PROUD OF AVIATION IDENTITY: JOURNEY TO HISTORICAL ROOTS AT DA LAT CHILDREN’S PRISON NATIONAL MONUMENT – FOSTERING IDEALS, FUELING RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUTH UNION AND STUDENT ASSOCIATION CADRES

As part of the 2026 Training Program for Youth Union – Student Association Cadres and Key Position Holders themed “Proud of Aviation Identity,” a delegation of youth cadres from the Vietnam Aviation Academy (VAA) embarked on a meaningful journey back to historical roots at the Da Lat Children’s Prison National Monument. As a core highlight of the training framework, this initiative aimed to educate youth on revolutionary traditions, nurture noble life ideals, strengthen political steadfastness, and elevate the sense of responsibility among student leadership in the new era.

Vietnam Aviation Academy delegation visits and studies traditional values at the Da Lat Children’s Prison National Monument. (Photo: VAA Youth Union – Student Association)

Beyond its profound historical significance, Da Lat Children’s Prison stands as a sacred “red address” marking a heroic yet poignant chapter in national history, where hundreds of patriotic teenagers and young citizens were detained during the anti-American resistance war for national salvation. Deprived of freedom in the prime of their youth and subjected to harsh prison brutality, these young patriots remained unyielding in their revolutionary ideals, preserving their integrity and unshakeable faith in final victory.

The delegation solemnly offers flowers and incense to commemorate heroic martyrs at the Da Lat Children’s Prison National Monument. (Photo: VAA Youth Union – Student Association)

Stepping through the gates of the monument, delegates fell into reverent silence before the solemn setting, which preserves authentic artifacts, records, and historical memories of an arduous yet glorious era of resistance. Guided through the site, the delegation learned about the prison’s origins, moving accounts of indomitable courage displayed by very young revolutionaries, and resilient forms of struggle waged behind bars.

Delegates listen to docent presentations, exploring the history and revolutionary narratives of Da Lat Children’s Prison. (Photo: VAA Youth Union – Student Association)

Cramped detention cells, cold stone walls, and reconstructed scenes of imprisonment and torture brought home the stark brutalities of wartime, while deepening admiration for the unbroken spirit, patriotism, and resolute will of previous generations. Each artifact, photograph, and historical testimony served as a vivid history lesson, granting delegates a deeper understanding of the priceless value of peace, independence, and freedom secured through the blood, tears, and youth of forebears.

Through this journey to historical roots, the delegation not only reviewed the nation’s glorious tradition of struggle, but also reflected on the role and duty of modern youth. As Youth Union and Student Association cadres who directly lead student movements across the Academy, each representative gained greater clarity on their mission to educate peers on revolutionary ideals, kindle patriotism, inspire dedication, and cultivate a generation of resilient, intellectual, and aspirational students.

Historical values are carried forward through the youth leadership’s journey to historical roots. (Photo: VAA Youth Union – Student Association)

The field study also provided an opportunity for delegates to bridge theoretical concepts covered during the training course with tangible national history. Core values of loyalty to the Fatherland, solidarity, resilience in overcoming adversity, and an earnest desire to contribute—forged through historical sacrifice—serve as the cornerstone for youth cadres to innovate working methodologies and elevate the quality of youth activities amid digital transformation and global integration.

Alongside leadership skills enhancement, the 2026 training program emphasized traditional education, ethics, and political firmness through experiential learning. The visit to Da Lat Children’s Prison went beyond a conventional historical tour, operating as a “special classroom” where delegates engaged with history through genuine emotion, learned from shining exemplars of sacrifice, and reaffirmed their civic duties to the country.

Concluding the visit, many delegates expressed deep emotion upon witnessing tangible remnants of wartime hardship. Inspiring accounts of bravery and unwavering loyalty displayed by young revolutionaries left a profound impression, motivating youth cadres to continuously train, learn, innovate, and uphold a pioneering spirit across all initiatives.

The journey concludes on an emotional note, fueling Academy youth to continuously study, cultivate skills, and dedicate themselves to the community. (Photo: VAA Youth Union – Student Association)

The journey to historical roots at the Da Lat Children’s Prison National Monument stands as an exceptional milestone within the 2026 Training Program for Youth Union – Student Association Cadres and Key Position Holders. It represents not only an act of remembrance honoring those who sacrificed for national freedom, but also a call to action for today’s youth to safeguard traditional values and forge ahead with knowledge, courage, dedication, and national development aspirations.

Carrying forward valuable historical lessons, the youth cadres of the Vietnam Aviation Academy will continue to champion the spirit of “Proud of Aviation Identity,” leveraging the pioneering creativity of youth to build stronger youth organizations and support students on their path of learning, self-cultivation, and service to the Academy and the nation.

Featured highlights from the program:

ĐTN&HSV – HTT