The exhibition’s centerpiece, "Memories of the B-bound Cadres," features more than 100 original documents, photographs, personal belongings, volunteer applications, diaries, letters, and keepsakes carried by the cadres on their missions. The collection has been selected from the huge archive of the National Archives Center III. Many materials were donated by families and individuals, and selected documents are from the Vietnam Center and Archive at Texas Tech University in the US.
Dang Thanh Tung, Director of the State Records and Archives Department, said: "The B-bound cadres included teachers, doctors, engineers, and university lecturers who responded to the Party's call to carry out missions in southern Vietnam. Through this exhibition, we want to express our gratitude for their contribution and show the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people to today's youth."
The National Archives Center III contains more than 72,000 files and artifacts related to B-bound cadres, including materials belonging to prominent cultural and historical figures. These items vividly document the sacrifices, ideals, and contributions of a generation that dedicated its youth to the nation.
Nguyen Quoc Huong, a former B-bound cadre who served in the south from 1973 to 1978, said: "Seeing these artifacts again has deeply moved me. I was able to reunite with some former comrades, although many others never returned. I truly appreciate the Party and the State for preserving these invaluable letters, photographs, and personal belongings. I hope future generations will continue to uphold the values and traditions passed down by those who came before us, helping build a stronger and more prosperous Vietnam."
The exhibition also showcases the initial results of Vietnam's 500-day campaign to locate, recover, and identify the remains of fallen soldiers. Visitors can search digital records of B-bound cadres in an on-site electronic database.
Running through September 2, the "Youth Left Behind" exhibition gives the younger generation an opportunity to reflect on the value of peace and independence and sacrifices that shaped Vietnam's history.
