At the Red River Delta Petroleum Memorial Site, historical witnesses, former leaders and younger generations shared memories of the early oil and gas industry, preserving tradition and strengthening confidence for the future.
(PetroTimes) – In the reflective atmosphere of the Red River Delta Petroleum Memorial Site, the stories being retold were more than memories; they were part of the lives and history of people who had been connected with the industry since its earliest and most difficult days.
As part of the visit and exchange program marking the 45th anniversary of the first industrial gas production, historical witnesses and delegates shared and revisited memories of the industry’s formative journey.
Mr. Dinh Van Son, former Member of the Petrovietnam Members’ Council, was deeply moved when returning to his homeland, where nearly half a century earlier his belief in the oil and gas industry had first been ignited. He recalled that in 1977–1978, while still a student, he witnessed earlier generations conducting geological work and seismic blasting. Those images planted in him and many young people the desire to dedicate themselves to the industry.
He recalled that 1984–1985 was an extremely difficult period, when domestic and international changes affected resources for the sector. Nevertheless, they overcame the hardship and remained committed to the industry. Although Oil and Gas Company No. 1 no longer exists, former employees still maintain a voluntary retirees’ association as a way to express gratitude, stay connected and preserve memories. Stories of war, sacrifice and colleagues who lost their lives make the value of that journey even more profound.
From another perspective, Labor Hero Nguyen Hung Dung, former Member of the Petrovietnam Members’ Council and Vice Chairman cum General Secretary of the Vietnam Petroleum Association, said that only by standing directly at the memorial site, seeing the artifacts and listening to historical witnesses can people fully understand the hardship and effort involved in the early formation of the oil and gas industry.
He referred to seemingly small details that contain long stories: from diamond drill bits to the “Christmas tree” wellhead equipment on drilling rigs. These were not merely technical devices, but symbols of youthful aspiration and of people who dared to go, dared to act and laid the foundation for a strategic industry.
In his view, the memorial site is not only a place to preserve artifacts but has become an important historical destination where generations of oil and gas workers and young people can return to understand and take pride in the industry’s history. He also noted that the facility remains modest compared with its historical significance and should continue to be supplemented and improved, particularly by recognizing the contributions of Soviet experts who shared their labor and effort on this land.
Representing the Group’s leadership, Mr. Pham Tuan Anh, Member of the Party Executive Committee and Member of the Petrovietnam Members’ Council, emphasized that building and promoting the value of the memorial site not only spreads the industry’s traditions but also reflects the affection and responsibility of generations of oil and gas workers toward their common history. It is also a clear expression of Petrovietnam culture.
On behalf of the Group leadership, he sincerely thanked senior colleagues for their dedication and contributions to preserving and promoting the site. He acknowledged their proposals and said they would be reported to the Group leadership for consideration.
Speaking at the program, Mr. Tran Quang Dung, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Petrovietnam Party Committee, said that although the activity was not large in scale, it carried profound significance and marked the beginning of a series of events toward the 65th anniversary of the Traditional Day of Vietnam’s Oil and Gas Industry.
According to Mr. Tran Quang Dung, the stories shared throughout the journey created powerful emotional “touchpoints,” helping today’s generation better understand the value of tradition and strengthening their determination to continue what previous generations had worked so hard to build.
He emphasized a consistent lesson from history: when intelligence and knowledge are placed at the foundation and combined with willpower, aspiration and a pioneering spirit, great achievements can be created. This is an important internal resource for Petrovietnam’s sustainable development today.
For the younger generation, the return journey had special meaning. Mr. Chu Xuan Anh, Secretary of the PVEP Youth Union, said that meeting and listening directly to those who witnessed the historic first gas flow was a precious opportunity. He said the stories about searching for the country’s first oil and gas flows inspire young people to continue learning, developing and building on the achievements of previous generations.
The value of history was also felt by visiting students. Nguyen Ngoc Gia Linh, an eighth-grade student at Tay Son Secondary School in Hung Yen, said that the images, drilling-rig models and stories about the discovery of oil and gas were interesting and inspiring. She hoped one day to work in the oil and gas industry and contribute to continuing the work established by earlier generations.
Within a short period, stories that once seemed distant became vivid and close again. Forty-five years after the first commercial gas flow, the oil and gas industry has experienced many changes, but what continues to be passed on is faith, a pioneering spirit and the aspiration to contribute.
From the memories of earlier generations, to the respect of today’s generation and the dreams now being kindled among young people, a quiet but enduring connection continues to be preserved. From the cradle of Tien Hai, that flame continues to burn, lighting the way toward future journeys and greater aspirations.
PV Group