Moments of Peace in Hanoi

Taking in Hanoi as Our Pilgrimage Draws to a Close

In the cooler climate of Northern Vietnam, Flowers tours Hanoi.

Hoàn Kiếm Lake, also known as “Sword Lake,” is a large freshwater lake located in the center of Hanoi. The legend of the lake is known by all Vietnamese people. Taught in school, children learn the story of Hoàn Kiếm about revered heroes, a giant turtle and a magic sword.

Turtle Tower stands in the center of Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Today it is a significant and honored landmark. Built almost 150 years ago, it used to be a resting place when the King went fishing and has now become the pride of the people of Hanoi.

Flowers walks the lake to St. Joseph Cathedral built back in 1886. It is one of the largest churches in Hanoi where many local Vietnamese Catholics still come to pray.

At the St. Joseph Cathedral in Hanoi, Flowers is inspired by the gentle and loving “Queen of Peace” statue.

Next stop, Flowers visits the Vietnamese Women's Museum or Bảo tàng Phụ nữ Việt Nam.

From the Museum: “The women’s stories in the whole country are simple, but insightful. Love, sacrifices, and silent contributions form the temperament, beauty and importance of Vietnamese women and their crucial roles in the past, present and future.”

“By featuring women as its central theme, it illuminates the significant roles and contributions of Vietnamese women in the historical and cultural development of Vietnam. The museum also provides a platform for intercultural exchanges to occur between women in Vietnam and global societies, with the goal of fostering “equality, development and peace.”

A sampling from the Vietnamese Women’s Museum exhibition of posters (pardon the glare):

This 1967 antiwar poster from New York in the United States promotes ending the American war in Vietnam. Organized by the Spring Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam, a group founded by A. J. Muste, reknown pacifist in the forefront of peace movement against the Vietnam war.

A.J. Muste said, “There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.”

This poster depicts and honors Vietnamese women guarding U.S. prisoners of war.

In this poster it says, “Nixon owes the Vietnamese a debt of blood.” Poster by Trường Sinh, 1972.

A Vietnamese woman cheers on shooting down U.S. fighter pilots and airplanes.

These posters, and many more, were created by the revolutionary women of Vietnam.

As our series draws to a close, please stay tuned for the 55th anniversary of the Jackson State massacre wrap up.