Students from Chau Thanh Ethnic Boarding School, Junior High School, visit and learn about traditions at the Four Martyrs' Tower historical site. Photo: DANH THANH
The tower is a historical landmark.
According to Venerable Danh Dong, Chairman of the Patriotic Monks' Solidarity Association of the province, after the Tet Offensive of 1968 and the summer of 1972, the people and military of South Vietnam continued to rise up everywhere. The Saigon government issued a "General Mobilization" order, frequently launching sieges of Khmer temples and arresting Khmer youth, including Khmer monks, to enlist. Faced with this situation, under the direction of the Rach Gia Provincial Party Committee, the Khmer Affairs Committee and the Patriotic Monks' Solidarity Association of the province met, agreed on a plan, established a Command Committee, and assigned forces to prepare for the demonstration.
At exactly 5:30 a.m. on June 10, 1974, a protest group consisting of 600 monks and over 2,000 civilians took to the streets to protest the repression by the US and the puppet regime, demanding freedom of belief and religion, and opposing the conscription of Buddhist monks. The protest was suppressed, and four monks, Danh Tap, Lam Hung, Danh Hom, and Danh Hoi, bravely sacrificed their lives. “Although the struggle was suppressed by the enemy, the event of June 10, 1974, has become a milestone in the glorious history of the struggle of the army and people, a symbol of the unwavering loyalty and patriotism of the Khmer people,” said Venerable Danh Dong emotionally.
After the reunification of the country, to commemorate the sacrifices of the four monks, in early 1976, the State built the Tower of the Four Martyr Monks in Chau Thanh commune. In March 1987, the Patriotic Monks' Solidarity Association of the province held a reburial ceremony, moving the remains of the four monks into the tower. On September 28, 1990, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No. 993/QD-BVHTTDL, recognizing the Tower of the Four Martyr Monks as a national historical relic. In 2014, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha posthumously bestowed the title of Venerable Monk upon the four monks.
Over the years, the site has been restored and renovated with many new features such as a lecture hall, gate, exhibition hall, memorial plaque, trees, and internal roads. Every year, on June 10th, the memorial ceremony for the four martyred monks is solemnly organized by the People's Committee of the commune in coordination with the Patriotic Monks' Solidarity Association of the province, attracting a large number of monks, Buddhists, and people from all over to attend. "The Tower of the Four Martyred Monks is not only a place to commemorate the merits of the four monks but also a symbol of patriotism, a significant site for educating the younger generation, especially Khmer youth, about revolutionary traditions," said Mr. Danh Hung, Deputy Principal of Chau Thanh Ethnic Boarding School, Secondary School.
Gratitude and moving forward
For the people of An Giang , the tower is not only a place of worship but also a reminder to the younger generation of a glorious era, when Khmer monks carried in their hearts a burning love for their country, a place to express their pride and profound gratitude. Ms. Thi Nhung, residing in Chau Thanh commune, shared: “For more than 15 years, every June 10th, my family brings offerings to the tower. My father and uncle were martyrs, so I cherish even more the value of peace and independence today.”
Not only is it a sacred site in the hearts of the people, the Tower of the Four Martyrs is also a destination for traditional education for youth union members, students, and young people. Danh Huynh Thuy Vy, a student in class 6/3 at Chau Thanh Ethnic Boarding Secondary School, said: “This is my first time coming to light incense in remembrance of the four monks, and I am truly moved and proud. We understand that to have a peaceful and prosperous life today, our ancestors, including these beloved monks, have made sacrifices. My friends and I will try our best to study and train ourselves to be worthy of that contribution.”
The words of gratitude from today's young generation, along with the fragrant incense offered, are a testament to the enduring vitality of the flame of patriotism. Director of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religion, Danh Phuc, stated: “The Tower of the Four Martyrs has special significance, not only in terms of historical value but also because of its profound educational meaning for the younger generation. It is a vivid testament to the patriotic spirit and indomitable will of the Khmer people, and an important point of reference for educating about revolutionary traditions and fostering national pride in today's youth.”
More than half a century has passed, yet the Tower of the Four Martyr Monks still stands there, silently in the heart of Chau Thanh, like a sacred torch warming generations. Every flower and incense offered here is a profound expression of gratitude, a continuation of the patriotic spirit, so that the unwavering flame of those monks of yesteryear may forever burn brightly in the hearts of the Khmer people.
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/dia-chi-do-cua-dong-bao-khmer-a466143.html
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