Preserving memories

More than 80 years have passed, but in Ngoc Trao commune, memories of the old war zone are still preserved through stories, and whenever someone wants to learn about the Ngoc Trao War Zone, the first name mentioned is Mr. Quach Huu Thien, former Vice Chairman of the Veterans Association of the commune.

Mr. Quách Hữu Thiện introduces documents and images about the Ngọc Trạo War Zone at the exhibition space of the historical site.

Born into a family with a rich revolutionary tradition, Mr. Thien grew up surrounded by stories of the old revolutionary base. His grandfather, father, uncle, and aunt were all brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in battles against the French colonialists. Their names are still inscribed on the memorial plaque at the revolutionary base historical site.

At the age of 18, following in his father's footsteps, Mr. Thien enlisted in the army. In February 1975, he was assigned to the armed police force (now the Border Guard) and joined the fervent atmosphere of the historic Spring Offensive. He was present at the historic moment of April 30, 1975, witnessing firsthand the complete liberation of Saigon and the reunification of the country. After the reunification, he and his unit remained in the South, tasked with taking over and protecting key targets.

In 1981, he was discharged from the army and returned to his hometown of Ngoc Trao. Joining the Veterans Association of the commune, he diligently collected documents, recorded the memories of the elderly, and compared each timeline regarding the Ngoc Trao War Zone. To the local people, he is the village's "rememberer"; to the younger generation, he is the storyteller of history.

Leaving the Ngoc Trao War Zone, we made our way to another historical site in Thanh Hoa province. Amidst the mountains and forests of Phu Le commune, Co Phuong cave still quietly exists, preserved by soldiers who lived through the war to retain memories for peacetime.

Every morning, rain or shine, Mr. Ha Duc Hong, from Sai village, Phu Le commune, follows the forest path leading to Co Phuong cave to sweep, inspect the path, and remind visitors to take care of the historical site. On the body of this quiet man, more than 20 wounds from mortar shrapnel are still visible – remnants of his years fighting in the Cambodian battlefield. Discharged from the army in 1986 with a 2/4 disability, he began a difficult life in peacetime, but never abandoned his responsibilities as a soldier.

Also associated with Co Phuong Cave is Mr. Ha Van Buc, who enlisted in the army in February 1982. After completing his military service and returning to his hometown, he has continued to participate in guarding and protecting the historical site since 2013. For both men, this work is not just a duty, but a way of continuing their responsibility to history after leaving the military.

For over a decade, each of them has received a monthly allowance of 400,000 VND for guarding and protecting the historical site – a modest amount compared to the distance through the forest and the effort they put in each day. But what keeps them committed is not the money, but their commitment to preserving the revolutionary memory of their homeland.

From the Ngoc Trao War Zone to Co Phuong Cave, amidst the solemn stone monuments and mountains, there are people quietly preserving revolutionary relics. Mr. Quach Huu Thien recounts history from his wartime memories; Mr. Ha Duc Hong and Mr. Ha Van Buc safeguard the relics with their regular daily footsteps. They are not just looking after a place, but are preserving a part of the land's "identity." As the generation that directly experienced the war dwindles, preserving memories is no longer just the responsibility of veterans, but a shared responsibility of the community, of all levels of government, and of today's youth.

Text and photos: Tang Thuy

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/gin-giu-ky-uc-280918.htm