Exhibition showcases 70 years of development

These are two of more than 1,500 documents including books, newspapers, magazines and photographs displayed at the exhibition Vietnam - 70 years of achievements.

The exhibits are arranged in four major sections, starting with the pre-revolution period, when there were many patriotic uprisings against the French.

The establishment and operation of the Viet Minh Front and the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army, the predecessor of the Vietnam People’s Army, was introduced in this section.

Photo by VPG

The second section is devoted to the general uprising for seizing power and the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam; and the significance of and lessons from the August Revolution to the nation and international friends.

Also on display are important decrees, proclamations, and documents issued during the first days of the provisional revolutionary government.

A highlight of the section is a series of sketches of outstanding figures such as Ho Chi Minh, Nguyen Dinh Thi, Vu Ngoc Phan, Tran Huy Lieu and Nguyen Tuan at the time by painter Bui Xuan Phai, who was then only 25 years old. The sketches were published on the Cuu Quoc (National Salvation) newspaper at that time in the run-up to the election of the first National Assembly.

Another section features the revolutionary career of the late President Ho Chi Minh and his ideology in the Party building and safeguarding of the national security and defence.

The national achievements in politics, economy, culture, and social affairs over the past 70 years are the theme of the fourth section.

"70 years marks great progress of Vietnam, from a colony of France to a free country. Vietnamese people became citizens of an independent country thanks to the August Revolution", Do Quoc Thang, Hanoian, exhibition goer.

Photo by VPG

Dao Mai Anh, Hanoian, exhibition goer: " I was born after the war ended. This exhibition helped me understand more about what my country has gone through so young people like me can have peace. I am more aware and appreciate the efforts of the older generations.

Many documents was lost or damaged due to the passage of time and limited preservation. However, copies of those documents have been preserved by foreign friends, and these have been donated to Vietnam.

Duong Trung Quoc, Historian said: These are photos taken by people of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. 70 years ago, when the printing technology was not good, the photos were put in albums  and given to foreign friends as gifts. A French historian called Philip Đờ Vi-le, had one of the gift and he donated it back to Vietnam.

The exhibition will open until September 6^th in the National Library of Vietnam