 (Photo: VOV) |
The exhibition tells the stories of the heroic struggle for national independence on the part of the Vietnamese people from 1954 to 1975. It also expresses gratitude to foreign friends who, regardless of their nationality, language, or religion, fought for peace in Vietnam and joined hands in healing the wounds of war. Through the exhibits, organizers hope to convey the message that it’s never too late for peace and that Vietnam is a land of cooperation, friendship, and peace. The stories are told by historical witnesses, who were foreigners in charge of international affairs and Vietnamese ambassadors.
Thomas Eugene Wilber, whose father is Navy Colonel Walter Eugene Wilber, a former US pilot and prisoner at Hoa Lo prison, said: “My emotion today is the feelings of wonderful exaggeration. It was amazing to be here in this place where so many Vietnamese struggled many years a go and where my father stayed for five years and were treated so well by the Vietnamese. He asked for peace. And we have it. This is a wonderful celebration of peace here in the city of peace.”
 The opening ceremony of the exhibition "Diary of Peace" takes place on July 2, 2019. (Photo: VOV) |
At the first session about the war in Vietnam, many spectators burst into tears when reading about the Son My massacre in Quang Ngai province, one of the bloodiest raids conducted by US troops during the war.
Researcher Pham Mai Hung of the Vietnam Association of Historical Sciences, said: “I am touched by this exhibition, which highlights international solidarity and the support of peace lovers around the world for Vietnam’s battle against American imperialism. It demonstrates the strength found in uniting for peace.”
Managers of the Hoa Lo prison relic site have called for donations of memorabilia and items used by anti-war demonstrators and organizations. This is the first time the Vietnamese public has had access to badges that American women wore during protests against the US war in Vietnam from 1964 to 1973 and a collection of anti-war newspapers published by US soldiers at their bases and war ships from 1968 to 1972.
 (Photo: VOV) |
The second session “Desire for Peace” features how the Vietnamese love for peace inspired foreign friends to carry out anti-war campaigns around the world, especially in the US.
Nguyen Phuong Nga, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, talked about the third session “A message for tomorrow”: “As a country having enduring several destructive wars, Vietnam embraces a burning desire for peace. We have found to defend our own peace and that of the world. Vietnam is joining efforts with the international community to build a world of peace and development where every person can enjoy economic advantages to the fullest. It is also contributing to the resolution of global conflicts in a peaceful manner in line with international laws.”