Unforgettable moments from the day of the takeover of the capital.

"When the General Political Department's performing arts troupe marched into Hanoi to take over the capital, we walked amidst a sea of ​​people with flags and flowers everywhere, and such beautiful and radiant faces! The overwhelming feeling of joy, pride, and honor that I felt as a soldier marching in the ranks that day will forever remain in my memory!", shared Lieutenant Colonel, Meritorious Artist Nguyen Manh Ha.

The couple, Meritorious Artist Nguyen Manh Ha and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Xuyen.

It was an honor for both Meritorious Artist Nguyen Manh Ha and his wife Nguyen Thi Ngoc Xuyen to be among the artists of the General Political Department's performing arts troupe who participated in the takeover of Hanoi on October 10, 1954. Although they are now nearly 80 years old, both are still very sharp-minded, recounting to me many beautiful memories from the march to take over the capital 60 years ago.

Back then, Mạnh Hà was from Phú Thọ, and Ngọc Xuyến was from Bắc Giang; both were actors in the General Political Department's performing arts troupe. When they received orders to take over the capital in August 1954, the troupe was in Thái Nguyên at the time. They had only just met; Mạnh Hà was in his early twenties, and Ngọc Xuyến was only 17.

Following the Geneva Accords, for the first time, the General Political Department organized a national performing arts congress. They decided to establish three performing arts troupes: one to the northern delta provinces, one to Sam Son (Thanh Hoa) to welcome the relocated people, and Manh Ha and Ngoc Xuyen from the General Political Department's troupe to take over Hanoi.

Immediately after the congress concluded, the troupe began marching on foot to Hanoi. Upon reaching Phung, they stopped and stayed there for two months to prepare both materially and spiritually, awaiting the day to take over the capital. As a performing arts troupe, they had to prepare performances to celebrate liberation day, such as bamboo pole dance, conical hat dance, and artillery pulling, with the spirit of bringing revolutionary culture and art to the people of the capital.

The General Political Department's performing arts troupe entered the capital to take over. (Photo provided by the subject.)

Upon hearing the order to return and take over the capital, not only young people like Manh Ha and Ngoc Xuyen, but the entire group was excited because many of them had never set foot in Hanoi before.

Recalling the past with joy evident on their faces, Meritorious Artist Nguyen Manh Ha and his wife happily shared fond memories of the days they took over Hanoi: "Back then, none of us knew what city life was like, and with the naivety of youth, we were very excited and had many happy memories. It was my first time in the capital, and I was very impressed by the beauty of the young women in their traditional ao dai dresses. It was also my first time eating ice cream, so I loved it. Seeing everyone's excitement and enthusiasm, and knowing that the preparations for taking over were very important, the commander kept reminding us repeatedly: When entering the inner city, 'don't stick your nose to the windows,' don't do anything that would affect the lives of the people, including eating or drinking at people's homes, and don't buy anything for the first six months to maintain a good image for the army."

After thorough preparations, on the morning of October 9, 1954, the entire group set off to take over the area. Before leaving, each person was given a new uniform, and everyone dressed neatly and nicely. They felt incredibly happy and proud as they were greeted by people holding flags wherever they went. At 2 p.m., the group arrived at Ha Pagoda and rested there. Around 7 p.m., several vehicles arrived to pick up the group and take them into the city.

As he walked towards Cau Giay, he heard a clanging sound. Startled, Manh Ha pulled back the curtain to see two large, dark objects approaching. He learned they were trams, and it was the first time he had ever seen one. Before arriving in Hanoi, Manh Ha was very worried because of the rain, fearing there would be no moon, thinking how he would be able to see and navigate the city at night without a moon. However, when he entered the city center, his eyes widened in surprise because the streets were brightly lit in the middle of the night. It turned out that Hanoi had electricity and streetlights…

Meritorious Artist Mạnh Hà recalled: “When the vehicle carrying the troupe reached the South gate of the citadel, a car approached from the front. It was the car carrying General Võ Nguyên Giáp. Seeing the troupe's vehicle, he immediately stopped. Everyone still remembers that the General got out and asked, 'Is this the troupe's car?' The members replied, 'Yes, sir!' The General was very happy and said, 'Find the most beautiful house to rest in.' Everyone burst into laughter. Afterwards, we went into a very large and beautiful house, spread out mats, and put up mosquito nets to rest for the night. It was our first night sleeping in Hanoi, so everyone in the troupe tossed and turned, unable to sleep.”

On October 10th, we got into the car again to welcome the army taking over the capital amidst a dazzling display of banners and slogans. As we passed a very beautiful lake, I turned to musician Van Chung and asked, "What lake is this?" He smiled and said, "That's Hoan Kiem Lake." At that moment, I realized it was Sword Lake, and in the middle of the lake was a smaller Turtle Tower than I had imagined," Meritorious Artist Manh Ha happily recounted.

After welcoming the main army, our group proceeded to the Flagpole Stadium (then called Mang Gianh Stadium). At 3 PM, the flag-raising ceremony was held, and we all listened to President Ho Chi Minh's letter being read.

Continuing her husband's story, Mrs. Xuyen recounted that from October 11, 1954, the performing arts troupe began its first performances at the Bo Ho Power Plant and the Yen Phu Power Plant. Especially the performance at the Exhibition Hall, which attracted a large crowd of people who all appreciated and cared for the soldiers; the atmosphere was very joyful and warm. It was also the first time they received flowers after a performance, and the first time they performed in front of the charming, beautiful, and elegant people of Hanoi. At that time, Hanoi's population wasn't as large as it is now, so it was easy to get lost if you didn't know the way. But when you asked for directions, everyone was very helpful, even leading you to the destination. Not only did the people of Hanoi at that time love the soldiers and the revolution, they were also very polite and kind, possessing many admirable qualities.

"I have lived in Hanoi for 60 years, witnessing this land transform day by day. My life has many memorable moments, but memories of Hanoi in the early days after liberation always stir my heart with emotion whenever they are mentioned. Those are the most memorable months of my life," shared Meritorious Artist Nguyen Manh Ha.

According to News