On the morning of July 27th, as part of the "Returning to the Roots" event series in 2026, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism inaugurated a thematic exhibition: "The 1943 Prison Break" at the Son La Prison National Special Monument.
Attending the opening ceremony were: Mr. Hoang Van Nghiem, Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Head of the Provincial National Assembly Delegation; Mr. Lo Minh Hung, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Council; Mr. Nguyen Dinh Viet, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; members of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Council; Deputy Chairmen of the Provincial People's Committee; leaders of departments and agencies; representatives of the families of political prisoners from Son La Prison; and a large number of officials, soldiers, union members, students, and people in the province.
Thematic exhibition "The 1943 Prison Break".
The exhibition recreates the historic 1943 prison break of four communist fighters: Nguyen Luong Bang, Luu Duc Hieu, Nguyen Van Tran, and Tran Dang Ninh, under the direction of the Son La Prison Party Cell and guided by the heroic martyr Lo Van Gia. This was the only successful prison break in nearly 40 years of Son La Prison's existence under French colonial rule. This event brought key Party cadres back to revolutionary activities, providing timely leadership in preparation for the successful August 1945 General Uprising.
Delegates attending the opening of the exhibition.
The exhibition features over 100 valuable images, documents, and materials, organized into three sections: The French presence in Son La; The Son La Prison Party Cell and the 1943 escape; Following in the footsteps of the escapees. Through historical documents, the exhibition helps the public gain a deeper understanding of the tenacious struggle of the communists in this "hell on earth." At the same time, it affirms the wise leadership of the Son La Prison Party Cell, the resourcefulness and unity of the revolutionary fighters, and the protective and supportive spirit of the people of Son La during the historic escape.
Relatives of communist soldier Tran Dang Ninh presented flowers and books to Son La province.
The delegates cut the ribbon to officially open the exhibition.
The thematic exhibition "The 1943 Prison Break" will be open to the public and tourists until the end of October 2026. This is a deeply meaningful activity on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of the Day of War Invalids and Martyrs (July 27, 1947 – July 27, 2026), contributing to the education of patriotic traditions, fostering revolutionary ideals, arousing national pride and a sense of responsibility in the younger generation; and continuing to spread the historical values of the Son La Prison National Special Monument to friends and tourists both domestically and internationally.
The delegates visited the exhibition.
Hoang Giang