(VOVworld) – A meeting was held in Hanoi on Tuesday to review the outcome of a writing contest concerning the Dien Bien Phu victory to mark the 60^th anniversary.

Lieutenant-general Phung Khac Dang, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association at the meeting to review the writing contest about Dien Bien Phu campaign.

Since it was launched a year ago the contest, themed ‘Memories of Dien Bien’, was responded to by veterans, revolutionary youth, and people from all walks of life. With more than 1,800 entries, the event was significant in encouraging the entrants to narrate their stories, events, and struggles during the Dien Bien Phu campaign against the French colonialists. The move also aimed to inspire national pride among Vietnamese people and encourage their determination to contribute to national construction and defence.

Fifty-one prizes and certificates of merit, including 7 special rewards were presented for the most outstanding works. Nguyen Trong Can from Hanoi was awarded a consolation prize. His work is a heartfelt story about the time he and his comrades attacked the Hong Cum military base. Can said: “I participated in the Dien Bien campaign when I was 18 years old. I entered the contest because I wanted to tell true stories about that time. I wrote about how I learned to attack a fortified position, dig trenches around the base, and creep over barriers to attack the enemy.”

The winning entries will be included in a book featuring memories of Dien Bien which will be released prior to the 60^th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory on May, 7^th.