The "legendary" bridge

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - “The majestic Ham Rong Bridge stands tall / Reflecting its image on the vast Ma River...”. These are the lyrics of the song “Greetings to the Heroic Ma River” by composer Xuan Giao about the Ham Rong Bridge – a bridge once considered a “lifeline” during the resistance war against the US, and a source of pride for the entire Vietnamese nation during a glorious period of struggle. Through the years, the war has receded into the past, yet the Ham Rong Bridge still shines brightly as a symbol of patriotism, unity, and national development.

The Ham Rong Bridge proudly spans the Ma River.

The Ham Rong Bridge spans the Ma River, situated between Ngoc Mountain and Rong Mountain. From the bridge, one can admire the panoramic view of the picturesque Ma River, a scene as beautiful as a landscape painting. According to historical records, the bridge was officially built in 1904 by a French engineer and was the most modern railway bridge in Indochina at the time. In 1946, it was destroyed as part of the Viet Minh's scorched-earth policy to halt the advance of the invading army. Later, in 1963, with the help of Soviet and Chinese experts, the bridge was redesigned and rebuilt to its current complete form.

The bridge, measuring up to 17 meters wide, consists of two steel girder spans, with a railway in the middle and roads for cars and pedestrians on either side. It was inaugurated on the 74th birthday (May 19, 1964) of President Ho Chi Minh . Despite being repeatedly damaged during the war, Ham Rong Bridge still stands proudly as an important historical testament to the indomitable will and patriotism of the people and soldiers of Thanh Hoa province during the resistance war against the US.

During the escalating war in the North, the US imperialists focused their attacks on the Ham Rong Bridge to cut off this vital transportation artery, preventing the supply lines from the North to the major battlefields in the South. Between 1965 and 1972, the Ham Rong Bridge endured hundreds of bombing raids by the US Air Force, with thousands of tons of bombs and ammunition raining down, bending the steel and scattering debris. Under the hail of bombs and bullets, anti-aircraft artillery units, youth volunteer teams, and local people fought day and night to protect the bridge. They sacrificed their lives and blood to maintain this vital transportation link, ensuring the continuous operation of the North-South route, and thwarting the US sabotage attempts with the historic victory at Ham Rong. The image of the Ham Rong Bridge has become a symbol of history, culture, and the indomitable spirit of the people of Thanh Hoa province.

Even today, after countless historical events and upheavals, the Ham Rong Bridge, along with the words "Victory," stands majestically carved into the mountainside as a shining symbol of Vietnamese patriotism and revolutionary heroism. The words remain there to remind everyone who crosses this bridge and river of a time of war and suffering, to understand the value of every moment of peace, a peace bought with pain and loss.

Military and civilians fought together to defend Ham Rong Bridge during the resistance war against the US. Photo: Archival material.

After the war, the historic Ham Rong Bridge carries a particularly important mission. It not only contributes to the development of trade and socio-economic progress in Thanh Hoa City, but also serves as a "return to the roots" destination for generations to come. Countless students have visited here to explore history, hone their political skills, and cultivate national pride and love for their homeland. Furthermore, the Ham Rong Bridge is a popular tourist attraction in Thanh Hoa City. Standing on the bridge, visitors can admire the beauty of the winding Ma River, surrounded by lush green fields, majestic mountains, and peaceful villages. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of Thanh Hoa City from above. From here, it's easy to see the high-rise buildings, bustling streets, and prominent cultural landmarks such as Tien Son Cave, Long Quang Cave, Ngoc Mountain, Canh Tien Mountain, the Temple of the Heroic Vietnamese Mother, Dong Son ancient village, and the Monument to the Youth Volunteers...

The Ham Rong Bridge is not only a vital artery, but also a testament to the strength of patriotism, unity, and the unwavering determination to defeat invading enemies. Each span, each stone slab, each remaining trace of bombs and bullets is a living page of history, reminding present and future generations of the arduous yet proud years of the nation. The image of the bridge will forever be etched in our hearts, reminding future generations to always uphold the spirit of unity, determination, and victory to turn aspirations for prosperity into reality, so that the heroic epic of Ham Rong's victory will forever resound in the heroic homeland of Thanh Hoa.

Text and photos: Nguyen Dat

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/cay-cau-huyen-thoai-244318.htm