VietNamNet Bridge – On occasion of the 40th anniversary of ‘Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu Victory in the air’, many books, short stories, novels have been published and a secret war bunker, used by leaders of the Vietnam People's Army from 1965-75, has been opened to the public for the first time.

The bunker is located in Thang Long Citadel Complex in downtown Hanoi. It was built in 1966 with cement blocks weighing 1,000 cubic meters in all and it is claimed to have been a shelter from atomic bombs.

About 300 soldiers were mobilized to work on its construction. It was hidden beneath a communications department building, which was intentionally destroyed in order to mislead the enemy.

From under the pile of bricks, military leaders worked day and night to protect the north and surrounding regions.

They were stationed in the bunker throughout the American attacks in the north and they planned strategy there during the 12 days and nights of heavy US bombing in Christmas 1972.

The Thang Long Heritage Protection Centre has fixed the damaged air ventilation, electricity and contact systems for tourism purposes.

Meanwhile, Hanoi, Hai Phong and many other cities in North Vietnam launched activities to commemorate the days 40 years ago when these areas were severely devastated by bombardments by the US air force.

The following photos recall the 12 days and nights when Hanoi was fiercely bombarded by the US Air Force, as well as the strong resistance from Hanoi residents.

The failure of the air raids forced the US and allies to sit down at the negotiating table in 1973 and sign the Paris Peace Agreement, putting an end to the war in Vietnam.

Source: SGGP