In late May, a delegation of nearly 30 outstanding officials and veteran employees of Gas South (Before 2016, it was known as PV Gas South) embarked on a meaningful “Return to the Roots” journey to Điện Biên. The delegation visited the Command Headquarters of the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign in Mường Phăng, about 10 km from Điện Biên City. At the Memorial House of General Võ Nguyên Giáp, within the Mường Phăng historical site, the delegation respectfully offered flowers and incense in remembrance of the General – the “eldest brother” of the Vietnam People’s Army, a national hero who led the Vietnamese army through two great wars, securing miraculous victories to reunify the country, liberate the nation, and bring peace to the homeland.
Returning to the city, the delegation visited and offered incense at the Điện Biên Cemetery – the resting place of soldiers who laid down their lives on the Điện Biên battlefield. Members of the delegation were deeply moved as they set foot on this heroic land, home to the resounding victory of Điện Biên Phủ – a triumph that “shook the world.” The solemn atmosphere filled the group with pride for the country, the people, and the immortal martyrs of Vietnam. At Điện Biên Phủ Cemetery and Độc Lập Cemetery, they paid homage with flowers and incense, honoring the ultimate sacrifices of the fallen soldiers. In this sacred moment, the veterans expressed their determination to further strengthen the Company and contribute to the nation, worthy of the martyrs’ heroic sacrifices.
The delegation continued to visit Hill A1 – the site of the fiercest and most decisive battle of the campaign, with its winding trenches and the bomb crater left by nearly a ton of explosives set off by Vietnamese troops. They also toured the command bunker of French General de Castries, where he famously surrendered to the Vietnam People’s Army, and the Victory Monument in the central square of Điện Biên City.
Throughout the journey, Gas South’s veterans revisited the patriotic traditions of the nation through the heroic history of “56 days and nights of digging into the mountains, living in tunnels,” which brought about the miraculous victory after nine years of resistance, ending French colonial rule in Vietnam.
The pilgrimage to Điện Biên Phủ was profoundly meaningful for each participating veteran, rekindling the patriotic spirit, human values, and sacrifices of generations of Vietnamese people across different eras of resistance. It enriched the spiritual life of the participants and inspired renewed determination in patriotic movements and creative labor within Gas South.
Though short, the historic journey left indelible memories and lasting impressions in the hearts of all delegation members.
Thu Thủy
