Over the vast nautical miles, the turbulent waves of the East Sea have evoked countless emotions as we have witnessed firsthand the stories and images of unwavering resilience and the voluntary dedication of our hearts to the homeland's islands and seas. These eternal markers of sovereignty amidst the vast ocean have been powerfully promoting "soft power," contributing to making our country a strong maritime nation, prospering from the sea, and integrating into the "century of the ocean," as outlined in the Party's resolutions and strategies.
The high-speed boat departed from Cua Viet port ( Quang Tri province ), braving the white-foaming waves to take us to Con Co Island, a frontier island that has entered the nation's history during the resistance war against the US as a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism. Although a small island, every inch of its land is imbued with blood, sacrifice, dedication, and proud values. Con Co Island has been twice awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces by the State and has the honor of receiving three letters of praise from President Ho Chi Minh.
The "golden treasure trove of history" that the Party Committee, soldiers, officials, and people of Con Co Island District have built through their contributions and sacrifices has created an invaluable spiritual legacy. Today, amidst the vast blue East Sea, this small island remains resilient, echoing the vow to protect the homeland's seas and islands.
The central area of Con Co Island is becoming increasingly modern and attractive.
"Former battlefield" on the island
Throughout the voyage to Con Co Island that day, with waves reaching level 4-5 and foam covering the bow of the ship, Captain Tran Cong Nam of the high-speed boat Chin Nghia Quang Tri chatted with us about this strategically important island of our country.
Located at the southern gateway of the Gulf of Tonkin, straddling the 17th parallel, Con Co Island is 13 to 17 nautical miles from the mainland. Over 70% of the island is covered in lush green natural forest, with a nearly intact three-tiered tropical rainforest ecosystem. While increasingly attractive, reaching Con Co Island is not easy, especially during this season. In the latter half of September, there are only two boat trips to the island. With constant rough seas, visiting Con Co remains a dream for many. “I launched the Chín Nghĩa boat in 2018. It's much more difficult than other places, but for the development of Con Co Island, we strive to maintain the trip, giving more people the opportunity to admire our beloved islands and seas,” Captain Tran Cong Nam confided. According to Truong Khac Truong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Con Co Island District, Con Co Island is a point for demarcating the baseline (A11), and has crucial strategic significance in economic -territorial relations and national defense and security not only for Quang Tri province and the North Central region but also nationwide.
“Con Co Island is a former battlefield, where every meter of land is steeped in sacrifice, a place associated with many glorious battles to protect the island. Many battlefield relics on the island are linked to the glorious victories of the officers and soldiers of Con Co Island during the resistance war against the US to save the country, and today have become a red address for revolutionary tradition education. For visitors who brave the waves to reach Con Co, these cultural values are even more meaningful…,” Mr. Truong shared. Ms. Hoang Thi My Duyen, a female officer of Con Co Island district, took us to the typical historical and cultural landmarks on this frontline island. The sacred feeling of standing under the national flag pole, gazing at the red flag with a yellow star fluttering, evoked a powerful sense of pride. The national flag pole on Con Co Island, constructed in 2016 and completed in 2017, is a venue for meaningful political activities, contributing to the education of patriotism among cadres, party members, soldiers, and citizens on the island.
Duyen took us to the Con Co Military Medical Bunker, a natural cave that held a historical significance on the island during the war against the US. The young woman recounted that this site served as the island's military surgical bunker from 1964 to 1975. Despite lacking adequate lighting, medicine, and surgical instruments, the bunker provided timely emergency care and treatment to hundreds of officers, soldiers, and militia members during the arduous resistance war. Not far away, Ben Nghe – a port that received 2,520 tons of goods and weapons supplied to the island by the people of Vinh Linh – was also located at Ben Nghe. On June 29, 1965, Island Commander Tran Van Tha received a National transistor radio gifted by beloved President Ho Chi Minh to the soldiers of Con Co Island.
Before the Monument to the Heroes and Martyrs, offering incense with sincere hearts, Duyen softly said, "This sacred place is where Con Co Island and the whole country commemorate the spirits of 104 martyrs who directly fought and served in the fight to protect the island. The younger generation on this island often hears stories from their ancestors who were dedicated to and sacrificed for the sovereignty of Con Co Island, stories filled with tears about the soldiers who spared no blood and bone, ready to step forward for the Fatherland. Many never returned, their bodies merging with the waves of the vast ocean."
"The memorial to the heroic martyrs who participated in the fighting and served in the defense of the island is therefore a cultural and spiritual landmark on this heroic island. Tourists visiting Con Co Island all come to the memorial to remember the heroic martyrs."
