Hanoi (VNA) – Over its 80 years of development, generations of Vietnam News Agency (VNA) journalists have made crucial contributions to the nation’s fight for independence and freedom. Numerous streets across provinces and cities bear their names, reflecting deep gratitude and recognition of their dedication to keeping the news flowing.

As the VNA celebrates its 80th anniversary (September 15, 1945 – 2025), many recall the streets named in honour of its reporters.

Pride in streets named after VNA journalists

In December 2024, the People’s Council of the central province of Quang Tri province named 40 streets, including Luong Nghia Dung, commemorating the VNA journalist and martyr. The street plaque was unveil on April 1, 2025, in Dong Ha city (now Nam Dong Ha ward, Quang Tri), marking the eighth street nationwide named after VNA journalists.

Luong Nghia Dung (1934–1972), born in Ha Dong (now Hanoi), was a war correspondent who left over 2,300 photographs, including “Dau phao o Doc Mieu” (Artillery Duel at Doc Mieu) and “Nhung khoanh khac de lai” (Moments Left Behind) which received the State Prize for Literature and Arts (2007) and the Ho Chi Minh Prize, respectively.

Previously, seven streets honoured VNA journalists: Tran Kim Xuyen streets in Hanoi, Ha Tinh, and Bac Ninh; Bui Dinh Tuy street in Ho Chi Minh City; Lam Hong Long street in Binh Thuan (now Lam Dong); Tran Binh Khuol street in Bac Lieu (now Ca Mau); and Dao Tung street in Bac Giang (now Bac Ninh).

Notably, Tran Kim Xuyen, the first leader of the VNA has three streets named after him - Hanoi (2014), Ha Tinh (2017), and Bac Ninh (2023). Born in 1921, he was an early revolutionary who escaped Hoa Lo prison in 1945 and organised propaganda for the August Revolution. He died on March 3, 1947, aged 26, during an evacuation mission in Hanoi and was posthumously awarded the First-Class Resistance Order by President Ho Chi Minh.

Bui Dinh Tuy (1914–1967) joined the revolution at 22 and became a photojournalist for the VNA in 1954. He later served as Deputy Director of the Liberation Press Agency in the South. He died on September 21, 1967, in an American air attack at Trang Dau battlefield. His impactful wartime photos solidified his place among Vietnam’s leading photojournalists.

Dao Tung (1925–1990) led the VNA from 1965 to 1990, overseeing continuous news operations through the war and renovation periods. He also served as Vice President of the International Organisation of Journalists.

Tran Binh Khuol (1913–1968) was a renowned photojournalist active in the resistance in Bac Lieu. After enduring imprisonment and exile, he led VNA’s Mekong Delta photography department until his death on December 12, 1968. A symbolic grave was erected post-war. He was posthumously awarded the State Prize for Literature and Arts and the First-Class Resistance Order.

Lam Hong Long (1925–1997), born in Binh Thuan (now Lam Dong), was a prominent VNA photojournalist known for historic works such as "Bac Bat Nhip Bai Ca Ket Doan” (Uncle Ho Conducting a Song of Unity) and “Me con ngay gap lai” (Mother and Child Reunited) - both recipients of the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature and Arts in 1996.

Continuing a heroic legacy

The names of the journalists, and others, emblazoned on streets nationwide, remain a source of pride for families, communities, and successive generations of VNA staff.

VNA General Director Vu Viet Trang said these street namings honour the journalists’ sacrifices and uphold Vietnam’s tradition of “When drinking water, remember its source.” They serve as educational landmarks, inspiring journalists with stories of courage and dedication that shaped historic moments through their reporting.

Journalist Nguyen Minh Phuong from Tin tuc va Dan Toc (News and Ethnic Affairs) Newspaper expressed pride passing Tran Kim Xuyen street in Hanoi, pledging to uphold the heroic tradition built by predecessors.

Nguyen Danh Lam, VNA correspondent in Bac Ninh - home to two streets named after VNA journalists - highlighted these namings as recognition from the Party and State of journalists’ contributions to national liberation and revolutionary journalism. They also inspire reporters to strive for excellence.

As VNA marks its 80th anniversary, reflecting on these streets strengthens current generations’ pride and gratitude for those who sacrificed for the agency — honoured three times as Hero of the Armed Forces and Hero of Labour in the Doi Moi era for their monumental contributions and dedication to national liberation and revolutionary journalism./.