Historical memories from 1954-1975 through documentary photographs

Scenes of tanks entering Independence Palace 51 years ago and Hanoi girls waving flags to celebrate the 30/4/1975 victory are featured in a photo exhibition.

A section of the "51 Years - An Epic of Unification" photo exhibition is currently underway from 24/4 to 3/5 at Exhibition House 45 Trang Tien, Hanoi. Organized by Tien Phong newspaper in collaboration with the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports and other relevant units, the event commemorates the 51st anniversary of national reunification, which occurred on 30/4/1975 and is celebrated through 30/4/2026.

The exhibition showcases over 90 works and photo clusters, vividly recreating the nation's 21 years of prolonged resistance from 1954 to 1975. Additionally, the display includes pieces that illustrate the new appearance of TP HCM after 51 years of development.

The exhibition is structured into 5 distinct chapters, each exploring a significant period: Geneva Accords - Divided Land, Iron Fortress - Unyielding Will, Five Army Corps - Swift Advance to Saigon, Triumphal Song - Nation's Full Joy, and TP HCM Today - Building New Stature.

Among the featured works is the iconic photograph "Liberation Army tanks entering Independence Palace on the afternoon of 30/4/1975" by journalist Tran Mai Huong. Another notable piece is the black and white photo "President Ho Chi Minh Conducting the 'Ket Doan' Song" by photographer Lam Hong Long, capturing President Ho Chi Minh leading a symphony orchestra in performing the 'Ket Doan' song. These photographs, along with others, were selected from various documentary sources, including the Vietnam News Agency, the world news agency Associated Press (AP), documents from Tien Phong newspaper, and contributions from many domestic and international photographers.

Photographer Mai Nam captured Hanoi girls waving flags and flowers to celebrate the 30/4/1975 victory at Hang Day Stadium.

A series of photos depicts the capital's youth volunteers on the Nghe An frontline in 1965.

According to the organizing committee, each photograph transcends its role as a mere document, serving instead as a living memory. Every gaze, every step, and each recorded moment, though silently captured, carries the profound echoes of an entire era.

Journalist Phung Cong Suong, Editor-in-Chief of Tien Phong newspaper and Head of the organizing committee, stated that the team aims to bring history closer to the public, particularly the younger generation, through this exhibition. He hopes that viewers will reflect on the past, cherish, and gain a deeper awareness of the value of peace, thereby continuing to write the country's story in the new era.