Brian Jeffrey
The pedestrian areas surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi are alive with colorful cultural displays, exciting performances, and interactive exhibitions that engage both residents and visitors.
This vibrant event is part of the “80 Years of Culture and Arts in the People’s Army” exhibition taking place on Dinh Tien Hoang Street, celebrating the significant cultural influence of Vietnam’s “soldier-artists” from December 20 to December 22.
Where History Meets Art
The exhibition presents a dynamic portrayal of Vietnam’s military history through various mediums, including photographs, propaganda posters, and live performances. Key attractions include dramatizations by military arts troupes, group dances by soldiers, and performances by military bands.
Visitors can engage with recreate interactive features like a model of an A-shaped trench, allowing them to understand the innovative tactics of Vietnamese troops during the Vietnam War. These trenches, made from wood and bamboo, were essential for protecting soldiers from aerial bombings.
Noteworthy reconstructions include:
The Long Bien Bridge alongside Soviet-supplied SAM missiles, crucial in the defense against U.S. B-52 bombers during the infamous 12-day battle of December 1972.
A life-size representation of the sovereignty marker for the Spratly Islands, attracting considerable interest from those attending.
Elements symbolizing the Dien Bien Phu victory, such as cannons and bicycles capable of carrying up to 300 kilograms of supplies during the pivotal 1954 campaign.
Engaging Activities for Everyone
The exhibition also includes hands-on sessions, such as clay modeling workshops where children can craft figures of soldiers under supervision.
Attendees can meet soldiers and cadets dressed as historical personalities, including:
Le Van Tu, a military guard who poses for photographs with bayonets and firearms.
Cadets from the Military University of Culture and Arts, portraying the spirit of Dien Bien soldiers while interacting with guests.
This exhibition is a lively tribute to Vietnam’s rich military heritage, art, and identity, attracting a diverse crowd of visitors.
The “80th Anniversary Exhibition of Culture and Arts in the Vietnam People’s Army” is currently underway on Dinh Tien Hoang Walking Street, providing captivating experiences that entice strollers around Hoan Kiem Lake.
This event marks the first-time presentation designed to vividly illustrate the role of “soldier-artists” from the Vietnam People’s Army in the Party’s ideological and cultural landscape.
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From December 20 to December 22, visitors can experience beautiful and moving moments through various unique cultural and artistic activities. These include photographic displays, propaganda posters from military art sectors, performances by military art troupes, group dance performances, military band concerts, interactive activities, and programs connecting with renowned artists.
A model of the A-shaped trench is displayed beside Hoan Kiem Lake. This trench design was adapted by the Vietnamese army and community during the resistance against the United States, serving as protection from aerial assaults. The structure was crafted from bamboo and wood shaped into an A-form, featuring entrances on both ends with dimensions of around 1.2 meters deep, 1.5 meters long, and 1 meter wide.
A detailed model of the Long Bien Bridge along with three Soviet SAM missiles, recognized for their role in downing American B-52 aircraft during the famous 12-day battle for Hanoi in December 1972, is also on display.
A full-size replica of the Truong Sa (Spratly Islands) sovereignty marker has caught the eye of many visitors.
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The narrative of the Dien Bien Phu victory is vividly brought to life along the walking street by Hoan Kiem Lake, featuring models of cannons and bicycles.
During the Dien Bien Phu campaign, cargo bicycles were essential for transporting weaponry and supplies to the front lines, with each bike accommodating 200–300 kilograms per trip. Out of 260,000 civilian workers assisting the campaign, 33,300 were active on the front, operating 21,000 cargo bicycles. They successfully transported 25,000 tons of crucial supplies, playing a key role in the decisive victory in 1954.
A life-size model of the De Castries bunker has also been constructed near the Pen Tower area of Hoan Kiem Lake, where soldiers from the Communications Corps engage with visitors.
Students from the Military University of Culture and Arts, dressed as Dien Bien soldiers, are available for photo opportunities with attendees.
Military Guard and Police Unit member Le Van Tu interacts with the public by holding a replica of a bangalore torpedo and rifle during the event.
At the 80th Anniversary Exhibition of Culture and Arts in the Vietnam People’s Army, children are also invited to create soldier figurines under the guidance of organizers.
On this occasion, Nguyen Sy Cuong (from the Infantry Officer School 1) and his fiancée posed for a picture by Hoan Kiem Lake, where she, dressed as a Southern guerrilla fighter, came from Ho Chi Minh City to participate in cultural activities commemorating the anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army.
