Association of Soldiers protecting Quang Tri ancient citadel in 1972, Lang Son province: A common home with warm comradeship - Lang Son Newspaper

Leaders and members of the Association of Soldiers Protecting Quang Tri Citadel in 1972, Lang Son province, recall memories of the years of fighting to protect the citadel.

Quang Tri Citadel is a special national relic in Quang Tri province, where the extremely fierce battle took place for 81 days and nights (from June 28 to September 16, 1972) of our army and people during the resistance war against the US. More than 4,000 heroic martyrs fell in this battle. Participating in the battle here were over 120 young men who were children of Lang Son province; among them, many people sacrificed and remained in the citadel; more than 50 people were injured or infected with toxic chemicals.

Mr. Long Ngoc Nam, Chairman of the Association of Soldiers Protecting Quang Tri Citadel in 1972, Lang Son province, said: With the purpose of gathering and uniting those who were born, grew up or lived in Lang Son and participated in fighting and protecting Quang Tri Citadel, the association was established in July 2014. By joining the association, members not only get to meet and review the fierce battles during nearly 3 months of protecting the citadel, but also share difficulties, encourage and support each other in life.

At the time of its establishment, the association had over 150 members, and now there are 89 members aged 71 to 83 years old, active in 8 branches. Every year, the association organizes regular activities every 6 months and regularly organizes meetings with members on occasions commemorating the events of the battle to protect Quang Tri Citadel, the Liberation Day of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975), the War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1950), the Liberation Day of Lang Son (October 17, 1950) and the Bac Son Uprising Day (September 27, 1940)... Through the association, former soldiers can meet, recall heroic stories and memories, remember fierce battles and attacks to fight for every inch of land with the enemy, and remember the heroic sacrifices of their comrades. Many members of the association still preserve and cherish souvenirs such as handwritten letters, diaries, black and white photos, pens, cat-eared hats, water bottles, etc. to always remember the heroic historical marks of the nation.

Reviewing photos of some battles at Quang Tri Citadel with his teammates, Mr. Pham Xuan Thanh, Cua Dong block, Chi Lang ward, Lang Son city, said: By participating in the organization of the festival, we get to meet our comrades who fought and died together in the past; share the joys, sorrows and heroic memories of the past. Every year, my teammates and I are given the opportunity by the association to visit the old battlefields and some historical revolutionary sites inside and outside the province... Through these activities, we have more encouragement to live happily, live healthily, and activelyeducate the younger generation to promote the revolutionary tradition.

Not only is it a place for members to meet and recall memories from the war, since its establishment, the Association of Soldiers to Protect Quang Tri Citadel in 1972, Lang Son province has also carried out many meaningful and practical activities, contributing to promoting revolutionary traditions, helping members in life, work and production. Since its establishment, the association has organized many activities of comradeship, gratitude to martyrs, searching for martyrs' remains, revisiting old battlefields (in the past 5 years alone, the association has organized 8 trips for 246 members and their relatives to visit old battlefields)... Since its establishment, the association has also supported 5 families of members in difficult circumstances to build new or repair houses (support from 25 - 50 million VND/member). In the past 5 years, the association has supported 35 million VND for 2 members to borrow for economic development; Visited sick members, gave gifts to members in difficult circumstances on holidays and Tet 141 times; celebrated the longevity of 73 members; organized free medical examinations for 45 members at central hospitals... with a total amount of about 100 million VND.

Mr. Hoang Van Truong, Che Lan village, Hoa Cu commune, Cao Loc district, was moved: My family used to be poor, our house was cramped and dilapidated. Thanks to the support of 50 million VND from the association, my family was able to build a new 60 m2 level 4 house. Having a new house to live in helps my family stabilize their lives, feel secure in working and producing. Up to now, my family has escaped poverty.

Over time, the soldiers who participated in the war to protect Quang Tri Citadel in the past have become old and weak, but in their memories, the image of their comrades who fought together and endured the hardships of the days and nights in battle is still deeply engraved. In order to make the association a common home for each member, in the coming time, the Association of Soldiers Protecting Quang Tri Citadel in 1972, Lang Son province will continue to organize more meaningful activities; pay more attention and encourage members both spiritually and materially; constantly promote revolutionary traditions; actively educate family members to comply with the Party's policies, the State's laws and local regulations.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/hoi-chien-si-bao-ve-thanh-co-quang-tri-nam-1972-tinh-lang-son-mai-nha-chung-am-tinh-dong-doi-5042158.html