Ta Thiet Base - a glorious testament to the nation's history.

BPO - Located 150km north of Ho Chi Minh City, amidst the vast rubber and cashew forests of Loc Ninh district, the Ta Thiet Base, a special national historical site, stands tall like a living historical record. This place was once the "heart" of the resistance war against the US in the South, marking momentous historical decisions and demonstrating the indomitable spirit and intelligence of Vietnam. Today, Ta Thiet is not only a symbol of a glorious past but also a valuable educational destination for the younger generation.

The strategic " brain " of South Vietnam during the resistance against the US.

During the fierce years of the resistance war against the US, the Ta Thiet area in Loc Thanh commune, Loc Ninh district, had the honor of being the location of the Southern Command Headquarters - the central command center of the revolution in the entire South. With its special strategic location, near populated areas and at the end of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, Ta Thiet provided favorable conditions for receiving and stockpiling manpower and resources from the North to support the battlefields in the South.

Mr. Dinh Quang Moi, former Assistant Operations Officer of the Regional Command (second from the right), recounts his days fighting at Ta Thiet Base - Photo: The Truong

Unlike other revolutionary bases often hidden deep in rugged mountains and forests, Ta Thiet possessed a unique characteristic. Its proximity to populated areas created a strong foundation of popular support, ensuring that cadres and soldiers received protection and assistance from the local people. Furthermore, its location at the end of the Ho Chi Minh Trail made Ta Thiet a crucial staging point, a crucial destination for troops and supplies from the North who had traversed the arduous Truong Son mountain range.

According to historical documents, after Loc Ninh was completely liberated in April 1972, the headquarters of the Southern Command officially moved to Ta Thiet after several relocations to ensure safety. At this base, important meetings of the Central General Staff of the Southern Region took place, discussing and making strategic decisions that guided the resistance war. This location also witnessed the reception of high-ranking delegations, demonstrating the unified direction from the Central Committee to the battlefield.

In particular, on April 3, 1975, at Ta Thiet Base, a delegation of high-ranking officers from the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, led by General Van Tien Dung, held a historic meeting to plan the liberation of Saigon - Gia Dinh. This bold and swift decision played a crucial role in the final victory of the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, completely liberating the South and unifying the country. Ta Thiet became the last revolutionary base established in the Southern battlefield, a testament to the development and maturity of the revolutionary forces.

Recounting his most memorable experiences at Ta Thiet Base, Mr. Dinh Quang Moi (Loc Thinh commune, Loc Ninh district), former Assistant Operations Officer of the Southern Command, said: “The time at Ta Thiet was arduous but also incredibly proud. We lived and worked in deprived conditions, constantly facing enemy bombs and bullets. But the camaraderie and the bond between soldiers and civilians were incredibly strong. I vividly remember the sleepless nights by the Hoang Cam stove, discussing battle plans together, and the times we received news of victories from the battlefields… I remember most vividly the moment we received the order from the Politburo and the Central General Staff of the Southern Command to launch a general offensive to attack Saigon and achieve victory, liberating the South and unifying the country. When we heard Duong Van Minh read the surrender statement on the radio, the entire base erupted with emotion.”

A place to preserve historical values ​​and promote revolutionary traditions.

After the reunification of the country, the Ta Thiet Base received significant investment from the Party and the State, resulting in the restoration and construction of many modern and well-equipped facilities. The historical site, spanning over 3,000 hectares, is now not only a repository of the arduous and heroic historical period but also a vibrant cultural and educational space.

Traditional education for the younger generation at Ta Thiet Base (Binh Phuoc) - Photo: Truong Hien

Within the historical site, visitors can explore important historical locations such as the workplaces of leading comrades and generals, the briefing bunker, the unique Hoang Cam kitchen system, and the old trails... Each relic and artifact carries its own story, recreating a part of the arduous yet incredibly heroic life and struggles of our ancestors.

The briefing bunker is a testament to the ingenuity and unwavering fighting spirit of our army and people. With a roof made of 3cm thick, fire-resistant palm leaves and a ceiling lined with at least 1m thick wood, the briefing bunker ensured the safety of officers and soldiers during fierce enemy bombing raids. The Hoàng Cầm kitchen system, dug deep underground, cleverly concealed the smoke, avoiding detection by enemy aircraft, demonstrating intelligence and determination in protecting the forces.

Beyond simply preserving existing relics, the Ta Thiet Base today has seen investment in the construction of new facilities, such as an exhibition hall, a documentary film screening room, and a memorial area, to provide visitors with a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the base's history. Traditional education activities, talks, and interactions with historical witnesses are regularly organized, attracting a large number of students, young people, and local residents to visit and learn.

In 2015, the Prime Minister issued a decision recognizing the Ta Thiet Base, the former headquarters of the Southern Vietnam Liberation Army, as a special national historical site, affirming the immense historical role and value of the Ta Thiet Base to the nation. Binh Phuoc province has also adopted a policy of investing in the development of the area to a level befitting its status, transforming Ta Thiet Base into an important historical tourism destination, contributing to the education of patriotism and national pride for the younger generation.

The Ta Thiet Base is a vivid testament to the sacrifices made by generations of our ancestors to win independence and freedom for the nation. Visiting this place, the younger generation can gain some understanding of the hardships and difficulties our forefathers endured, thereby appreciating the value of peace and independence even more. I hope that the younger generation will strive to study hard, especially about the history of our country, so that they can train themselves to uphold peace and independence and contribute to the further development of our nation. I also hope that the Ta Thiet Base, a special national historical site, will forever remain a significant landmark, a place for educating future generations about revolutionary traditions.

Mr. Dinh Quang Moi, former Operations Assistant at the Regional Command.

The National Special Monument of the Command Headquarters of the South Vietnam Liberation Army is not only a historical site but also a symbol of the indomitable will, unwavering fighting spirit, and creative intelligence of the Vietnamese people. Preserving and promoting the value of this monument is of paramount importance in educating about patriotic traditions, fostering national pride, and strengthening faith in the path chosen by the Party and the people. And Ta Thiet has been and continues to be a meaningful destination on the journey of exploring the glorious history of the nation.

Source: https://baobinhphuoc.com.vn/news/19/172198/can-cu-ta-thiet-chung-tich-hao-hung-cua-lich-su-dan-toc