historical documents but also vivid symbols of immortality. The image of the old soldiers hugging each other during the tearful reunion is also an emotional highlight at the exhibition, like a flashback filled with love and comradeship.
More than 150 valuable photos and documents introduced this time not only record the journey of gratitude of the Party and State leaders to those with meritorious services, but also vividly recreate a part of the heroic, emotional and proud history of the resistance war.

A reminder from now
The exhibition also devotes a lot of space to reflecting the practical activities of Hai Phong City over the years - from building and repairing hundreds of gratitude houses, giving gifts for Tet to investing in upgrading martyrs cemeteries and award-winning steles in the area. Those specific actions are to continue and maintain the spirit of "Remembering the source of drinking water" not with a slogan, but with persistent work.
Part of the emotional content of the exhibition is the story of "armed but not weak" war invalids - people who have overcome the pain of war to continue to live, work and contribute to the development of their homeland and country. That is also a vivid testament to the indomitable Vietnamese spirit.
Today's exhibition is not only an occasion to commemorate those who sacrificed for the Fatherland, but also a strong reminder of the responsibility to preserve and promote the achievements of the revolution, said Mr. Vu Khac Lich - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hai Phong. According to him, caring for people with meritorious services does not stop at holidays, but is a continuous journey maintained by the city with specific feelings and actions.