Seventy-one years ago, on May 7, 1954, the epic triumph of Dien Bien Phu echoed around the world, marking a glorious peak and historic milestone in the Ho Chi Minh era. The victory was not only a source of immense national pride but also a powerful inspiration for anti-colonial movements across the globe.
More than a decade has passed since millions of Vietnamese people and international friends paid their final respects to General Vo Nguyen Giap as he was laid to rest in his homeland of Quang Binh province (October 4, 2013). Renowned as an exceptional military strategist in Vietnam's history, particularly for his pivotal role in the resounding victory of 1954 Dien Bien Phu campaign, the image of the humble, sincere, and devoted general, who dedicated his whole life to the nation and people, is not only revered and admired by the Vietnamese people but has also left an indelible mark in the hearts of international friends.
Today marks the 11th anniversary of the passing of General Vo Nguyen Giap, a prominent military strategist in Vietnam’s history renowned for his leadership in the victorious Dien Bien Phu campaign in 1954, a crucial event that marks the end of the French colonial rule in Vietnam.
General Vo Nguyen Giap was a military leader of the greatest stature, a strategist of the “people’s war” and a faithful representative of the thought of President Ho Chi Minh, said Algerian Ambassador to Vietnam Sofiane Chaib.
A photo exhibition named “The Imprint of General Vo Nguyen Giap on Dien Bien Phu” opened in the central province of Quang Binh – the hometown of the General - on August 20.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong is one of the great figures, together with President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap, Vietnam has contributed to humankind, said an Algerian official.
Together with the Dien Bien Phu Victory on May 7, 1954, the Geneva Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Vietnam the same year served as a great source of encouragement for the liberation movements of other oppressed nations, marking the start of the collapse of colonialism worldwide, said Carlos Aznarez, Editor-in-Chief of Argentina's Resumen Latinoamericano Newspaper.
The Command Headquarters of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign in Muong Phang commune, Dien Bien Phu city, is a must-visit destination for travelers to this historic land.
The Vietnamese Ethnic Culture and Tourism Village in surburban Hanoi will host numerous activities in May to celebrate the 134th birthday anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh.
Unidad y Luch, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party of the Peoples of Spain (PCPE), has recently published an article praising the Vietnamese army and people's Dien Bien Phu Victory on May 7, 1954, which "resounded across the five continents and shook the globe", referring to it as Vietnam's World War II battle of Stalingrad.
The Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954) was a ground breaking victory, not just for the Vietnamese people who fought for independence, freedom and socialism, but also for liberation movements in Southeast Asia and the world at large, said Kyril Whittaker, a British researcher of Vietnamese politics and history.
Cherfaoui Tayeb, Chairman of the Algeria-Vietnam Friendship Association (AVFA) and a military veteran, has hailed Vietnam as a revolutionary example, with the Dien Bien Phu Victory as a crucial military art and a source of inspirations for national liberation movements in Africa.
The Su That (Truth) National Political Publishing House and the family of late General Vo Nguyen Giap held a ceremony on May 3 to introduce the 9th edition of the book “Dien Bien Phu” written by the General.
The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) and its members on May 3 held a ceremony to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 - 2024). and pay tribute to foreign supporters.
“I dreamed of peace while in the battle and when it came true, my dreams are all about my comrades every night,” Dien Bien Phu veteran Luong Van Huong, now 96, told the Vietnam News Agency, weeping tears falling on his face at the memory of his fellow fighters at the Dien Bien Phu Campaign 70 years ago.
A book series titled “Vo Nguyen Giap – The People's General” with a Vietnamese version and five bilingual versions made debut at an event held in the northwestern province of Dien Bien on April 17, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended a meeting in the northern province of Dien Bien on April 17 with veteran soldiers, young volunteers and frontline workers who directly participated in the Dien Bien Phu Campaign in 1954.
Over 20km from the centre of Dien Bien Phu city, Muong Phang commune holds major historical significance as a revolutionary base during the Dien Bien Phu campaign. As the 70th anniversary of the Victory is approaching, Muong Phang remains a bustling destination for visitors coming to pay homage to the historic site.
The Vietnam News Agency Publishing House has compiled and published a photo book entitled "General Vo Nguyen Giap”, on the occasion of his 10th death anniversary this year (October 4, 2013-2023).
The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City recently held a ceremony to rename part of the Hanoi Highway, which runs from Sai Gon Bridge to the Thu Duc intersection, Vo Nguyen Giap Street. The decision aims to honour the legendary General’s significant contributions to national liberation and reunification.
