Nearly 200 delegates, who were generals, heroes, war veterans, relatives of officers and soldiers and those serving and joining combats in the historic campaign five decades ago, attended the event.
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An artistic performance at the event |
Before the exchange officially started, the organizers screened precious documentary footages of "Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu in the air" and held a musical program reappearing the heroic and courageous battle of Hanoi troops and people in the last days of December 1972. Through them, the people of Hanoi in general and Ba Dinh district in particular could feel the heroic atmosphere of the resilient and brave combat days against B-52 stratofortresses of the U.S. imperialists.
Addressing the exchange, Chairman of Ba Dinh People’s Committee Ta Nam Chien expressed the respect for role models and typical historical witnesses in the 12 days and nights of the “Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu in the air” victory.
The official said that from December 18, Ba Dinh district will hold a wide range of activities, including a photo and documentary exhibition themed “50 years of “Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu in the air” victory - Ba Dinh district writes another golden page of history”; a public art festival under the theme “50 years of Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu in the air - historical epic”; a children’s painting contest themed “Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu in the air”; and visits to museums and historical relics for students.
Chairman Ta Nam Chien stressed that the sharing of witnesses at the exchange was a lively evidence that confirmed the great value of the "Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu in the air" victory. He added that this is forever the pride of the Party Committee, authorities and people of Ba Dinh district, Hanoi capital and of the whole nation.
At the exchange, hero of the People’s Armed Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Pham Van Chat, former commanding officer of Battalion 72, Regiment 285, Division 363, which shot down a B-52 bomber whose part is in Huu Tiep lake, recalled that while combating in Hai Phong, the unit was assigned to maneuvering to Dai Chu battlefield (Bac Ninh). After many times joining hands with other units to destroy enemy aircraft, at night on December 27, 1972, the battalion asked for an independent fight. Approved by the commanding post, he ordered the unit’s members to prepare weapons and equipment.
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Witnesses recall their memories of the victory. |
According to Mr. Chat, the combat crew that day consisted of him as the battalion commanding officer and four radar operators. When they caught the signal of the B-52 bomber, they decided to shoot it before it could bomb Hanoi.
Former head of the mass mobilization board of Ba Dinh Party Committee Tran Van Tuong said that after the bomber crashed into Huu Tiep lake, he quickly and actively joined forces to overcome the consequences of the battle. Recalling that moment, he proudly said that though many family members in Ngoc Ha village were injured, died and many experienced property damage, all were unanimous and encouraged each other to overcome difficulties and continue staying side by side with the air defense and air troops to protect the capital's sky.
At the end of the exchange, the organizers presented gifts to the combat crew of Battalion 72, the liaison board of the battalion, and needy war veterans.
Translated by Chung Anh