Hanoi (VNA) - Standing silently atop A1 Hill, once a fierce battlefield at the Dien Bien Phu valley, Nguyen Xuan Dong from the northern province of Bac Giang could not hold back his tears. This was his second visit to Dien Bien in 15 years.
“While Dien Bien Phu City has changed a lot, its relics will forever serve as historical witnesses, reminding future generations of the importance of peace and the sacrifices of our ancestors,” Dong said, adding that his two uncles laid down their lives there.
Following the previous generations, Dong himself fought in the 21-year resistance war against the US.
“I’ve returned here to honor our predecessors. Without their sacrifices, our country wouldn’t be what it is today. Therefore, I hope we will uphold these revolutionary traditions for future generations.”
Do Van Nong, also a veteran, strived to visit Dien Bien Phu at least once in his lifetime, particularly on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of its victory this year.
Standing near the hole on A1 Hill, where Vietnamese engineers had once planted explosives to dismantle the enemy's underground defenses, Nong solemnly reflected, “witnessing this scene, I understand that our forefathers shed blood to defend our country.”
Pham Duc Chinh, former police officer from Hai Phong City, expressed his happiness during his first visit to Dien Bien. "Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh, the Dien Bien Phu victory stands as a glorious chapter in our nation’s history against foreign invaders.”
According to the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the number of tourists to Dien Bien has skyrocketed, with 230,000 visitors in January and February alone, generating over 400 billion VND (15.7 million USD) in revenue.
During the April 30 and May 1 holidays, Dien Bien welcomed 180,000 tourists, grossing over 330 billion VND (12.9 million USD) in revenue.
A1 Hill is among the most popular destinations. The A1 Hill relic has become one of the “must-visit” sites for those on a journey of remembrance. What sets it apart is that, during the days of April, nearing the anniversary of the past victory, the red flamboyant flowers atop the hill bloom brightly, as if to welcome visitors to recall the firestorm of the "last height” seven decades ago.
Particularly, Dien Bien Phu City welcomed approximately 5,000 tourists on a daily basis during the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phuc victory, according to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism./.
