Paying tribute to Dien Bien Phu soldiers
(VOV) - Two aging war veterans have travelled from HCM City to the former Dien Bien battlefield to commemorate their comrades who laid down their lives during the battle 60 years ago.
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| Vu Nga, now 86 years old, was a security officer and Tuan Linh was an artilleryman of Division 351 during the Battle of Bien Bien Phu. |
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Walking slowly along the path between the rows of fallen soldiers’ graves helped Linh recall the fierce battle some six decades ago. |
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Many unknown soldiers are entombed at Dien Bien cemetery |
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He burst into tears because many of his comrades sacrificed their lives on the wartorn land. |
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On the other side of A1 hill, Vu Nga recounted the battle. After the war, Nga undertook many important positions, but he still retains the simple lifestyle of Viet Minh soldiers called Uncle Ho’s soldiers. |
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Tears welled in the eyes of the aging soldier and his voice broke as he talked about his fallen comrades. |
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Offering incense to their comrades, Linh and Nga did not know if they would have another chance to return again. |
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Linh has kept his portrait photo taken shortly after Dien Bien Phu was liberated. He was born in Hanoi and now lives in Ho Chi Minh City. |
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The two war veterans always wore “Dien Bien soldiers” badges. Ten years ago, they had a great chance to return to Dien Bien Phu with legenrady General Vo Nguyen Giap on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory. |
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They said they were very lucky to survive the battle |
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“Young generations should uphold the national tradition to live better,” they said |