Nguyen Xuan Luu, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee (center), hands the potraits of Hanoi martyrs to their families.
On December 12, at the Vietnam Military History Museum, the Hanoi Youth Union organized the program "Immortal Journey – from Memory to Aspiration".
The event celebrated the success of the 17th Hanoi Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Congress for the 2025–2030 term and marked the 81st anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army on December 22.
Attendees included Nguyen Pham Duy Trang, Secretary of the Youth Central Committee and Chairwoman of the Central Young Pioneer Council; Nguyen Xuan Luu, Member of the Hanoi Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee; representatives of nearly 300 families of fallen soldiers; and more than 1,500 youth members, young people, and children.
Speaking at the program, Nguyen Tien Hung, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front of Hanoi and Secretary of the Hanoi Youth Union, recalled the nation's proud and heroic traditions.
Nguyen Tien Hung, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front of Hanoi and Secretary of the Hanoi Youth Union.
He said the fallen soldiers' photo restoration project began in 2024. After two years, the Youth Union restored 596 portraits and plans to restore more than 400 additional photos to present to families.
At the event, the Youth Union presented restored portraits to relatives of 300 fallen soldiers. Each image revived memories and youthfulness of those who sacrificed their lives for national independence and freedom.
"This is not only a tribute but a sacred commitment that today's generation will never forget the heroes who devoted their youth to the nation," he said.
He described the project as a journey of gratitude, responsibility, and patriotism. With creativity and dedication, Hanoi's youth connect past and present so the heroic flame continues to guide the future.
The organizers also presented meaningful gifts as expressions of deep appreciation to fallen heroes and their families.
Families of Hanoi martyrs receive the portraits of their beloved ones.
Participants met historical witnesses who survived wartime hardships and shared stories that helped young people better understand the nation's heroic past, sacrifices, and indomitable spirit.
At the program, nearly 300 restored portraits were handed to families. Many originals were faded black-and-white photos with few remaining details, but modern techniques brought the images back with clarity.
Many families expressed hope and trust through the program, viewing the restored portraits as symbolic reunions.
Among them was the family of martyr Bui Dinh Sau of Phuc Loc Commune, who fell in 1979. His family will soon bring his remains home, and receiving his restored portrait one day earlier felt like a sacred reunion.
Family of martyr Dang Xuan Dao receives his restored portrait.
Another moving story involved martyr Dang Xuan Dao of Khuong Dinh Ward, who died in 1970. His restored portrait came from an old photo taken with his infant daughter, serving as a bridge for a father and daughter to "meet" after more than half a century.
The program not only honored previous generations but also served as a meaningful political and educational activity, nurturing revolutionary ideals, ethics, and cultural values among Hanoi's young people.