Lights that illuminate history

ĐBP - More than seven decades have passed since the decisive battle that sealed the fate of French colonialism in Indochina, yet the memories of 56 days and nights of “digging into mountains, sleeping in trenches, enduring the rain, eating dry rice, blood mixing with mud” remain vivid in the minds of the Điện Biên soldiers of the past. For veterans Bùi Kim Điều and Phạm Đức Cư, two living witnesses of the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign, that past has never faded.

As the Northwest mountains blaze under the May sun, memories of a legendary Điện Biên - “resounding across five continents, shaking the globe” - return with poignant clarity for the soldiers who lived it. Though the war ended 71 years ago, every march, every river and stream crossed, every silent night spent hauling artillery, and every cry of “charge” under fire comes rushing back as if it happened yesterday.

I visited veteran Phạm Đức Cư in Nam Thanh ward, Điện Biên Phủ city, on an early May afternoon. His modest home, nestled behind C4 Market, had just been given a fresh coat of paint. At 95, his eyes still shine bright, his voice firm and resolute. “I was an anti-aircraft gunner in Regiment 367. It’s been 70 years, but I’ve never forgotten those days, not once,” he paused, looking toward the endless blue sky.

At 95, veteran Phạm Đức Cư remains sharp and lucid.

 

He shared that in 1949, at just 19 years old, hatred of the enemy and a deep sense of patriotism led the young man from Thái Bình to enlist in the army. In 1952, he was selected to study anti-aircraft artillery techniques in China, a new weapon that would prove strategically vital against France’s air superiority. By late 1953, his battalion, code-named “Trần Đình,” secretly returned to Vietnam and marched to the battlefield.

“Marching to Điện Biên was harsh, child. Each cannon weighed more than 2 tons and took 80-100 men to pull. We moved only at night, no lights, no sound, just two soldiers holding pieces of white parachute cloth to guide the way. One wrong step and both man and cannon would fall into the abyss,” he recalled. Each night, they could move just over a kilometer. Bloodied heels and burning shoulders, yet not one soldier gave up.

When they reached the Mường Thanh basin, the artillery was stationed to surround the French stronghold, forming a dense anti-aircraft fire network. As Cư proudly stated, these anti-aircraft guns “guarded the skies of Điện Biên.” Over 56 days and nights of combat, Regiment 367’s anti-aircraft unit shot down 62 aircraft, including the B-24 “flying fortress,” the pride of the French air force.

His home’s walls are adorned with medals and photographs of comrades. At one point, he owned a treasure trove of wartime relics: notebooks, photos, communication gear, letters, documents… But to him, these items were not just personal keepsakes, they were historical legacies.

He donated most of his collection to the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Museum. “Each artifact tells a story. If I keep them to myself, they will be forgotten. In the museum, students, citizens, visitors… everyone can see, understand, and appreciate the past,” he said.

Veteran Bùi Kim Điều with a photo taken during a 2024 reunion at the French General De Castries’ command bunker.

Another historical witness I met was veteran Bùi Kim Điều, a communications soldier from Regiment 165, Division 312, the unit that launched the opening assault of the campaign. Also 95 years old, he lives with his children near the provincial Border Guard Command. Inside his humble home hangs a framed photo of him with two former comrades during a 2024 visit to the French General De Castries’ command bunker. Their warm smiles, etched in wrinkles, their eyes full of memories. Though age has slowed his steps, his voice remains steady and strong when recalling those historic May days.

In his memory, the 25-day march from Thanh Hóa province to Điện Biên was both arduous and sacred. “When we received letters from Uncle Hồ and the motivational order from General Võ Nguyên Giáp, we passed them hand to hand, reading by oil lamp, our hearts burning with excitement,” he recalled with pride. On March 13, 1954, his unit led the assault on Him Lam: “Our artillery opened fire relentlessly, then the infantry surged forward like a flood. Him Lam fell. Our tattered victory flag flew above the enemy stronghold, our first great success.”

He passionately recounted the heroic act of Phan Đình Giót, who used his body to block an enemy bunker. “None of us thought about dying, we just thought about defeating the enemy so others could move forward. After Giót fell, we charged even harder, like a storm sweeping the enemy away.”

Tears welled in his eyes as he remembered the days spent digging trenches to cut off Mường Thanh airfield, a move that paralyzed French logistics. “It rained. We could not cook rice, we ate dry, roasted grains and drank muddy water. The trenches flooded up to our knees, mixed with silt and blood. We could not even recognize each other through the mud. But when we cut the runway, we hugged each other and laughed, laughed through tears.”

Each photo in Điều’s home is framed and displayed with honor.

Both veterans Điều and Cư often spoke of sacrifice. Like Tô Vĩnh Diện, who used his body to block a cannon’s fall. “That victory came from the blood and bones of my comrades. No one wants war. But as soldiers, we had to win. Without victory, this country wouldn’t be what it is today,” said Cư, his voice choked with emotion.

Seventy-one years after the victory, both men are in their twilight years. Though their health is waning, they still embody the noble spirit of “Uncle Hồ’s soldiers.” They do not dwell in the glory of the past but quietly serve their communities, passing on the flame of patriotism. Whenever invited to speak about the Điện Biên Phủ victory, they become quick and animated, their eyes lighting up with pride. “We were soldiers, we lived for our country. Now that we’re old, we just hope the younger generation never forgets what their forebears sacrificed to protect this flag. I always tell my grandchildren: Never forget Điện Biên, where our ancestors wrote the anthem of independence in blood.”

In every story and memory shared by these Điện Biên soldiers, we do not just see the fire of war, we also see the humanity and courage of Điện Biên. Amid today’s fast-paced world, their simple stories are beacons of history, reminding future generations never to forget those fiery days. Perhaps that, more than anything, is the enduring victory of the Điện Biên soldiers.

