An Thoi Tunnels - A Historical Landmark

More than just a war relic, the An Thoi Tunnel Historical Site (An Thoi neighborhood, An Tinh ward, Tay Ninh province) today is also a "history classroom," where the younger generation comes to better understand the past, nurture patriotism, and foster a sense of responsibility towards their homeland.

Students offer incense in commemoration at the An Thoi Tunnel historical site.

The An Thoi Tunnel historical site is a clear testament to the tenacious and resourceful fighting spirit of our army and people during the arduous years of the resistance war. According to historical documents, from 1961-1965, following the policy of the Trang Bang District Party Committee, the revolutionary forces and local people focused on building a tunnel system in An Thoi hamlet to serve the strategy of long-term resistance. During the period 1966-1968, the tunnels were further expanded and completed, becoming a continuous combat structure that played a crucial role in resisting enemy sweeps.

Taking advantage of the high, solid terrain, far from groundwater sources, and the natural bamboo, rattan, and scrub forest, the tunnels were designed in a zigzag shape, dug to a depth of 3-4 meters. Above ground was a system of interconnected fortifications and trenches; underground was a space for shelter and movement, allowing our forces to flexibly "hide and reappear," preserve their strength, and launch surprise counterattacks. This unique strategy helped the army and people of An Thoi and An Tinh repel many prolonged enemy sweeps. The An Thoi tunnels were therefore also likened to a "Viet Cong stronghold" deep underground.

Students experience a tour of the underground tunnel system.

In 1993, the An Thoi Tunnels were recognized as a national historical and cultural relic, becoming a significant site for traditional education for today's generations. Nowadays, it regularly welcomes groups of students who come to visit, clean up, offer incense, and learn about its history. These hands-on activities help students better understand the glorious past of their ancestors. Beyond simply visiting, each trip contributes to fostering awareness and instilling a sense of responsibility in the younger generation.

Phan Nguyen Bao Ngan, a student in class 6/8 at Truong Tung Quan Secondary School, shared: “This is my second time here. Seeing the bomb shelters and the artifacts in the exhibition room firsthand, I understand more about the arduous struggles of our ancestors. That made me feel very interested and the trip became more meaningful.”

Sharing the same sentiment, Duong Mai Anh, a student in class 6/8 at Truong Tung Quan Secondary School, expressed: “Through this visit, I realize that the values ​​left behind by our ancestors are immense. Therefore, we, the younger generation, will strive to study and train well to be worthy of being good children of Uncle Ho, contributing to building a more developed homeland.”

The students listened to a presentation about the history of the An Thoi Tunnels.

To promote the value of historical sites, the Youth Union and the Children's Council of An Tinh ward have also implemented many practical activities, organizing trips to historical sites and bringing students closer to these "red addresses" (historical landmarks).

Nguyen Duy Phuc, Secretary of the An Tinh Ward Youth Union, said: “In the past, the Ward Youth Union and the Ward Children's Council of An Tinh have launched activities for students and youth groups to return to their roots and journey to 'red addresses' through the model of 'An Tinh Children Preserving Local Traditional Values '. Through this, we help to awaken patriotism, national pride and self-respect, as well as promote the glorious revolutionary traditions of An Tinh locality.”

From the deep underground tunnels to the vivid lessons learned today, the An Thoi Tunnels are not only a historical testament but also a source of inspiration, nurturing patriotism and national pride in every young person. The past remains present and is being continued through the awareness, responsibility, and aspirations of today's generation.

Netherlands - Tuan Hung

Source: https://baotayninh.vn/dia-dao-an-thoi-dau-an-lich-su-145209.html