Truong Son relics - historical value

At Lao Cai Provincial Museum, more than 100 Truong Son artifacts - priceless relics, imprints of a difficult war time are being carefully preserved. These relics were received from the Vietnam Truong Son - Ho Chi Minh Trail Tradition Association in Lao Cai in 2019.

These relics are not only old items, used for decades, but also contain vivid memories of the legendary Truong Son - Ho Chi Minh Trail. Each relic is a story about creativity, bravery, overcoming difficulties, unforgettable memories, or the hardships and sacrifices for the Fatherland of the Truong Son soldiers in the past. In 4 drawers in the archives of the Provincial Museum, the Truong Son relics are carefully stored and preserved, each artifact is neatly arranged, numbered and clearly marked with the name and address of the donor.

In the drawer containing metal artifacts, I noticed artifacts with the name of Mr. Pham Van Long, Chairman of the Truong Son Tradition Association of Bao Ha Commune, Bao Yen District, donated. Mr. Long was one of the people who donated the most, with 12 artifacts. Each artifact was a meaningful story, attached to him throughout the years of hardship in the battlefield. In particular, there was a set of 7 plates, which he personally crafted from American cluster bomb tubes. During the war, when everything was scarce, even necessary items such as food plates were a luxury.

“I made these plates from American cluster bomb tubes. To make them, I had to cut, grind and shape them bit by bit. Each bomb tube was as big as a human thigh. To make the plates, I had to use a cluster bomb blade to grind into a knife to cut the bomb tube, use the edge of the ammunition box as a mold, then use the cluster bomb blade to hit down to create grooves, and finally use a grinding stone to smooth the edges. In the difficult battlefield with countless dangers and sacrifices, no one in Truong Son was discouraged but always stood side by side to overcome difficulties and fight for the Fatherland,” Mr. Long recalled with emotion.

Among the Truong Son relics at the Provincial Museum, the blue aluminum vase donated by Mr. Hoang Xuan Vinh, Ban Lau Commune (Muong Khuong) is also an emotional artifact. The vase has a simple but useful design, it has helped him overcome the tiring days of marching, giving him and his comrades strength on the arduous battlefield. Mr. Vinh shared: This vase has been with me since the day I joined the army (in 1971) until the difficult journeys after that. Every time I look back, I remember the time I lived and fought with my comrades, who were always ready to share every drop of water, encouraging each other with smiles filled with faith.

The story of Mr. Tran Van Hoi, Kim Tan ward, Lao Cai city and the green parachute blanket - the spoils of war that he and his comrades captured after the fierce battle in Play Can (Kom Tum) in 1973 also has historical depth. The blanket was actually an American parachute. Because the parachute was large, the brothers in the unit divided it among themselves as a souvenir. According to Mr. Hoi, this parachute piece was used as a blanket cover during his entire service in the army. It contains many unforgettable memories and was his companion during many long nights of fighting. In 2019, he donated the green parachute blanket to the Provincial Museum.

Although these relics are simple, plain, and somewhat worn out over time, they contain immeasurable historical value. They are evidence of the sacrifices and indomitable spirit of our ancestors so that the country can have peace and prosperity today.

I am the one who directly received many Truong Son relics from the veterans of the Truong Son - Ho Chi Minh Trail Tradition Association of Vietnam in Lao Cai. Listening to and recording the stories about each relic of the uncles and grandfathers, I could not help but be moved and silently thank the sacrifices and hardships of the previous generation. I try to understand, remember and fully convey the emotions about the origin and meaning of the relics to spread the great value of those relics.

Ms. Bui Bich Ngoc, Research, Collection and Exhibition Department (Lao Cai Provincial Museum).

As someone who has worked for nearly 30 years in archiving and preserving artifacts at the Provincial Museum's warehouse, Ms. Nguyen Thi Nguyet, Head of the Inventory and Preservation Department, always cherishes and loves artifacts, even though they are simple and small, but contain many great historical values ​​for the homeland and country.

Immediately after receiving documents and artifacts from the staff of the research, collection and display department, we carefully stored them in storage cabinets, maintained the temperature at 18 - 25 degrees Celsius according to regulations and regularly checked and cleaned the space and drawers to ensure the safety of the artifacts.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nguyet, Head of Inventory Department (Lao Cai Provincial Museum).

Not only stopping at preservation, Mr. Nguyen Van Thang, Director of the Provincial Museum affirmed: We have put the artifacts into the national data warehouse system. In addition to preserving and preserving according to regulations, we also organize many thematic activities, display and exhibit Truong Son relics and invite veterans to come and directly share stories with the next generation. We want the relics not only to stay in the drawers, but also to become stories that inspire the younger generation, each relic is a flame, keeping historical memories never forgotten.



Truong Son relics are not simply old objects, but also the story of a generation that lived and fought for noble ideals; are a source of pride, a bridge bringing the past closer to the present, reminding us: Today's peace is built from countless sacrifices of previous generations, is a flame that forever burns in the hearts of every Vietnamese person.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/ky-vat-truong-son-gia-tri-lich-su-post401038.html