An epic poem amidst the mountains and forests of Viet Bac

Nestled beside the tranquil Gâm River, the Bắc Mê prison camp today is covered in moss and bears the solemnity of time. Few know that behind those cold stone walls was once a place of imprisonment and exile for patriotic revolutionary fighters. Amidst hunger, cold, disease, and shackles, they silently passed on their ideals, beliefs, and aspirations for freedom to one another. This harsh prison, built by the French colonialists to subdue human will, ultimately became a "school of revolution," forging the character of steadfast communists.

The flame of revolution amidst the "shackles"

On a summer morning, we returned to the Bac Me Prison Camp, located on the slopes of Dragon Mountain in Don Dien village, Yen Cuong commune, to experience the remnants of the pre-revolutionary period. Amidst the tranquil mountain scenery, the old foundations covered in moss, the weathered stone walls lying silently beneath the ancient trees, seemed to slow our steps. Behind this peaceful facade lies a memory filled with "blood and flowers" of the years of imprisonment and exile of revolutionary fighters under the French colonial regime.

According to historical records, before 1938, the French colonialists built Bac Me Prison as a military outpost to control the vital route connecting Tuyen Quang, Ha Giang, and Cao Bang . Later, the outpost was expanded to an area of ​​over 2,500 square ^meters , becoming a place of detention for Viet Minh cadres who had a significant influence on the revolutionary movement.

The Bac Me prison camp is a proud historical moment in the revolutionary history of our nation.

From 1939 to 1942, nearly 300 soldiers from prisons such as Hoa Lo, Son La, and Phu Tho were escorted to remote, inhospitable areas. Among them were many comrades who later became leading cadres of the Party and State, such as Xuan Thuy, Tran Cung, Dang Viet Chau, Le Gian, and the writer Nguyen Hong…

Mr. Nguyen Kim Chung, former Deputy Commander for Political Affairs of the Provincial Military Command, observed that the French colonialists transformed Bac Me Prison into an isolated prison in the middle of the mountains, almost completely cut off from the outside world. “They used chains, forced labor, and beatings to wear down the will of the steadfast communists. Amidst the gloomy mountains and forests, the harsh climate, constant disease, hunger, and cold, Bac Me Prison at that time was nothing short of ‘hell on earth’,” Mr. Chung shared.

The harshness of Bac Me Prison Camp wasn't just limited to its stone walls or dense security. Political prisoners were forced to work from morning till night, carrying stones, burning lime, making bricks, and building houses under conditions of food shortages, lack of medicine, and a year-round damp and cold climate. Malaria, hunger, cold, and beatings became a constant nightmare for anyone sent there.

However, what the French colonialists did not expect was that within that very prison, the flame of revolution was ignited more strongly than ever before. Despite brutal torture, shackles, and chains, the communist fighters maintained their spirit, transforming the prison into a "school of revolution." In the darkness of the prison, they secretly organized studies, propagated Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought, encouraged the fighting spirit, and fostered patriotism in the face of enemy repression.

In late 1942, due to the spread of the revolutionary movement in the provinces of Viet Bac and concerns that the revolutionary ideology of political prisoners would spread to the local population, the French colonial authorities moved the patriotic fighters to other prisons. General and Academician Nguyen Huy Hieu, former Deputy Minister of National Defense, affirmed that Bac Me Prison Camp is a very proud historical moment showcasing the revolutionary heroism of Vietnam. Chains and shackles were erected to break the will of the communists, but it was also amidst the harsh prison conditions that the "red seeds" for the revolution were forged.

When history is awakened

Over eighty years have passed, and today, the Bac Me Prison Camp is no longer surrounded by barbed wire, the sound of whips, or the shackles of yesteryear. Amidst the lush green forest, the historical site now stands solemnly and anciently, like a witness to history. Many visitors come here not simply to sightsee, but also to slow down and immerse themselves in a space full of memories, gaining a deeper understanding of the generations of ancestors who sacrificed for national independence.

Ms. Tran My Uyen, a tourist from Ca Mau, emotionally shared: “Hearing about the lives of revolutionary soldiers in prison, I truly feel grateful and appreciate the sacrifices of the previous generation. The scenery here is very special, both ancient and solemn, making every step feel like touching history.”

These relics are preserved inside Bac Me Prison.

Not only adults, but many students and youth union members also visit Bac Me Prison Camp through "back to the roots" trips. Hoang Hong Hanh, a 12th-grade student from Ngoc Ha High School, said: "Seeing with my own eyes the place where patriotic soldiers were once imprisoned, I feel history is very close. Extracurricular lessons like this help us understand more about the sacrifices of our ancestors and make us more proud of the revolutionary traditions of our nation."

In 1992, Bac Me Prison was recognized as a National Historical Monument. Through numerous restorations and renovations, it has become an attractive destination for those exploring culture, history, and spirituality. In addition to preserving the original state of the historical site, the cultural sector is also gradually incorporating digital technology to promote the monument. QR code systems installed at tourist attractions allow visitors to instantly access information, documentary images, digital maps, and automated explanations directly on their phones.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoai, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the province, said: “Preserving and promoting the Bac Me Prison historical site is not only about preserving historical memories, but also about becoming a space for traditional education, helping the younger generation better understand the value of independence and freedom. Currently, the department is connecting and developing tours to experience the Bac Me Prison with the Na Hang hydroelectric reservoir. This will help tourists both learn about history and appreciate the beauty of nature and culture of the highlands.”

Late in the afternoon, golden sunlight bathes the gently flowing Gâm River at the foot of Dragon Mountain. Amidst this peaceful setting, the story of the communists of yesteryear is quietly recounted like an unextinguished flame. And as history is "awakened," Bắc Mê Prison is no longer a relic of the past, but is becoming a "red address" fostering patriotism and national pride for today and tomorrow.

Yellow River

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/van-hoa/202605/ban-hung-ca-giua-nui-rung-viet-bac-7897b15/