Vietnam Digitizes War Records for Veterans and Families

Vietnam's National Archives is safeguarding a significant collection of over 72,000 records and personal mementos belonging to individuals who served in the South during the war, known as 'cán bộ đi B'. This extensive archive, managed by the National Archives Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is being prepared for digitization.

The digitization project aims to make these historical documents accessible to veterans and their families, allowing them to easily search for and retrieve information about their service. This initiative is particularly timely as the nation commemorates the 79th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day. From July 17 to September 2, the National Archives Department is hosting a special exhibition dedicated to these archival materials, coinciding with a national campaign to find and identify martyrs.

Dang Thanh Tung, Director of the National Archives Department, explained that the 'cán bộ đi B' were professionals like teachers, doctors, and engineers who voluntarily went South to fulfill their duties. Some engaged in combat, while others continued their specialized work, such as the renowned Dr. Dang Thuy Tram. Tung emphasized that the exhibition honors past generations and promotes Vietnamese culture and patriotism among the youth.

"The most precious thing left by the previous generation is not just records and mementos, but the Vietnamese spirit, the will to sacrifice for the Fatherland. That is the value that needs to be preserved and passed on to future generations," Tung stated. He highlighted the responsibility of archivists to bring these historical documents closer to the public, especially the youth, noting that direct encounters with witnesses of history are diminishing as most 'đi B' veterans are now over 80 years old. The department is committed to preserving these materials in special conditions while providing digital copies to those who inquire.

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The most precious thing left by the previous generation is not just records and mementos, but the Vietnamese spirit, the will to sacrifice for the Fatherland. That is the value that needs to be preserved and passed on to future generations.