Heroic memories of the day Con Dao was liberated

Ms. Hoang Thi Khanh - former Captain of the Propaganda Armed Team of the Propaganda Department of the Saigon - Gia Dinh area, former Head of the Inspection Committee of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, Head of the Liaison Committee of Former Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War of Ho Chi Minh City. The eyes of the former female soldier seemed to shine with pride and extreme happiness: "The joy of victory was awaited throughout the time of being arrested and imprisoned. When we heard the news, none of us could stand still, everyone knelt down and shouted and cried: We won, we are alive! Long live Uncle Ho! Long live the Communist Party of Vietnam !".

Ms. Hoang Thi Khanh emotionally shared the moment of liberation of Con Dao.

In April 1975, the situation in Con Dao became increasingly tense. The enemy increased searches, moved rooms, and limited contact between political prisoners. Thanks to two radios hidden in Camp 6B, political prisoners were able to get news of the war, and from there secretly followed the rapid progress of our army to liberate the southern provinces. However, on April 24, both radios were discovered and confiscated. From then on, the only information reaching political prisoners was through the unusual behavior of the camp soldiers - not allowing prisoners to go out, personally bringing food and water, and restricting all daily activities.

Mrs. Khanh said: "About 4 days later, we saw the enemy digging behind the camp, and later we realized that they were laying mines. We guessed that our army was close to Saigon and that the enemy might kill us before retreating. If we had to die, we wanted to die with dignity. Therefore, we discussed dressing neatly, keeping our spirits up, and preparing to organize the International Labor Day on May 1st in a neat manner."

In the early morning of May 1, 1975, the Camp 6B Camp Chief suddenly opened the cell door and said: "You ladies go, your side has won." Wary of sinister plots, Ms. Dung Tien boldly demanded evidence. Only when the radio broadcast the solemn reading of Martial Law by Senior Lieutenant General Tran Van Tra did everyone burst into tears: "We have won, ladies! We are alive!"

The keys in the hands of the political prisoners not only opened the door to Camp 6B, but also opened a new chapter for all 4,000 prisoners on the island. They liberated themselves, organized forces, protected security, and established a revolutionary government.

Tourists visit Con Dao prison, where steadfast revolutionary soldiers were detained.

On the morning of May 1, representatives of the camps met to discuss and establish the island Party Committee with comrade Trinh Van Tu as Secretary. The women's representatives were Ms. Hai Nhan and Ms. Pham Thi Dao (Hai Ha) who participated in the National Reconciliation and Harmony Committee of Con Son province. In particular, Priest Pham Gia Thuy - who had fought for improved prison conditions - also actively participated in the revolutionary government and built national reconciliation. He and the forces on the island agreed to establish a provisional revolutionary government to maintain order and protect the island.

The weapons seized from the military depot and handed over by the Security Platoon helped form an armed battalion capable of controlling the situation and freeing prisoners still in shackles and chains. By 8:00 a.m. on May 1, the revolutionary forces had complete control of Con Dao town and during the day took over the airport, radar station, and Military Sub-region.

On the night of May 3, three frogmen scouts from offshore arrived at Con Dao and reported that the General Staff had sent Battalion 445 and part of the Sao Vang Division to liberate the island. However, when they discovered that the island was still lit up, the group feared that the enemy was still in control. After the scouts reported the news, the Command Board went ashore to meet with the island's Party Committee. That emotional meeting ended with a tight hug and admiration from the liberation soldiers: "We are very grateful to you comrades for liberating and keeping the island intact. Not a drop of blood was shed, I am so happy!"

On the morning of May 4, the entire island resounded with slogans: "Welcome to the Liberation Army of the South! Long live Uncle Ho's soldiers!", the shouts seemed to echo through the sky after many years of silence in hell on earth.

On the afternoon of May 4, 1975, at the headquarters of the Revolutionary Committee, the ceremony to celebrate the complete liberation of Con Dao was held in a solemn and emotional atmosphere. Thousands of prisoners with emaciated bodies but eyes shining with hope stood under the red flag with a yellow star, raising their heads to welcome the liberation day. Immediately after the liberation, the female forces were reorganized into many units: Some sewed sacks, some cooked, took care of wounded soldiers; some undertook educational and cultural work to prepare for the future service to the country. On the evening of May 4, the first victory ship brought 549 elderly and weak people back to the mainland, opening a new chapter: Con Dao would no longer be a place of imprisonment, but a symbol of strong will, of solidarity and the desire for independence and freedom.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/Tieu-diem-van-hoa/ky-uc-hao-hung-ve-ngay-con-dao-duoc-giai-phong-i766291/