The event “Memories and Belief”
In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944 – December 22, 2024) and the 35th anniversary of the All-People’s National Defense Day (December 22, 1989 – December 22, 2024), the Vietnam Women’s Museum, in collaboration with the “Forever 20” Club, hosted the event “Memories and Faith” on the morning of December 19.
The delegates attending the event ″Memories and Faith.″
The event welcomed the presence of Nguyễn Thị Tuyến, Member of the Party Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Women’s Union; Nguyễn Thị Thu Hiền, Vice President of the Vietnam Women’s Union; along with representatives from the Ministry of National Defense, the Central Propaganda Department, the Vietnam Veterans Association, former leaders of the Vietnam Women’s Union, international guests, and a large gathering of veterans who came together to honor and reflect on their years of service in defending the nation.
Madam Nguyễn Thị Thu Hiền, Vice President of the Vietnam Women′s Union addressing at the opening ceremony
In her opening speech, Nguyễn Thị Thu Hiền, Vice President of the Vietnam Women’s Union, shared: “Today, the profound memories of our nation’s legacy are vividly brought to life through the images, historical documents, and heartfelt stories from our esteemed guests. These serve not only as invaluable lessons but also as a powerful source of inspiration, encouraging us to join hands in creating a prosperous and fulfilling future in this new era. Moreover, they hold immense significance in instilling in younger generations the enduring tradition of ‘honoring the past and those who came before us,’ preserving the glorious history that must never fade, and carrying forward the spirit of our forebears to ‘live a life of true meaning.'”
The discussion panel ″Echoes of a Remarkable Era″
During the panel discussion “Echoes of a Remarkable Era,” historical witnesses shared vivid memories of a youth filled with passion, stories of revolutionary ideals, unwavering resilience in service to the homeland, and the camaraderie and solidarity among comrades during wartime. Ms. Hoàng Thị Kim Vinh, a former member of Youth Brigade 812, N43 Capital Youth Brigade under the Ministry of Transport, recounted the fervent spirit of her generation as they enlisted: “At that time, we gathered in Đông Anh, eagerly preparing to head to the battlefield with a joyful spirit, unafraid of anything.”
Mr. Nguyễn Tiến Lịch, former Political Commissar of Company 2, D530, Regiment 5, Cát Bi Hero Brigade, performed the song ″For the People, We Sacrifice Ourselves.″
Amidst an emotional atmosphere, the stirring melody of “For the People, Sacrifice All” once again echoed, performed on the harmonica by Mr. Nguyễn Tiến Lịch, former Political Commissar of Company 2, D530, Regiment 5, Cát Bi Heroes Brigade. The harmonica, a poignant emblem of his bravery, carries the weight of a remarkable story – how, in 1971, its soulful tunes uplifted the spirits of his comrades, helping them safely defuse a ticking time bomb.
Mr. Hoàng Nam Tiến, son of General Hoàng Đan, shared heartfelt stories about his family.
Sharing a story from the resilient home front, Mr. Hoàng Nam Tiến, Vice Chairman of the FPT University Board of Trustees and son of Major General Hoàng Đan, former Director of the Military Science Department under the Ministry of National Defense, recounted a letter his father wrote from the battlefield in 1972. In the letter, his father wrote: “I fight so that one day, our children will no longer have to.”
As part of the event, the Vietnam Women’s Museum also received wartime memorabilia donated by veterans and the families of fallen soldiers. Additionally, the museum inaugurated the exhibition “Memories and Faith.” Visitors were invited to participate in an interactive activity titled “Letters to Loved Ones,” where they could pen heartfelt messages to their dear ones in the nostalgic style of wartime correspondence.
The Ceremony for Receiving Artifacts at the Vietnam Women′s Museum
The delegates pressed the button to officially inaugurate the exhibition ″Memories and Belief.″
The delegates toured the exhibition.
Reflecting on her experience at the event, Phương Dung, a third-year student at the Academy of Journalism and Communication, shared: “Today has been an incredible journey for me. Meeting the veterans and hearing their heartfelt stories during the panel discussion was profoundly moving. Stepping into the ‘Memories and Faith’ exhibition deepened that emotion even further, as each artifact tells a story of sacrifice, youth, and unwavering bravery—symbols of those who gave their all for the peace we enjoy today.”
Here are some memorable moments from the event:
The delegates attending the event ″Memories and Belief″″
The interactive activity space.
The delegates and staff of the Vietnam Women′s Museum at the event.