On May 7, 2024, Vietnam celebrated the 70th anniversary of the battle of Dien Bien Phu, a historic event that marked the end of almost a century of French colonial rule in Indochina. French Defense Minister Sebastian Lecornu attended a commemoration ceremony in Dien Bien Phu, a city that has since grown to a population of over 80,000 people. This battle was a significant turning point in Vietnamese history, as it led to the collapse of colonialism all over the world.
At Dien Bien Phu, Vietnamese troops led by General Vo Nguyen Giap surprised the French colonial army with heavy artillery fire at their mountainous garrison in northwestern Vietnam. The fall of Dien Bien Phu in 1954 signaled the end of French colonial rule and the beginning of a new era of Vietnamese independence and freedom. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted the importance of the Dien Bien Phu victory in inspiring other countries to fight for their independence and marking the end of colonialism globally.
During the commemoration ceremony at a stadium in Dien Bien Phu, thousands of locals and war veterans, most in their 90s, gathered to honor the historic battle. Many veterans, like Nguyen Trung Dung and Pham Duc Cu, saw this event as an opportunity to reunite with old comrades and remember the sacrifices made during the battle. The military parade and displays of national pride were met with cheers and patriotism from the crowd, emphasizing the significance of this historic victory in Vietnamese history.
French Defense Minister Sebastian Lecornu’s presence at the commemoration marked a symbolic moment in the evolving relationship between Vietnam and France. As former enemies during the war, the veterans reflected on the transformation of their relationship from adversaries to partners in building a peaceful world. Lecornu’s visit to the preserved bunker of Commander General Christian de Castries, where the French surrendered, demonstrated a willingness to acknowledge and learn from the past while moving towards a future of peace and reconciliation.
The commemoration of the battle of Dien Bien Phu served as a reminder of the sacrifices and struggles that occurred during the conflict between Vietnam and France. The event highlighted the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese people in their fight for independence and freedom. As the world continues to evolve, the lessons learned from this historic battle contribute to the ongoing efforts to promote unity, peace, and cooperation among nations. The legacy of Dien Bien Phu continues to inspire future generations to work towards a world free from conflict and oppression.
