Trường Sơn relics - historical value

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

Báo Lào Cai•30/04/2025

These relics are not just old items used decades ago, but also contain vivid memories of the legendary Truong Son - Ho Chi Minh Trail. Each relic tells a story of creativity, courage, overcoming difficulties, unforgettable memories, or the hardships and sacrifices for the Fatherland of the Truong Son soldiers of the past. In four cabinets in the provincial museum's archives, the Truong Son relics are carefully stored and preserved, each item neatly arranged, numbered, and clearly labeled with the name and address of the donor.

In the cabinet containing metal artifacts, I noticed items bearing the name of Mr. Pham Van Long, Chairman of the Truong Son Tradition Association of Bao Ha commune, Bao Yen district, who donated them. Mr. Long is one of the most generous donors, with 12 mementos. Each memento tells a meaningful story, connected to his experiences during the arduous years on the battlefield. Particularly noteworthy is a set of seven plates, which he handcrafted from American cluster bomb casings. During the war, when everything was scarce, even essential items like food plates were considered a luxury.

“I forged these discs from American cluster bomb casings. To make them, I had to cut, grind, and shape them little by little. Each casing was as big as a person's thigh. To make the discs, I had to sharpen the bomb casings into knives to cut the casings, use the edges of the ammunition boxes as molds, then use the casings to create grooves, and finally use grinding stones to smooth the edges. In the harsh battlefield with countless dangers and sacrifices, none of the Trường Sơn soldiers lost heart; they always stood side by side, overcoming hardships and fighting for the Fatherland,” Mr. Long recalled with emotion.

Among the Trường Sơn relics at the provincial museum, the blue aluminum water bottle donated by Mr. Hoàng Xuân Vinh from Bản Lầu commune (Mường Khương district) is also a highly evocative exhibit. With its simple yet useful design, the bottle accompanied him through arduous marches, providing sustenance for him and his comrades on the difficult battlefield. Mr. Vinh shared: "This bottle has been with me since the day I enlisted (in 1971) throughout the subsequent hardships. Every time I look at it, I remember the time I lived and fought alongside 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, from Kim Tan ward, Lao Cai city, and the green parachute blanket – a war trophy he and his comrades obtained after the fierce battle at Play Can (Kom Tum) in 1973 – also carries a profound historical significance. The blanket was actually a piece of an American supply parachute. Because the parachute was so large, the soldiers in his unit divided it among themselves, each taking a piece as a memento. According to Mr. Hoi, he used this piece of parachute as a blanket cover throughout his military service. It holds countless unforgettable memories and was his companion during many long nights of fighting. In 2019, he donated the green parachute blanket to the provincial museum.

These mementos, though simple and somewhat worn with time, hold immeasurable historical value. They are a testament to the sacrifices and indomitable spirit of our ancestors, enabling the country to enjoy peace and prosperity today.

I am the person who directly received many Trường Sơn relics from veterans of the Trường Sơn - Ho Chi Minh Trail Veterans Association in Lào Cai. Listening to and recording the stories about each relic from the veterans, I couldn't help but be moved and silently grateful for the sacrifices and hardships of the previous generation. I tried to understand, remember, and fully convey the emotions about the origin and meaning of these relics in order to spread the immense value of these artifacts.
Ms. Bui Bich Ngoc, Research, Collection and Exhibition Department (Lao Cai Provincial Museum).

Having 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 values these artifacts, even the simplest and smallest ones, as they hold immense historical value for her homeland and country.

Immediately after receiving the documents and artifacts from the research, collection, and exhibition staff, we stored them in the warehouse and carefully placed them in storage cabinets, maintaining the temperature at 18-25 degrees Celsius as per regulations. We also regularly inspect and clean the space and cabinets to ensure the safety of the artifacts.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Nguyet, Head of Inventory Department (Lao Cai Provincial Museum).

Not just focusing on preservation, Mr. Nguyen Van Thang, Director of the Provincial Museum, affirmed: "We have included the artifacts in the national data system. Besides preserving and maintaining them according to regulations, we also organize many thematic activities, exhibitions, and displays of Trường Sơn relics, and invite veterans to directly share their stories with the younger generation. We want these relics not to just sit idly in cabinets, but to become inspiring stories for the younger generation; each relic is a flame, ensuring that historical memories are never forgotten."

The relics of Truong Son are not simply old objects, but also tell the story of a generation that lived and fought for noble ideals; they are a source of pride, a bridge bringing the past closer to the present, reminding us that today's peace was built upon the countless sacrifices of previous generations, a flame that will forever burn in the heart of every Vietnamese person.