 Returning to civilian life, in 1969 I joined the Party and participated in the Vinh Moc Party branch. Through various positions and witnessing the ever-changing life, the memories of the heroic Con Co Island remain vivid in my mind. In conversations with my family, I always teach my children and grandchildren to live and contribute in a way that is worthy of the heroic traditions and sacrifices of previous generations. (Mr. Nguyen Van Tong) |
"All for Con Co Island"
Nearly six decades have passed, but the memories of those days sailing the seas in the pitch-black night, delivering food and weapons to the soldiers fighting on Con Co Island, remain vivid in the mind of elderly Party member Nguyen Van Tong. In his youth, he dedicated his strength, courage, and spirit entirely to the Fatherland and the islands of his homeland.
Squinting his aged eyes, Mr. Tong recalled that in May 1965, the situation on the island was extremely critical. Ammunition had to be fired one by one, rice was eaten one meal at a time, and fresh water depended solely on rain. In early June 1965, the Vinh Linh Regional Party Committee held a special meeting and issued a resolution: Defend the island with the spirit of "As long as Vinh Linh exists, the island exists," "As long as there is one person, the island exists ." The slogan "All for Con Co" spread throughout the villages and communes. Responding to the call of the Vinh Linh Regional Party Committee, many volunteer applications were submitted to supply the island. "Knowing that going might mean not returning, there was no 'but' in my mind back then. I volunteered to join Company 22 of the newly formed Regiment 270, also known as C22…," Mr. Tong recalled. On dark nights at sea, Mr. Tong and his comrades paddled rudimentary wooden boats carrying weapons and food to supply Con Co Island. Departing from the coast of Moc Bay at 7 PM, the boats sailed smoothly until 2 AM the next morning, unloading weapons and supplies. Then, everyone waited until nightfall to row back to the mainland. Each trip transporting weapons and food to the island was a precarious journey, a matter of life and death. American planes constantly bombed directly above the boats, and many people perished. Yet, no one wavered. These courageous boats continued to sail out to sea, protecting the island that was their flesh and blood.
Mr. Tong recounted the story of the past to us in his home in Team 3, Vinh Moc village, Kim Thach commune, Vinh Linh district (Quang Tri province). His hands trembled, but the former suicide commando still lucidly turned the pages of his heroic memories. Between 1965 and 1968, Mr. Tong braved the waves to transport dozens of supplies to Con Co Island. He has countless memories. He remembers most vividly the trip to the island in June 1968. Halfway there, the enemy discovered them, surrounded them with flares, and called for surrender. His comrades on the boat resolutely used B40 rocket launchers to continue their journey. Unexpectedly, artillery from the American fleet rained down, hitting his boat. Four out of six men were killed, and he was seriously wounded, but fortunately, his remaining comrades helped him to Con Co Island. After that heroic battle at sea, he and his comrades were awarded and posthumously awarded the Third Class Military Merit Medal. “Returning to civilian life, in 1969 I was admitted to the Party and participated in the Vinh Moc Party branch. Through various positions and witnessing life's ever-changing circumstances, the memories of the heroic Con Co Island of those days remain vivid in my mind. In conversations with my family, I still teach my children and grandchildren to live and contribute in a way that is worthy of the heroic traditions and sacrifices of previous generations,” Mr. Tong confided.
Following in the tradition, Mr. Tong's son, Nguyen Quang Thanh, was among the first generation of volunteer youth to settle and develop Con Co Island. Encouraged by his father, Mr. Thanh has been dedicated to this frontier island since 2002, driven by the heartfelt desire of his ancestors to protect the island's sovereignty. Mr. Thanh currently holds the position of Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Party Building Committee of Con Co District, while the islanders simply call him "village chief" (of the Youth Volunteer Village). Proud and grateful for his ancestors' sacrifices to protect the island, Mr. Thanh and the first generation of volunteer youth to Con Co Island are always concerned and actively encourage the islanders to join hands and contribute to its development. The "Party's will and the people's hearts" in this remote and challenging place remain strong. Perhaps that's why the love that generations in his family have for Con Co Island is as special as the blood, flesh, and youth of countless heroes and martyrs who dedicated their entire lives to Con Co. Remembering his father's words, Mr. Thanh always strives to live up to his role as an exemplary cadre and Party member. The third generation, Mr. Thanh's son, studied economics and is currently working alongside his father on the island.
“The oath I made at the forefront of the waves nearly 60 years ago is something I have always cherished. That oath is still being fully preserved and continued today by generations of descendants who are always strong and steadfast, for a resilient Con Co Island,” Mr. Tong shared emotionally.
The Martyrs' Memorial is where Con Co Island district and the entire country commemorate the spirits of 104 martyrs who directly fought and served in combat.
island protection
Continuing the legacy of a "golden treasure of history"
Deep in the open sea, Con Co Island still preserves its unique cultural values and historical relics from a time of bombing and shelling. This cultural foundation has created enduring landmarks in the East Sea, standing strong amidst the storms.
