As thousands of veterans from provinces and cities nationwide, from border areas to islands, turned their attention to Dien Bien for the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (1954-2024), 25 members of the Veterans’ Association of National Economics University (NEU) recently embarked on a journey back to their roots, visiting the heroic land of Dien Bien Phu.

The NEU Veterans’ Association sets off for Dien Bien Phu

The Dien Bien Phu Victory became a thunderclap that shook the world, tore apart the dark clouds of colonialism and imperialism, and gave tremendous encouragement to oppressed peoples to rise up and win independence. The three names—Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and Dien Bien Phu—resounded everywhere, becoming a source of pride and an expression of the aspirations for freedom of the oppressed and exploited, a symbol of unparalleled courage, and a shining star of the national liberation movement, heralding the collapse of colonialism worldwide.

The Dien Bien Phu Victory was all the more remarkable because it was the triumph of a fledgling army of a nation considered small and weak over a colonial giant with superior troop strength and weaponry. Over 56 days and nights, our forces eliminated more than 16,000 enemy troops and completely destroyed a complex of fortified positions that the West had considered an “impregnable fortress.” This was also the first time in history that such a large expeditionary army of a Western empire had been destroyed in a colony.

Only those who have lived through war can understand how precious peace is, and only those who live in peace can truly appreciate the losses and suffering of the generations who laid down their lives for the independence and freedom of the homeland. Dien Bien Phu, a land like an epic, continues each day to teach successive generations of descendants about patriotism and hatred of the enemy. Today, walking on Hills A1, C1, and D1, at the Him Lam, Ban Keo, and Doc Lap strongpoints, General de Castries’ bunker, and the Dien Bien Phu Campaign Headquarters in Muong Phang, we can begin to grasp the heroic struggle and indomitable resilience of our forebears 70 years ago.

Following in the footsteps of the soldiers of those years, the delegation traveled along the once treacherous, winding Cun Slope, through Thung Nhuoi and Thung Khe, and the Moc Chau Plateau, a highland area with a cool, refreshing climate. On the way to the town center, the delegation passed through Long Luong Village, beautiful in all four seasons, and visited Son La Prison and the To Hieu peach tree.

Crossing Pha Din Pass, where heaven meets earth, the delegation arrived in Muong Phang Commune, Dien Bien District, to visit the Dien Bien Phu Campaign Headquarters. Here, General Vo Nguyen Giap and the Campaign Command issued decisive directives and attack orders, culminating in the order for a general assault across the entire front on May 7, 1954, bringing about the Dien Bien Phu Victory, renowned across the five continents and shaking the world.

The University Veterans’ Association visits the Dien Bien Phu Campaign Headquarters

Upon arriving in Dien Bien Phu City, the veterans’ delegation visited A1 Martyrs’ Cemetery, the resting place of more than 600 fallen heroes. With profound reverence, the University veterans’ delegation offered incense and paid tribute to the fallen heroes. Their names are forever linked to heroic battles and will echo throughout Vietnam forever. “Hail the soldiers of Dien Bien/ Heroic soldiers/ Heads tempered in iron fire/ Fifty-six days and nights carving through mountains, sleeping in bunkers, enduring relentless rain, eating compressed rice/ Blood mingled with fresh mud/ Courage unwavering/ Resolve undiminished/ Comrades who laid down their bodies as gun rests/ Who blocked embrasures with their heads/ Who hurled themselves through mountains of barbed wire/ Surging like a storm/ Comrades who braced their backs to save the artillery/ Bodies crushed, eyes closed, still holding on…/ Hands that carved through mountains and rolled away bombs/ Determined to clear the road for our vehicles to bring reinforcements to the battlefield.”

The University veterans’ delegation pays tribute and offers incense at A1 Martyrs’ Cemetery

The veterans’ delegation then visited Hill A1. During the Dien Bien Phu Campaign, Hill A1 occupied an especially important strategic position, considered the “throat” protecting the central sector and directly defending General de Castries’ bunker. The assault on the strongpoint on Hill A1 was one of the most heroic battles fought by our armed forces and people during the Dien Bien Phu Campaign. Thousands of our officers and soldiers bravely sacrificed their lives here. Our forces finally gained complete control of the A1 strongpoint at 4:00 a.m. on May 7, 1954, throwing open the steel gate and advancing straight into the center of the Dien Bien Phu fortified complex.

The University veterans’ delegation visits Hill A1 and poses for a commemorative photo

The University veterans’ delegation visits the Dien Bien Phu History Museum

In Dien Bien, the University veterans’ delegation also visited the Dien Bien Phu History Museum, which displays many important exhibits through models, sculptural groups, and nearly 1,000 documents, artifacts, and images. In particular, they viewed firsthand the Panorama painting, covering more than 3,000 m² and featuring more than 4,500 figures, which recreates the full scope of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign. The painting not only has historical value and conveys a message of aspiration for peace, but also serves as a valuable resource, helping preserve revolutionary traditions and teach them to future generations. During this journey, the delegation also visited de Castries’ bunker, the Dien Bien Phu Victory Monument, and Muong Thanh Bridge… These sites still resonate with the heroic echoes of a battle of historic significance for the entire nation.

The University veterans’ delegation visits the Dien Bien Phu Victory Monument and poses for a commemorative photo…

… and General de Castries’ command bunker

During the journey, the University veterans’ delegation also visited and presented gifts to two disadvantaged veterans’ families in Thanh Xuong Commune, Dien Bien District, and proposed building houses to donate to veterans in gratitude for their service.

The University veterans’ delegation visits and presents gifts to two disadvantaged veterans’ families

Although much time has passed, the Dien Bien Phu Victory, “renowned across the five continents and shaking the world,” will forever remain a glorious milestone in history and a source of pride for the Vietnamese nation. It provides spiritual strength, tremendous encouragement and inspiration, while leaving many valuable lessons for the entire Party, people, and armed forces in building and defending the homeland today and in the future. We will forever remember the immense contributions of the officers, soldiers, young volunteers, frontline civilian laborers, and military personnel and civilians who fought bravely and sacrificed their lives to achieve the Dien Bien Phu Victory.

The trip left the members of the NEU Veterans’ Association with beautiful, unforgettable memories of their journey back to their roots.

Some photos from the trip:

Article and photos: Veterans’ Association and Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.