HẦ NỘI Today, Hà Nội celebrates its 65th anniversary of liberation (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2019).
On the morning of October 10, 1954, about 200,000 residents with flags and flowers turned out on the streets to welcome home the Vietnamese People’s Army and take over the capital from the French. Hà Nội then rejoiced with the liberation.
Memories of the glorious and heroic victory overwhelm the city and country each year. It is an inspiration for generations of Hanoians.
After 65 years, the citizens share the same victorious spirit and pledge to preserve Hà Nội as a City of Peace and a centre of politics, culture and economic development.
Việt Nam News presents a photo series of the capital now and then. The photos were a collection of those taken in 1954 and recaptured by Việt Nam News photographer Trương Văn Vị in October 2019. VNS
A view of Hàng Đào Street today. VNS Photos Trương Vị
Hàng Đào Street when citizens welcome the Vietnamese People’s Army on liberation day on October 10, 1954. VNA/VNS File Photos
Long Biên Bridge now. VNS Photo Trương Vị
French troops leave Hà Nội via Long Biên Bridge on October 10, 1954.
The Cửa Nam Junction now.
Liberation forces enter the capital through Cửa Nam Junction on October 10, 1954.
Foreign visitors passing Hoàn Kiếm (Sword) Lake.
Vietnamese soldiers are welcomed by Hanoians by Hoàn Kiếm Lake on liberation day.
Visitors walking through the Đoan Môn Yard or the then-Cột Cờ (Flag Pole) Yard in Thăng Long Citadel.
The first flag hoisting ceremony taking place at the Cột Cờ (Flag Pole) Yard in Thăng Long Citadel on liberation day.
Long Biên Bridge now
... and then when a soldier stands guard after the French forces have left.
The Presidential Palace now, or French Governor-General of Indochina then.
A Vietnamese soldier guards the palace of then-French Governor-General of Indochina.
Part of Hà Nội’s Old Quarter now.
Citizens gather around Hà Nội to welcome the Vietnamese liberation force.