Marching in his footsteps

Now in its fourth season, the "Following in the Footsteps of Heroes" program, organized by the Tuyen Quang Provincial Tourism Association every March, is gradually taking shape as a unique tourism product, perfectly blending mountain climbing, traditional education, and historical experiences. Along the paths once marked by wartime struggles, each step today not only challenges endurance but also represents a sacred pilgrimage, opening up new avenues for tourism stemming from the depth of history.

Each season of the "Following in His Footsteps" campaign attracts hundreds of tourists from within and outside the province.

A special journey

Mr. Lai Quoc Tinh, Chairman of the Provincial Tourism Association, said: “Rejecting the comfort of motorized vehicles, we chose to travel on foot. Because only by donning the green uniform of a soldier and sweating on the very mountain passes that our fathers and grandfathers once traversed, can tourists, especially the younger generation, truly transform into the soldiers of the Vi Xuyen front of yesteryear. This practical experience is the shortest way for tourists to fully understand and appreciate the hardships, difficulties, and ultimate sacrifices of the previous generation.”

The real challenge unfolded with a 12-kilometer trek, winding through steep cliffs and treacherous trails. This was a true trekking experience, demanding physical endurance and unwavering determination. Standing out among the mountain-climbing group was Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Van, a female tourist from the coastal city of Hai Phong . The 12-kilometer trek through the forest was no easy feat, especially with the constantly changing terrain featuring slippery slopes and rocky inclines. At times, her steps faltered from fatigue, her shirt soaked with sweat, but she maintained her rhythm, never giving up. Ms. Van confided: “For me, this is a personal challenge. Each step up the slope is a victory over my limits, each hurried breath feels like a rhythm from the marches of yesteryear – sacred and full of emotion.”

Following the mountain slope, the marching route suddenly transformed into an invaluable "firsthand history classroom." There were no lecterns or dry lesson plans; the lessons here were delivered in the deep, husky voices of the living witnesses – the veterans who had once shed their blood and bones on the front lines. Stopping at this time-worn gray rock, Captain Hoang The Cuong, former Deputy Head of Operations of the 356th Division, fell silent for a long time. Looking towards the misty mountain range, he recounted with tears in his eyes: "It was at this very location that Comrade Nguyen Viet Ninh, despite his many wounds, resolutely refused to retreat. In the battle to defend Hill 685, he bravely sacrificed himself, his hand still clutching his rifle inscribed with the words: 'Live clinging to the rocks to fight the enemy, die becoming immortal rocks.' That oath, carved into the mountain rock, quickly spread, becoming a 'spiritual weapon,' empowering generations of soldiers in Vi Xuyen to fight to the death for the Fatherland."

That tragic past has become an emotional turning point, where young people pause and understand that there are values ​​that can only be felt through their own experiences. Youth Union member Nguyen Van Thanh ( Hanoi ) choked up, saying, “Only by walking all the way here and experiencing the harshness of the terrain did I truly understand the extraordinary strength of the previous generation. For ten long years, clinging to the brink of life and death, they sacrificed their blood and bones to create a steel fortress, protecting every inch of sacred land on the border of our Fatherland.”

The cultural programs, themed "Singing Overcomes the Sound of Bombs," recreated the heroic spirit and rekindled unforgettable memories of a time of war and fire.

Unique tourism products

After four seasons, "Following in the Footsteps of Heroes" has expanded in scale and become more professionally operated. But what remains most deeply is the spreading humanitarian value. Not only does it attract domestic tourists, but the journey has also garnered interest from international visitors – although they are currently unable to participate directly due to strict border security regulations. This, however, once again confirms the appeal of its unique model: Gratitude tourism combined with outdoor sports experiences.

Mr. Lai Quoc Tinh shared: “The core objective of the program remains traditional education, paying tribute to those who fought for 10 years to protect the northern border at the Vi Xuyen front (1979-1989), with the spirit of 'Not an inch will be given up, not a millimeter will be surrendered.' But this very foundation opens up a new direction for tourism connected with history, memory, and civic responsibility. The special feature of the program lies in its authenticity. Participants don't just 'ride a horse and look at flowers,' but eat field meals, march in formation, and live in discipline like real soldiers.”

It is this difference that makes the program so appealing. There are veterans like Mr. Pham Ngoc An who participate in all four seasons of the march to relive memories with their comrades. There are tourists like Mr. Phan Dinh Long (Hanoi) who return twice just to continue the journey that is not yet finished: “This is not a trip for entertainment, but a march to confront history. When I see the old battlefields with my own eyes, I understand that today's peace was bought with immeasurable sacrifices.”

Along that journey, the cultural program "Singing to Drown Out the Sound of Bombs" became a deeply emotional highlight. Without a stage or spotlights, amidst the mountains and forests of the border region, the simple yet moving voices rose with familiar melodies: "The road to the battlefield this season is so beautiful..." or "Life is still beautiful / Love is still beautiful / Even though the savage bombs roar / Even though nature's body bears so many wounds...". The singing not only transformed the arduous, winding road into a romantic march, but also connected the past with the present, allowing today's generation to touch the indomitable spirit of a time of war and fire.

Ms. Bui Dieu Thuy, from Son Ha village, Ngoc Duong commune, shared: “One of my deepest impressions of the journey was the skillful way in which veterans and young people were brought together in the same marching group. This created a wonderful generational bridge. Memories were passed from the elderly to the young, not to foster hatred, but to nurture patriotism, national pride, and self-respect.”

"Following in His Footsteps" concludes as twilight descends, the crimson glow shimmering on the distant mountain peaks. Sweat-soaked uniforms are removed, but an intangible emotion takes deep root in their minds. Some linger, gazing back at the path they've just traveled, as if wanting to hold onto something unnamed. For they understand that traveling isn't just about arriving. It's about remembering, about gratitude, and about living in a way that truly honors those who have "turned to stone" amidst the clouds of the remote borderlands.

According to Baotuyenquang.com.vn

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/hanh-quan-theo-buoc-chan-anh-a482562.html