On the morning of November 25, the Hoa Lo Prison Relic Management Board inaugurated the special exhibition Aspiration for Peace, commemorating the 53rd anniversary of the “Dien Bien Phu in the Air” victory (December 1972-December 2025). The event was attended by witnesses, veterans, and international visitors, re-enacting war memories and the Vietnamese people’s aspiration for peace.
The exhibition features three main themes: Fiery Memories, Anti-War Wave, and For a Blue Sky, re-enacting the losses, sacrifices, and resilient spirit of the Vietnamese people.
In the Fiery Memories section, viewers are taken back to late December 1972, when Hanoi, Hai Phong, and the North endured fierce American bombing campaigns. The people and armed forces coordinated in battle, resiliently defending their cities, leading to the historic “Dien Bien Phu in the Air” victory.
The Anti-War Wave section depicts anti-war movements in the United States, from marches and draft card burnings to soldiers refusing to participate in the war, demonstrating that conscience remained awake amidst bombs and bullets.
Finally, the For a Blue Sky section recreates the period after the Paris Peace Accord (January 27, 1973), when American pilots were returned, and many veterans came back to Vietnam to contribute to building friendship.
A highlight of the opening ceremony was a re-enactment of the heroic efforts by doctors and nurses at Bach Mai Hospital to treat patients after the severe bombing on December 22, 1972. Professor Do Doan Dai, then Director of the Hospital, made resolute decisions to save doctors, nurses, and patients buried under the rubble, demonstrating immense courage in a life-or-death situation. At the event, Professor Do Doan Loi, former Deputy Director of Bach Mai Hospital and the second son of Professor Do Doan Dai, emotionally shared:
“I couldn’t hold back my emotions witnessing firsthand the artifacts my father used to save patients. That image reminds our generation of the indomitable spirit and sacrifices of previous generations.”
Witnesses attending the event also expressed their emotion before the displayed images and artifacts. Mr. Dinh Tiep Van (born 1938, from Thu Lam, Hanoi), who experienced three wars: against the French, against the Americans, and border warfare, and was also imprisoned in various places like Phu Quoc and Con Dao. In his memory, war was a time of immense loss and sacrifice.
“In 1954, during the Dien Bien Phu campaign, I had to carry and embrace 20 fallen comrades. In 1972, I again witnessed dozens of martyrs fall. Having gone through those battles, I deeply understand that the will and spirit of the Vietnamese people can never be subjugated.
Attending today’s exhibition, I further realize the profound value of peace and the responsibility to pass on this flame to future generations,” said Mr. Tiep Van.
Not only Vietnamese veterans, but international guests also expressed their emotions. Mr. Ad Spijkers, from the Netherlands, who participated in the movement to support Vietnam during the war, stated: “The struggle of the Vietnamese people was not solitary. We took to the streets, joined support movements, and provided humanitarian aid.
After the war, we continued to accompany projects against hunger and cold, and for educational development in Vietnam. Attending today’s exhibition further strengthens my belief in Vietnam’s development and international standing.”
The Aspiration for Peace exhibition is open from November 25 to December 25 at the Hoa Lo Prison Relic.
