“Golden Hearts, Iron Wills” exhibition honors 9 Vietnamese generals

To commemorate the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnamese People’s Army (December 22, 1944–December 22, 2024), the Hoa Lo Prison Relic has launched a special exhibition called “Golden Hearts, Iron Wills.” This event sheds light on the hardships of war and the invaluable contributions of revolutionary soldiers to Vietnam’s independence.

The highlight of the exhibition is the images and materials about nine revolutionary soldiers who were captured and imprisoned in various prisons of the enemy such as Hoa Lo, Nam Dinh, Son La, Lao Bao, and Con Dao.

With their indomitable will and strength forged in the “hellish prison,” when they returned to the battlefield, the soldiers became more determined in their leadership, creative in their strategies, and united in their struggles. They were promoted to the rank of general on the battlefield.

Among the nine generals introduced in the exhibition is Major General Tran Tu Binh (1907-1967), known for his role in planning the major prison break at Hoa Lo in March 1945, where over 100 political prisoners escaped.

The great prison break, carried out through an underground tunnel, and General Tran Tu Binh’s famous words, “If we survive, remember this moment, if not, then let this day be our death anniversary,” have been repeatedly recalled by later generations when discussing the struggle at Hoa Lo Prison.

Divided into three themes—Historical Milestones, Steadfast Resilience, and Unforgettable Memories—the exhibition features vivid photographs, documents, and artifacts. It aims to deepen public understanding of the brutal realities of war and inspire national pride, particularly among younger generations.

The exhibition runs until February 28, 2025, at Hoa Lo Prison Relic in Hanoi./.