Photo exhibition on Hanoians' national resistance struggle

A photo exhibition showcasing 60 days of fighting by the soldiers and general populace of Hanoi against the French colonialists opened on February 17 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of the battle (February 17, 1947-2017).

 

The exhibition aims to review the remarkable historical tradition of the capital’s soldiers and people, as well as help visitors, especially young people, to feel proud of the tradition of protecting the country, said a representative from the Vietnam Historical Science Association.

Until mid-December 1946, the situation in Hanoi and other regions from the 16th Parallel to the north of Vietnam became increasingly serious. After attacking and occupying Hai Phong, the French decided to speed up their invasion by taking inhumane measures like occupying illegally the head office of Ministry of Finance and conducting savage massacres at Yen Ninh and Hang Bun Streets.

In the face of the conspiratorial and violent actions of the enemy, the Party and President Ho Chi Minh led the army and people of northern Vietnam to prepare for combat and to move agencies, treasures, workshops, food and raw materials machinery out of the cities. On the other hand, the Party and the President tried to take advantage of opportunities to reduce the probability of a war. However, that attempt came to nothing, as the French colonialists preferred war.

 

On the evening of December 19, 1946, Vietnamese troops zeroed in their cannon at Lang Fortress, initiating the war. The next morning, Radio the Voice of Vietnam broadcastPresident Ho Chi Minh’s appeal for national resistance. As a responce, Hanoi’s army and people heroically fought for each of their houses and street corners over 60 days and nights. They managed to contain the enemy and to foil the enemy’s scheme for capturing main Vietnamese organs, which facilitated Vietnam’s entrance into a long-term resistance war.

 

(Source: NDO)