HÀ NỘI — Images, artefacts and footage revealing moving stories from Việt Nam’s two resistance wars are being exhibited at the Vietnamese Women's Museum.

The Ký Ức Và Niềm Tin (Memories and Beliefs) exhibition is organised by the Vietnamese Women's Museum in collaboration with the 'Forever 20' Club to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Việt Nam People's Army (December 22, 1944 - December 22, 2024).

It showcases over 200 valuable documents and artefacts collected by the museum over nearly 20 years – the result of trips across the country to meet and listen to stories from historical witnesses and the families of the heroes and martyrs who sacrificed it all on the battlefields. The exhibits are organised into three themes: 'Ready to Depart,' 'Belief in Victory,' and 'The Day of Return.'

Some notable artefacts include a volunteer enlistment application written in blood; the diary of a female soldier from the Trường Sơn region about her journey to the battlefield and her years of military service; a letter from a martyr to his wife filled with longing and hope for their reunion; and a soldier’s harmonica that was used to encourage his comrades' spirits. 

Memories and Beliefs will help viewers answer the question of how the small nation of Việt Nam was able to fight and triumph over enemies with massive economic and military power.

It also emphasises the close relationship between the home front and the front lines, conveying to today’s youth the message to live with dreams, aspirations and beliefs, and to continue the legacy of their ancestors.

Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in the activity Letters to Loved Ones, where they can write meaningful letters, expressing sincere feelings to their loved ones through letters that reflect a wartime style.

"Over the past 80 years, generations of officers and soldiers of the Việt Nam People's Army, with their talent, intelligence, courage and determination to fight and win, have faced difficulties and hardships without hesitation, ready to sacrifice for the homeland,” said Vice President of the Việt Nam Women's Union Nguyễn Thị Thu Hiền.

“They have built a heroic and indomitable tradition, symbolising the strength of national unity, representing the heroic army of a heroic nation, and serving as a steadfast source of faith for the people.”

According to Hiền, the memories depicted through the images and documents in the exhibition, along with the stories from special invitees, will serve as valuable lessons and a significant source of encouragement for Vietnamese people to work together in building a happy and prosperous life in the new era.

“This will contribute to educating the younger generation about national traditions, about a glorious past that should not be forgotten, and continuing the legacy of previous generations,” she noted.

As part of the exhibition, the Vietnamese Women's Museum has received war memorabilia donated by veterans and families of fallen soldiers. These include paintings, letters, diaries and invaluable artefacts that are imbued with the spirit of a fiery era. — VNS