“Dien Bien Phu in the air” – Hanoi today

Long Bien Bridge, a historic cantilever bridge across the Red River that connects
two parts of the city of Hanoi, was heavily bombarded during the war

In its over 100 years of existence, the bridge has become a legend,
and plays a role as a resilient symbol of Vietnam

 Hang Co station (now Hanoi Station) was damaged by US bombs 40 years ago

Constructed and restored from ruins, Hanoi Station today is the largest transit point
for passengers and goods in Northern Vietnam

Bach Mai Hospital was bombed by US Air Force on 16, 18, 20 and 22 December 1972.
 Over 100 bombs fell on the hospital on the morning of December 22, 1972,
killing 28 staff and injuring 22 persons

40 years after the destructive bombing by the US Air Force, with the guideline
“All for patients” and the State’s investment and cooperation and help from
international friends, Bach Mai Hospital has become one of the biggest centres
for medical examination and treatment, with good doctor staff and modern equipment

On the night of December 26, 1972, area 6 of Kham Thien ward was nearly obliterated.
American bombs killed 287 persons, among them were 40 elderly and 55 children.
In many families there were no survivors

Rising from the devastation of US bombs, Kham Thien has become one of
the busy trade wards of the capital

During the 12 day-and-night battle against the US B-52 bombing of Hanoi,
the outlying areas of Hanoi were also damaged by US bombs because this area had been
a “steel shield” protecting the capital’s sky during the treacherous battle

From the fire and sword in war, Hanoi, now with a thousand year history of civilization,
 has demonstrated the vitality of the heroic country with revival and development