"House door" Con Co, Ly Son

If we do not protect the sea, fishing and salt production will not be peaceful. Therefore, an important task of coastal people is to protect the coast. Coastal people are the gatekeepers of the Fatherland.

The exploits of the wartime and the peaceful life today are proof of the heart, spirit and will to "guard the house" of the army and people of the two island districts of Con Co and Ly Son in building and protecting national sovereignty at the forefront of the storm.

During the arduous years of resistance, the people of Con Co steadfastly "guarded the gate" with their brave and intelligent fighting spirit. The greatest pride of the people of Con Co was receiving three letters of praise from Uncle Ho. The first time was on April 12, 1965, when Uncle Ho heard that the officers and soldiers of Con Co island had shot down many planes and chased away American commando ships. The second time was on June 5, 1968, when Uncle Ho sent a letter of praise to the officers and soldiers of Con Co island when on May 31, 1968 alone, they had shot down 4 American planes; in the letter, he emphasized: Con Co deserves to be a heroic small island. The third time was on October 20, 1968, when Uncle Ho heard that on October 16, 1968, the soldiers and officers of Con Co island had shot down 3 American planes in just one hour.

Ly Son island district seen from Thoi Loi peak.

In all three letters, after praising and commending, Uncle Ho always advised and reminded us to raise our vigilance, unite closely, constantly train, be ready to fight, not be discouraged by difficulties, not be arrogant when winning, resolutely smash the enemy's plots and tricks, and be determined to fight the American invaders.

The contents of Uncle Ho's three letters of praise are now engraved on stone, displayed in important, visible locations right on the main roads of the island district, as a reminder and strong encouragement for the army and people of Con Co to continue to promote the heroic tradition, firmly preserve and protect the country's territory.

National flagpole on Con Co island.

With glorious feats of arms during the war, Con Co Island was honored twice by the State with the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces in 1967 and 1970.

The “gatekeepers” of Con Co today have joined hands to build a vibrant island district, surrounded by a green coat not only of the sea but also of the forest. This outpost island is known for its green heritage, in which forests account for more than 63% of the total area.

Con Co District has implemented a project to establish a Special-use Forest to protect the landscape of Con Co Island with a total area of 133.43 hectares, divided into 3 functional areas: strict protection, ecological restoration, and tourism . Recently, 17 ancient trees on the island were recognized as Vietnam Heritage Trees - an important milestone, affirming the efforts of the island district government in the strategy of nature conservation and ecotourism development, associated with protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands.

In Ly Son island district, the army and people "guard the gate" by making efforts to build a bustling, vibrant island district with unique cultural features. Right from the moment you set foot on the wharf, Ly Son welcomes visitors with a bustling pace of life from trucks loaded with garlic, onions, seaweed, and the bustling calls of vendors. The small, winding roads are no less bustling than the mainland. The fragrant fish noodle, banh it, and banh xeo stalls; Ly Son garlic stalls piled high like mountains; grocery stores crowded together in the narrow aisles...

Ly Son has many relics and scenic spots related to the sea such as Am Linh Tu - a place to commemorate the Hoang Sa heroes, who left their bodies in the ocean to affirm national sovereignty; Whale temples - where fishermen place their faith in the god of the sea... Those temples are not only places of worship, but also living proof of the history and culture of the sea and islands for thousands of years.

The square, a familiar entertainment venue on the mainland, is an impressive highlight in this remote island district. Ly Son Square every evening is bustling and vibrant with the sound of the sea, the laughter of people coming to have fun, enjoy the cool breeze, and exercise. The pace of life is simple, but in this remote place, there is a surge of pride and an even greater appreciation of the sacred meaning of the two words sovereignty.

Thoi Loi Peak – a mountain that used to be a volcanic crater – is a prime location to see the entire arc of the ocean embracing the island. Every inch of land here contains the sweat and will to protect the homeland of many generations. Ly Son is not only beautiful, but also proud…

There are journeys that not only start from the feet, but also from a call deep in the heart. The call that each person will hear very clearly when arriving at the "door" of Con Co, Ly Son, is "Fatherland"!

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/phong-su-ky-su/202505/cua-nha-con-co-ly-son-c1e06e2/