Hanoi (VNA) – Countless young soldiers laid down their lives during the 56-day historic Dien Bien Phu campaign in 1954, whose victory directly led to the signing of the Geneva Accords on ending the war and restoring peace in Indochina.
In tribute to the heroes, many streets in Hanoi have been named after them as reminders for younger generations of their sacrifice and contributions to the country.
Vo Nguyen Giap Street
Vo Nguyen Giap Street, or Nhat Tan – Noi Bai Expressway, was named after the legendary General, who was credited with crafting the triumph, on February 7, 2015. It is one of the most modern routes in the capital city, connecting the city centre and Noi Bai International Airport.
The 16-km street plays an important role in regional transport connectivity, the airport’s development, perfecting the city’s transport network, building a civilised and modern Hanoi, and spurring socioeconomic development in localities it runs through.
A native of Loc Thuy commune, Le Thuy district, the central province of Quang Binh, General Vo Nguyen Giap (1911-2013) was assigned by President Ho Chi Minh as commander of the Dien Bien Phu campaign.
The General changed the theme of the contest after it had begun. Upon considering the balance of power, he made the most difficult decision of his career: Halting the attack and shifting to the guiding principle: “advance cautiously and strike surely”.
Vo Nguyen Giap, Commander-in-chief of the Vietnam People’s Army, is renowned for worldwide as one of the best military generals and tacticians in world history.
Apart from Hanoi, other big cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hue, Dien Bien and Lao Cai have also named their main streets after Vo Nguyen Giap in commemoration of the General.
Hoang Van Thai Street
The 980m street took its name in January 1998, running from Le Trong Tan to Khuong Trung Streets.
Hoang Van Thai (1915-1986) was one of the first members of the Propaganda Unit of the Liberation Army. In September 1945, he was assigned by President Ho Chi Minh to establish the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and serve as the first Chief of the General Staff.
During the Dien Bien Phu campaign, he coordinated with Chinese advisors to help the campaign command and General Vo Nguyen Giap make and put in place important decisions.
After Dien Bien Phu, he continued to play a role in the Ho Chi Minh campaign in 1975. In 1980, he was promoted to the rank of General.
Many other cities, such as Nam Dinh, Dien Bien, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Nghe An, Thai Binh and An Giang have also renamed their streets to pay tribute to Hoang Van Thai.
To Vinh Dien Street
Named after the hero in July 2000, the 500m street leads to the headquarters of the Military Honour Guard Battalion in Khuong Trung ward, Thanh Xuan district.
To Vinh Dien (1924-1954), Nong Truong commune, Nong Cong district, the central province of Thanh Hoa, led an artillery unit which trudged out more than 1,000km to the gathering location before the Dien Bien Phu campaign.
To keep the heavy cannon on the right track, the young soldier courageously leapt into action, using his own body to block the sliding cannon and prevent disaster. His selfless act has been immortalised in history as a legend, symbolising the indomitable spirit of the Dien Bien soldiers. Inspired by soldier To Vinh Dien’s heroic sacrifice, the entire front rallied together to ensure the safe movement of the cannon.
To Vinh Dien was honoured with the Feat of Arms Order and the title of Hero of People's Armed Forces.
Phan Dinh Giot Street
Also on July 2000, a 400m street in Thanh Tri District was named after Phan Dinh Giot. It now belongs to Phuong Liet ward, Thanh Xuan district.
A native of the central province of Ha Tinh, Phan Dinh Giot (1922-1954) participated in many big battles such as Trung Du, Hoa Binh, Tay Bac and Dien Bien Phu.
During the attack on Him Lam, the outermost post of the Dien Bien Phu fortress, in in March 1954, Phan Dinh Giot used his body to obstruct a crenel of the enemy. He died at the age of 34, and was given the title of Hero of People's Armed Forces one year later.
Many other heroes of the campaign like Vuong Thua Vu, Be Van Dan and Le Trong Tan are also remembered forever as their names are on the plaques of streets in Hanoi and other localities./.