Thu Thảo
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'Điện Biên focuses on supporting high school exam candidates in need

    Điện Biên focuses on supporting high school exam candidates in need

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - As the 2025 national high school graduation exam approaches, students across the country prepare to take a crucial step toward their dreams of entering university. However, for many, the road to the exam is burdened with everyday worries, particularly the cost of food and accommodation during the revision and exam period. In Điện Biên province, individuals and organizations are coming together with one shared commitment: to ensure that no student misses their exam due to financial difficulty.
  • 'Home of their own: Decree No.28 brings housing hope to the poor in Điện Biên

    Home of their own: Decree No.28 brings housing hope to the poor in Điện Biên

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - With low-interest rates and long-term loan terms, the housing support program under Government Decree No.28/2022/ND-CP, a preferential credit policy under the national target program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, has, over the past three years, helped hundreds of poor households in Điện Biên district, Điện Biên province move closer to achieving their dream of safe, stable housing.
  • 'Protecting children from drowning: Action needed immediately

    Protecting children from drowning: Action needed immediately

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Every year, the rainy and flood season brings serious safety concerns, with child drowning being among the most alarming. In many areas, especially remote and mountainous regions, children are often exposed to rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes without adequate adult supervision. This reality highlights the urgent need for stronger public awareness campaigns, life skills education, and greater community responsibility to protect children during the flood season.
  • 'Mường Chà promotes role of women in achieving gender equality

    Mường Chà promotes role of women in achieving gender equality

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - In recent years, Mường Chà district, Điện Biên province has made significant efforts to promote gender equality, particularly by empowering women in the community. With the active participation of women’s associations and local authorities, women have not only asserted their roles in the family but have also gradually contributed to the development of the socio-economic landscape, eliminated gender stereotypes, and built progressive and sustainable villages.
  • 'Điện Biên students discover heritage at summer camp

    Điện Biên students discover heritage at summer camp

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - On June 8, the Standing Board of the Điện Biên provincial Youth Union, in collaboration with the Khai Minh Đức education system, hosted the 2025 summer camp under the theme “Tracing our roots” at Võ Nguyên Giáp Primary School in Mường Phăng commune, Điện Biên Phủ city.
  • 'Agricultural production adapts to climate change in Điện Biên

    Agricultural production adapts to climate change in Điện Biên

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In recent years, agricultural production in Điện Biên province has been increasingly impacted by climate change. Prolonged droughts, cold spells, and frost have damaged many crops, leading to reduced yields and quality of agricultural products. In response to this, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment has proactively implemented a range of measures to effectively combat climate change.
  • 'Several goals still unfinished in the New-style Rural Development Program

    Several goals still unfinished in the New-style Rural Development Program

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - After more than three years of implementing the National Target Program on New-style Rural Development (NRD) for the 2022 - 2025 period, according to Plan No.1986/KH-UBND issued by the Điện Biên provincial People’s Committee, initial positive changes have been observed. However, the overall progress remains slow, with many key goals yet to be achieved. In addition to the low starting point and limited resources, some localities show complacency or a lack of effort to strive for the NRD standards.
  • 'Drug crisis in Nà Bủng: A community gripped by addiction

    Drug crisis in Nà Bủng: A community gripped by addiction

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Nà Bủng, a remote border commune in Nậm Pồ district, Điện Biên province, has long been known as a hotspot for drug addiction, with the highest number of addicts in the area. Despite the efforts of police force, border guards, local authorities, and Party members, the devastating impacts of drug abuse continue to haunt many families in this impoverished region.
  • 'STEAM Hub Technology Library - The gateway to modern knowledge

    STEAM Hub Technology Library - The gateway to modern knowledge

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - The STEAM Hub Technology Library at Điện Biên provincial Ethnic Boarding School is the first of its kind in the province, now offering a modern, vibrant learning environment. With strategically placed book shelves, diverse assembly kits, a robotics experience area, and a spacious, friendly STEM mini-lab, the space fosters a dynamic learning experience for students.
  • 'Điện Biên farmers protect fish farms before rainy season

    Điện Biên farmers protect fish farms before rainy season

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In recent years, aquaculture has emerged as a key economic driver in Điện Biên province, offering high income potential for local residents. Given that fish farming here largely depends on natural water bodies such as lakes and ponds, ensuring safety during the storm season is of utmost importance. As the rainy season approaches, local fish farmers have proactively implemented protective measures to minimize potential losses from natural disasters.
  • 'Closely mornitoring children in digital age

    Closely mornitoring children in digital age

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Summer brings long vacations, a time for children to play, but it also raises concerns for parents. In the digital age, children’s exposure to smartphones, TVs, and other electronic devices is inevitable. Therefore, controlling the time spent on these devices in a balanced way, ensuring both physical and mental health while encouraging overall development, is essential and requires parental oversight, especially during the summer months.
  • 'Bringing “miracles” to children with disabilities

    Bringing “miracles” to children with disabilities

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Since 2019, the free screening and surgery program for children with disabilities living in difficult circumstances, including ethnic minorities and those from remote areas, has been implemented in Điện Biên province. After nearly seven years of operation, the program has brought “miracles” to many children with disabilities, giving them a brighter future.
  • 'Border patrol in rainy season

    Border patrol in rainy season

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - After an unexpected early summer rain, the patrol route in the border area of Sín Thầu in Điện Biên province became more slippery. However, as per the plan, despite the rain, the border patrol journey of the officers and soldiers from the A Pa Chải Border Post continued without hesitation. Their only belongings were a backpack with personal items, but their mission was clear, to ensure the border remains peaceful and secure.