On August 19, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – August 19, 2025) and Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025), the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center, in coordination with related units, will launch a series of three exhibitions at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel site in Ba Dinh, Hanoi.

The exhibitions include “House and D67 Tunnel – The journey to total victory” (phase 1), “Promoting the value of the Cipher Department Tunnel – General Staff Headquarters”, and “Ky Dai/Hanoi Flag Tower – The nation and the aspiration for peace.”

House and D67 Tunnel – where history was shaped

The first exhibition narrates the role of the House and D67 Tunnel during 1968-1975, showcasing over 300 documents and images under four themes: the Gulf of Tonkin incident and the first U.S. bombing campaign; the story of House and D67 Tunnel; defeating “Vietnamization” and the second bombing campaign; and the 1975 Spring Offensive.

Built in 1967 in the midst of fierce war, the House and D67 Tunnel served as the meeting place for the Politburo and Central Military Commission, and as the workplace of the Commander-in-Chief and Chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army during the resistance against the United States and in the postwar nation-building period.

Cipher Department Tunnel – reliving moments of command

The second exhibition uses documentary films, soundscapes, and interactive displays to immerse visitors in the Cipher Department Tunnel during historic moments. Built between February 10 and June 30, 1966, the 37.2-square-meter facility ensured secure communications and command for the General Headquarters during heavy U.S. bombing, with its peak operational period in December 1972.

Ky Dai/Hanoi Flag Tower – a symbol of sovereignty and peace

The third exhibition celebrates the cultural and historical value of the Hanoi Flag Tower through three themes: the Flag Tower under the Nguyen dynasty; changes under French colonial rule; and Vietnam’s independence. Displayed chronologically, the exhibition features artifacts, historical footage, and highlights the moment on October 10, 1954, when the Vietnamese national flag first flew over the tower after the liberation of Hanoi.

Constructed between 1805 and 1812 under Emperor Gia Long on the southern axis of Hanoi’s citadel, the tower features a three-tiered square base, an octagonal column, and a flagpole. Under the Nguyen dynasty, ceremonial days saw the raising of yellow or red flags symbolizing national sovereignty. During the French occupation, the tower became an observation post flying the French flag.

Today, after more than 200 years, the Ky Dai/Hanoi Flag Tower remains an enduring symbol of Hanoi’s resilience, independence, and the nation’s longing for peace.

PV