In celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2024), the National Archives Center III (under the State Records and Archives Department) organized an exhibition on September 24, showcasing “National Archival Documents on the Handover of the Capital.”
The exhibit presents nearly 200 original images and archival documents preserved at the Center, sourced from collections such as the National Assembly, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministries of Education, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Health, Agriculture and Forestry, Public Works and Transport, and Agriculture; as well as from personal archives, including those of photographer Nguyen Ba Khoan, photo collector Dang Tich, Professor Hoang Minh Giam, and composers Van Cao, Nguyen Duc Toan, and Huy Du.
Capital Regiment on Hang Gai Street on October 10, 1954. Photo: National Archives Center III
Among the featured documents are key plans, programs, and personnel arrangements for the handover of Hanoi, including records on the establishment of the Hanoi Administrative Committee; official instructions from the Prime Minister’s Office on the recovery of provincial towns and cities; and Health Ministry correspondence regarding youth volunteers assigned to assist with the takeover. Other notable materials include the Ministry of Finance’s 1954 plans for the capital’s handover and reports capturing significant moments like the welcoming of Vietnamese troops and government officials on October 10, 1954, the army’s handover of the Hanoi Flag Tower, the jubilant reception by Hanoi’s women, and the solemn flag-raising ceremony held that same afternoon.
These invaluable materials offer a vivid account of Vietnam’s heroic history and the capital’s critical moments, covering key events from the Dien Bien Phu victory, the Geneva Accords, and preparations for the capital handover to the handover’s progression in Hanoi.
Ms. Tran Viet Hoa, Director of National Archives Center III, emphasized that the documents on display provide reliable insights into the people’s and army’s liberation of the capital. They underscore the close alignment of leadership with the public and the steadfast resolve of Hanoi’s citizens and soldiers during this historic period.
Hanoi women welcomed soldiers returning to take over the capital. Source: National Archives Center III
The exhibition, through its extensive display of documents and images, serves to inspire national pride and educate citizens on the spirit of patriotism. It also aims to instill a deepened appreciation for history and a sense of responsibility in preserving and furthering the accomplishments achieved by earlier generations. This initiative is particularly significant for educating younger generations about the values of heritage and the legacy of those who laid the foundations of the nation.
The archival materials and images from this exhibit will also be featured in the upcoming “Hanoi – Memories of the Handover Days” exhibition, scheduled to open on October 2 at 61 Trang Tien, Hanoi. This event is jointly organized by the National Archives Center III and the Information and Exhibition Center (under the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports).
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