“Throughout history, Con Co Island has always been an indomitable symbol. This frontier island bears the indelible mark of being twice awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces by the State and receiving three letters of praise from President Ho Chi Minh. He even dedicated two lines of poetry to the heroic island: “Con Co Island blossoms with flowers of victory. We will utterly destroy the American invaders,” shared Mr. Truong Khac Truong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Con Co Island District. A time of “blood and fire” amidst the turbulent waves of the open sea forged unwavering loyalty and immortal vows, creating the new face of Con Co Island today. Among the 21 families and 84 inhabitants living on the island, there are cadres, Party members, and citizens who remain loyal to this frontier island of the Fatherland. Along with the special three-generation family of Mr. Tong and Mr. Thanh, Con Co Island also boasts many exemplary individuals who have dedicated their lives to the island's development.”
Ms. Tran Thi Quyet, along with the first generation of volunteer youth, came to the island with Mr. Thanh. Meeting us in the small house where she and her husband settled on the island, Ms. Quyet said emotionally: “As volunteer youth back then, and later as Party members on the island, our generation volunteered and strived to build Con Co Island into a more beautiful place, preserving traditions and cultural identity to create an attraction for tourism development. Con Co Island is different now; the island's residents have more motivation to deepen their love for this beloved frontier island.” Then, following her thin arm, we looked towards Hoa Phong Ba Primary School, which had just opened a few days earlier. With the school, the islanders feel more secure and their love and attachment to the island have grown stronger. Previously, children had to leave their parents and go to school on the mainland after only completing kindergarten. The appearance of the first primary school named after a sea flower demonstrates the determination and strength of the Con Co District Party Committee and its leaders, bringing warmth and confidence to families who love and live on the island.
Con Co Island had the honor of receiving three letters of praise from President Ho Chi Minh.
The Headman said: “On the island, there are soldiers, officers, and civilians living. Each person has their own role, but all bring to Con Co Island faith, love, and a willingness to contribute to its construction and development.” The stories of the Party members who lived, fought, and sacrificed for Con Co Island in the past are always remembered by today's generation as examples for each person to live responsibly and contribute more. We heard the touching story of machine gunner Dinh Ngoc Van. In March 1965, he was seriously wounded in battle and had to have both legs amputated, but he still told his commander: “I will probably die, I won't be able to fight to the end for the island. But I want to die with the title of a Party member of Con Co Island.” A special Party membership ceremony was held right on the battlefield. Machine gunner Dinh Ngoc Van breathed his last in contented joy. There are many more poignant stories like this on this island. “The first cultural value that the soldiers guarding the sea are instilled with is love for the homeland's sea and islands, attachment, and a willingness to sacrifice to protect this sacred land amidst the vast ocean of the Fatherland…,” looking out into the distance, where the lush green of the forest and sea meet, shared Le Van Thin, the head of Con Co Lighthouse Station.
Originally from Nam Dan (Nghe An province), Thin has spent over 10 years on Con Co Island, which has become his second home. “The island is my home, the sea is my homeland. Every day, the Party members and officers working at the Lighthouse Station, with their ‘eyes of the sea,’ are on duty 24/7. Our nhiệm vụ is to ensure maritime safety, provide lighting for ships, and protect national sovereignty over the sea and islands,” Thin recounted. Con Co Island may not be bustling or glamorous, but there is an invisible bond that anyone who sets foot on the island even once will never forget. Some people have been at the Con Co Lighthouse Station for nearly two decades, all believing that protecting the sacred sea and islands is their greatest purpose in life. As twilight falls on Con Co Island, the patches of forest fade into the blue sea, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Dinh Cuong, Commander of the Con Co Border Guard Post, told us the story of the close bond between the military and the people on this small island. For soldiers stationed on the islands, fulfilling the duty of safeguarding and protecting the country's maritime sovereignty is as sacred as protecting their own home. Therefore, despite facing countless difficulties every day, the spirit of "All for Con Co Island" from the past remains deeply ingrained in the hearts of these soldiers at the forefront of the waves.
He said: “In accordance with the Party's viewpoints and policies, over the years, the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and the Border Guard of Con Co Island have always focused on fulfilling their duties and regularly educating the people about protecting maritime sovereignty. Amidst the stormy seas, each citizen is a living landmark of sovereignty. They not only join the soldiers in clinging to the sea and islands but are also important factors in better carrying out the work of educating the people about the traditions of this heroic small island. Today, Con Co Island has been promoted and introduced to friends near and far as a "jewel island," shining brightly at the gateway to the Fatherland's frontline.”
Con Co Island is a "former battlefield," where every meter of land is steeped in sacrifice, a place associated with many glorious battles fought to defend the island. Many battlefield relics on the island are linked to the glorious victories of the officers and soldiers of Con Co Island during the resistance war against the US, and today have become a significant site for revolutionary tradition education. For visitors who brave the waves to reach Con Co Island, these cultural values are even more meaningful… (Mr. TRUONG KHAC TRUONG, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Con Co Island District) |
Notes by THU TRANG - THÚY HÀ; photo: TRẦN HUẤN
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