The epic song will live on forever.

Visitors tour the exhibition area displaying historical artifacts of the 915th Youth Volunteer Brigade.

A hero's name will be remembered for eternity.

Stepping into the grounds of the historical site, amidst the sacred atmosphere, we felt an overwhelming sense of closeness. The memorial was built precisely on the site of the bunker where 60 Youth Volunteers sacrificed their lives while transporting supplies to the Southern battlefield. Every step taken by visitors here is a step into history.

Along both sides of the entrance stand 63 tall, straight-trunked Dipterocarpus trees, symbolizing the 63 martyrs honored at the historical site. These strong, sturdy trees are like loyal sons and daughters of the nation, standing firm against the elements for more than half a century after the bombings.

A small bridge spanning two square ponds leads to the central area, creating a sense of separation between the earthly and the sacred realms. The calm, still water reflects the tiled roofs and trees, like a ritual cleansing of worldly dust. The memorial house is built in the traditional temple-pagoda architectural style, with its red dragon-scale tiled roof gleaming in the setting sun. A pair of dragons flanking a stone slab opens the "sacred axis" leading directly to the main hall, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and grandeur.

Passing through the triple gate – a symbol of the journey from the mundane to the pure – visitors are led into a sacred realm. To the right of the main hall is the altar dedicated to the deities and the earth god, while in the center are 60 memorial tablets of martyrs, each shaped like a Bodhi leaf, and a large incense burner measuring 60x60cm, symbolizing the 60 heroic martyrs. The three tablets on the left are for martyrs who died during the same period, creating the number 63, coinciding with the 63 Dipterocarpus trees planted in the grounds.

Above is a large inscription that reads "Unwavering Loyalty and Indomitable Spirit," flanked by couplets by Professor Vu Khieu: "The example of martyrs is immortal for all time / The heroic spirit is remembered for eternity." The pine, bamboo, chrysanthemum, and plum blossom motifs decorating the hall evoke the enduring four seasons of the nation.

In that space, the lingering sound of bells and chimes seems to slow down time. Anyone who steps here likely shares the feeling that the brothers and sisters who fell years ago, many of whom hadn't even had a chance to eat their last meal, are somewhere nearby, silently watching over the crowds who come to pay their respects.

A reminder for the future.

History records that on the night of December 24, 1972, while everyone was celebrating Christmas, B-52 bombers launched a fierce attack on Luu Xa railway station. At that time, officers and soldiers of Company 915 were tasked with clearing remaining defense goods from the station. They managed to move all the goods out of the danger zone, but before they could even eat their evening meal, the unexpected bombing claimed 60 lives.

In the exhibition hall of the Memorial House, the photographs, patched clothes, rice bowls, old sandals, bicycles… are authentic glimpses into the arduous yet resilient youth of the Youth Volunteers. Each artifact tells a unique story, but they represent a shared pain and a source of pride for their homeland, Thai Nguyen .

The white flower known as the silver swallow flower is widely planted in the historical site.

The statue cluster "The Everlasting Flame of Company 915" is prominently displayed in the ceremonial hall, serving as the highlight of the entire complex. The blazing red flame of the monument not only symbolizes sacrifice but also serves as a reminder that today's independence was earned with the blood and bones of our forefathers.

Among the 60 martyrs, 37 were women, most of whom were unmarried. Therefore, the area around the Memorial House is planted with many white swallowtail flowers. Behind the Memorial House are 63 pomelo trees donated by Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry. The white, fragrant pomelo blossoms evoke the poignant memories of the first loves of these young men and women, adding to the serene atmosphere of the grounds.

The dedication of the tour guides here contributes to preserving memories by telling stories from the heart. Many visitors are moved to tears when they hear the stories behind each artifact. One young person whispered to me: "The artifacts and stories here move us deeply and fill us with boundless gratitude for the heroic sacrifices of the martyrs."

Among the visiting group, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Binh, Vice Rector of Thai Nguyen College of Economics and Technology, softly said: "Every year, the school organizes a visit for new students and outstanding students to offer incense and pay respects at the 915 Memorial Site. We consider this a political activity to educate about patriotic traditions and awaken national pride in the younger generation. Every time we return to this place, everyone is moved. As for me, I have visited the memorial site many times, but the artifacts in the exhibition always evoke new thoughts in me. These artifacts, though small, all tell real stories connected to the simple yet indomitable lives of the young volunteers."

As evidence supporting what Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Van Binh shared, the site has become a "red address" in traditional education over the years. Just from the beginning of this year until December 3rd, 2025, it has welcomed 738 groups with over 130,700 visitors. Among these visitors, nearly 40 groups organized political activities at the site.

Leaving the historical site, we looked back at the rows of swaying trees, listened to the long-lasting chime of the bells, and understood that this structure is not only a memorial but also a reminder: Today's generation should live in a way that is worthy of the sacrifices of their fathers and brothers of the past.

On the night of December 24, 1972, in the area of Luu Xa train station (Gia Sang ward), 60 Youth Volunteers of Company 915, Team 91, Bac Thai, bravely sacrificed their lives while carrying out the task of clearing military supplies to support the Southern battlefield. The National Historical Monument of the 60 Youth Volunteers of Company 915 was completed on the 46th anniversary of the martyrs' death (December 24, 2018).

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/tin-moi/202512/con-mai-khuc-trang-ca-4a26a92/