The exhibition was jointly organised by the Viet Nam Women’s Museum, in collaboration with the Liaison Committee of Former Vietnamese Youth Union Officials in the South, and the War Remnants Museum, in celebration of the 81st anniversary of Viet Nam’s National Day (September 2), the 71st founding anniversary of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front (September 10), and the 96th founding anniversary of the Viet Nam Women’s Union (October 20).
Through a rich collection of documents, photographs, artefacts, videos and stories, the exhibition is presented as a journey of memory, tracing the footsteps of young people as they set out, reliving the years of marching and fighting amid fierce bombardment, and recalling the bonds of comradeship that endured long after the war had ended.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Tran Thang, Vice President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, emphasised that the exhibition not merely a cultural and historical event, but also a journey back to the routes that have become part of the nation’s history, and to the years when, amid relentless bombs and gunfire, countless Vietnamese people pressed forward with a simple yet unwavering conviction that the country must achieve independence and the nation must be reunified.
Above all, he said, it is a journey back to the beautiful years of youth that earlier generations devoted wholeheartedly to the Fatherland.
Thang also noted that Truong Son Trail brings to mind the soldiers, young volunteers, frontline civilian workers, liaison personnel and military medical staff who devoted the finest years of their youth to those routes. From that same historical current emerged Route 1C, with a story of its own—the story of young men and women who left their youth behind amid the waterways of south-western Viet Nam.
Young as they were, they chose a path of profound purpose, setting aside their personal lives and aspirations to live, fight and dedicate themselves to the cause of national independence and reunification.
The exhibition comprises three sections with the first evokes the spirit of a generation willing to leave behind their schools, families and personal dreams to set out for the front and contribute to the construction of the Truong Son Trail with nearly 20,000 kilometres of roads, carrying more than two million cadres and soldiers to the battlefields.
The second section tells the story of Route 1C, along which more than 13,000 tonnes of weapons, food and other supplies were transported to the battlefields of south-western Viet Nam. Along the route, 399 youth volunteers sacrificed their lives and 327 others suffered permanent injuries.
Meanwhile, the third section continues the story beyond the war through journeys to find former comrades, the gathering of the remains of fallen soldiers, the presentation of keepsakes, and the erection of memorial steles and monuments.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the experiential space “Flow of Memories”, featuring a wooden boat that was closely associated with transportation activities along Route 1C. The boat was restored two months ago in Ca Mau by the very craftsmen who had built such vessels in the past, using the original proportions and dimensions.
On the display platform, 3D Mapping technology, combined with environmental sound effects, recreates the distinctive features of the western region during both the dry and rainy seasons, as well as the atmosphere of the wartime battlefield.
As part of the programme, a seminar entitled “Youth: Entrusted to the Route 1C” took place. Former youth volunteers who directly took part in transportation and combat along the route shared their memories and reflections on comradeship, loss and sacrifice, as well as messages for younger generations today.
In addition to the documentary materials, many memorabilia and artefacts have been donated to the museum by former youth volunteers, veterans and historical witnesses themselves.
The exhibition will last until October 25 at the Viet Nam Women’s Museum in Ha Noi.
