Nguyen A brings memories of Dien Bien Phu victory into photos

As the 20th photo book, the photo book '70 years of Dien Bien Phu victory - The heroic epic echoes forever' is still professional, comprehensive and detailed like Nguyen A's style.

Nguyễn Á đưa ký ức chiến thắng Điện Biên Phủ vào ảnh- Ảnh 1. — Author – photographer Nguyen A (right) helps Dien Bien Phu veteran Nguyen Thi Ngoc Toan – the character in the unique wedding photo on the roof of a tank in Dien Bien Phu – at the photo exhibition and book launch – Photo: TU TRUNG

Nearly 300 photos recreate for today's exhibition viewers the entire "majestic parade" celebrating the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory in Dien Bien city on May 7, 2024, including training days, sideline activities, sweat on the training ground, smiles on the streets...

The most touching moment at the exhibition and book launch this morning, July 28, at the Youth Cultural House (HCMC), was of course the image of Dien Bien veterans, over 90 years old but the sparkle still shone in their eyes and lips when they told young people about their 20s on the hills, under the trenches, their eyes filled with tears when they talked about their comrades...

Present in person at the exhibition opening and book launch, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Toan won many fans with her unique wedding story in the De Castries bunker.

For Dien Bien Phu veteran – Colonel Hoang Ngoc Thuong (97 years old, former deputy commander of the Artillery Company of the 351st Artillery Division) – memories of the Dien Bien Phu battlefield are still vivid.

He was awarded the Medal of Glorious Feat of Arms by Uncle Ho in 1962. He also has a rare photo taken by war journalist Phu Bang at Dien Bien Phu in 1954, right at the moment the enemy raised the white flag of surrender in the 1954 Dien Bien Phu battle.

He said: The Dien Bien Phu battlefield was fierce but our spirit was very high. We lived together, and when we weren't fighting, we talked, sang, told jokes, and even tried to write a newspaper. We lacked many things but our feelings were always filled with love and affection for each other.

The stories of author Nguyen A are also noteworthy. He said he tried very hard to work alone in the middle of a big event, had to manage everything himself but could not miss any activities, including those that were happening at the same time.

Taking the trouble to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Dien Bien and completing it in 2 months, Nguyen A said: “My goal is to use images to spread the value and stature of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, a great victory that “resounded throughout the five continents, shook the world” and went down in history.

Among many activities, I especially focus on the parade and marching. For me, this is the part that is organized solemnly, on a large scale, professionally and magnificently. Local people as well as tourists of all ages are looking forward to seeing the parade and marching with their own eyes. On the opening day of May 7, from 3am, people and tourists were present at the stadium eagerly watching.

Sách ảnh — *Photo book “70 years of Dien Bien Phu victory – The heroic epic echoes forever”*

“The sweat and discipline of the soldiers really impressed me, giving me strong motivation and inspiration to capture every precious moment with my lens.

In addition, the enthusiasm, friendliness and hospitality of the Dien Bien people, together with the whole country's heart towards Dien Bien during the heroic days of May, created a wonderful resonance for the event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory. All of this gave me more energy during the 11 very difficult days there," Nguyen A shared at the exhibition and book launch.