Lan, alongside 110,000 other volunteers hailing from Thanh Hóa Province, played an instrumental role in securing the glorious victory at Điện Biên Phủ.

With her petite frame, white hair, and a radiant smile, Lan reminisces about events from over 70 years ago.

As the nation geared up for the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign, volunteers from across Việt Nam joined the ranks. In Thanh Hóa Province, some enlisted in the military, while others, like Lan, stepped forward as frontline workers. Hailing from Xuân Bảng Village, Quảng Long Commune, Quảng Xương District, the 19-year-old volunteered to transport crucial supplies and provisions to the Điện Biên Phủ battlefield.

Alongside her fellow female volunteers, she traversed over 500km of forests, streams, and mountain passes with unwavering enthusiasm, matching the resolve of their male counterparts.

Lan recalled: “When the call came for essential supplies, my hometown of Quảng Xương rallied the entire village and commune for the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign. In early 1954, I volunteered to transport rice from Quảng Xương to the battlefield.”

Joining 110,000 volunteers, Lan tirelessly delivered provisions day and night.

“My only equipment was a carrying pole and a pair of baskets, each laden with about 40kg of rice. Along the journey, if we used some rice for cooking, we would replenish it at the next stop before pressing on,” she recounted.

“The trek was arduous, spanning from Thanh Hóa Province to Hòa Bình and then Sơn La Province,” she added.

“There were stretches where we had to carry the pole upright because the road was too narrow. Our meals consisted of a pinch of salt and wild vegetables. With no respite along the grueling journey burdened with heavy loads, we would briefly rest our heads upon reaching a stopping point before pressing onward,” she recounted.

Despite the toil and challenges, each group forged ahead towards the northwest. Negotiating treacherous terrain, especially when crossing streams, the stronger individuals supported the weaker ones, ensuring a safe passage.

When enemy planes loomed overhead, Lan and her fellow volunteers swiftly dropped their loads and took cover on the ground to evade bullets. Thankfully, none sustained injuries during their journey.

"Thinking of the fervour of preparing to battle the enemy and liberate Điện Biên Phủ, everyone was filled with excitement, cheer, and pride in serving the campaign," Lan fondly remembered.

Even after 70 years, Lan still vividly recalls the moment when the 'Determination to Fight, Determination to Win' flag of the Việt Nam People's Army flew atop General De Castries' bunker on the afternoon of May 7, 1954.

"Upon hearing the announcement of victory, jubilation filled the air, overshadowing all fatigue. We felt nothing but pride for our country. Soldiers and volunteers alike rejoiced. After enduring countless hardships and sacrifices, victory had finally arrived. Điện Biên Phủ was liberated."

Despite the achievement of victory, Lan's journey of participating in the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign did not conclude there.

After the campaign, she was recruited into the army, serving in Medical Team 6 to treat wounded soldiers and assisting in their return to their hometowns. Along that journey, she also had many memorable experiences.

“That year, when we brought the wounded back to Thiệu Đô Village in Thiệu Hóa District, one comrade passed away right in the middle of the vast field. The army medical staff were too exhausted to continue, so they temporarily withdrew to rest, leaving me alone to guard the fallen comrade from 6pm the previous evening until 6am the next morning,” Lan recalled.

“At that time, I didn't feel scared, only pity for my fallen comrade who couldn't enjoy the victorious day. It wasn't until early the next morning, when the army medical staff returned, that they embraced me emotionally for fulfilling my duty.”

Lan, along with numerous other volunteers from Thanh Hóa Province, demonstrated unwavering determination to confront the invading enemy at Điện Biên Phủ. Through their resolute efforts, they made substantial contributions, both in terms of physical endurance and indomitable spirit, to the ultimate triumph at Điện Biên Phủ.