In the days of history – the resonance of fighting soldiers

 “Tieng reo nui vong song ren / Dem nay chac cung ve ben Bac Ho / Bac dang cui xuong ban do / Chac la nghe tieng quan ho quan reo...” (The resonance through mountains and rivers / They must have been with President Ho / Who was having a keen look on the map / Where he must have been listening to the victorious shouts of the soldiers) – the lines of “Hoan ho chien si Dien Bien” (a praise of Dien Bien soldiers) by To Huu, marked the end of 9-year resistance war against the French colony. Seventy years passed by with historic Aprils, the resonance of a victorious fight is still there all over Muong Thanh, Hong Cum, Him Lam – the resonance of a glorious past of Dien Bien Phu – the outcry of soldiers in the wild.

Mr. Hoang Van Bay (in the middle) and Mr. Nguyen Hong Thai (far right) are talking on the sideline of national conference on Dien Bien Phu Victory

The determination of fight and victory

At the recent national-level scientific conference on the Victory of Dien Bien Phu, Colonel Nguyen Huu Tai, former Political Commissar of the 209th Division, 312th Corps, former Deputy Director of the Training Department, General Staff Department, who directly participated in the Dien Bien Phu campaign, could not hold back his tears when recalling his brave comrades who sacrificed themselves, remembering President Ho and General Vo Nguyen Giap, the eldest of the Vietnamese People's Army.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Huu Tai recalls: "When the entire campaign shifted to implementing the principle of 'attack and advance firmly', the preparation for combat was truly arduous and difficult. Road construction, artillery hauling, fortification building, and continuous traffic management were carried out day and night. Despite exhaustion, everyone eagerly awaited the day of the gunfire. After reading President Ho's letter and General Vo Nguyen Giap's encouragement order, the battalion advanced to Him Lam outpost 3."

Despite his advanced age, the resounding voice of the Dien Bien soldier filled the hall with fervor. Thunderous applause followed the account of the battle at Him Lam stronghold by Major General Nguyen Huu Tai: "Amidst the army's departure, the sound of music and singing from the cultural troupe at the corner of the battlefield also echoed. Our troops cheered and ran towards the battlefield, singing along with the cultural troupe, creating a truly majestic atmosphere. For the first time, we had a battle with the sounds of cannons, cheers of the troops, and the sound of singing. The scene of the magnificent deployment has never been seen before.”

The thing that Brigadier General Nguyen Huu Tai remembers the most is the historic decision of General Vo Nguyen Giap, when he shifted from the strategy of "quick attack, quick victory" to "firm attack, firm advance". The brilliant leadership of the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, and the wise decision of General Vo Nguyen Giap helped the soldiers of Dien Bien Phu make a historic victory after 56 days and nights.

The pride of reunion

Amidst the green uniforms, returning to visit the battlefield of Dien Bien Phu, Mr. Hoang Van Bay (93 years old, from Dien Chau, Nghe An) and Mr. Nguyen Hong Thai (93 years old, from Hai Phong), both Dien Bien soldiers who participated in the main attack to capture Hill A1, couldn't help but be moved and proud, recalling the difficult fighting years on the old battlefield. Mr. Hoang Van Bay stated, "Returning to the place where comrades fought and sacrificed for the Fatherland, our presence today is very fortunate. We are also proud to be a Dien Bien soldier who participated in the battle on this land. After 70 years, we meet again, sharing about the past battles, which are rare and extremely valuable."

Remembering the years of hardship in the battlefield, Mr. Nguyen Hong Thai shared: "There were days of deep trenches filled with water, rice mixed with rainwater, even mud-covered, but we still fought bravely for 56 days and nights. I am still alive today thanks to my battalion commander who covered me when we were ambushed during a reconnaissance mission. After the liberation of Dien Bien, we were redeployed to restore this land by filling bomb craters, removing mines, dismantling barbed wire fences, and building the Dien Bien farm. Returning this time, we saw many changes in Dien Bien, the people's lives were improved, and we felt extremely happy and proud.”

Mr. Nguyen Hong Thai also reminded the young generation today who are living in peace that it is the most precious thing. Therefore, the youth need to strive constantly, cultivate ideals, and apply advanced science and technology to develop the country to be rich, strong, and worthy of the high sacrifices of the previous generations of fathers and grandfathers.

By reporters – Translated by Vi Bao

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