A 'red address' for educating patriotism.

QTO - Located along the Nhat Le River in Quang Ninh commune, the Quan Hau Ferry Terminal historical site is a symbol of the courage of the people of Quang Tri. It was once considered a crucial "bottleneck" ensuring vital transportation links to support the Southern battlefield during the war against the US. Today, the Quan Hau Ferry Terminal National Historical Site is not only a significant location for educating about patriotic traditions but also a destination that helps young people and tourists understand more about the glorious history of the nation.

Located about 1km east of Quan Hau Bridge, Quan Hau Ferry Terminal has stood the test of time as a testament to the nation's heroic history during the resistance wars against French colonialism and American imperialism. Ms. Phan Thi Hong Hai, Head of the Culture Department of Quang Ninh Commune, stated: Recognizing the immense contributions of the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives at the ferry terminal, in 2003, the Ministry of Culture and Information issued a decision designating Quan Hau Ferry Terminal as a National Historical Monument.

Along with Long Dai ferry terminal and Quang Xa fighting village, Quan Hau ferry terminal has become a "red address" for educating about the nation's patriotic traditions. Visiting the Quan Hau Ferry Terminal National Historical Site, tourists can not only admire the beauty of the estuary and the Nhat Le River but also hear stories about the heroic deeds and patriotic spirit of previous generations.

The Quan Hau Ferry historical site was recognized as a national historical site in 2003 - Photo: D.N.

Going back in history, in 1886, on National Highway 1A, in the section passing through Quang Ninh commune, the French colonialists built the Quan Hau ferry terminal with the aim of invading. However, under the leadership of the local Party organization, the ferry workers went on strike many times, stopping ferry operations to hinder the enemy's invasion.

By 1960, the ferry terminal was renovated and upgraded by the State to serve the socialist construction in the North and as a crucial link on National Highway 1A between the North's rear areas and the South's front lines. During the war against the US, the Quan Hau ferry terminal was the most heavily bombed area by American aircraft, turning it into a "fire zone" aimed at preventing the flow of supplies from the North to the South's front lines.

With the slogans "Heads with coordinates, feet stepping on mines," and "No hesitation in sacrificing lives or blood for vehicles that haven't passed, no hesitation in sacrificing effort or blood for blocked roads," the officers and soldiers of the Quan Hau ferry transported millions of soldiers and volunteer youth, and moved hundreds of millions of tons of food, goods, and weapons to the battlefield.

To protect the ferry crossing, many soldiers bravely fell in battle, notably soldier Nguyen Xao, who volunteered to have his comrades hold a "living funeral" before detonating bombs and mines to clear the ferry route. Many other soldiers bravely died while on duty, such as Ha Van Cach, Nguyen Thi Huong, Le Lo, Pham Chay...

The Quan Hau Ferry Terminal Waterway Tourism Center was built with an investment of 38 billion VND - Photo: D.N.

After the war, in 1996, the Quan Hau Bridge was constructed at the site of the old ferry terminal and put into operation in 2000. Although the ferry terminal is no longer operational, it has become a destination for many tourists.

To facilitate visits and exploration of the Quan Hau Ferry Terminal National Historical Site, the Quan Hau Ferry Terminal Waterway Tourism Center was recently constructed. The project, with a total investment of 38 billion VND, is located in the former Quan Hau Ferry Terminal area. The center includes several important components, such as: a tourist boat dock; a 1.11-hectare green park with internal roads, a plaza, parking lots, and a water supply system; a reception building, ticket office, and service building; and a system of embankments along the park's perimeter.

Mr. Tran Xuan Tinh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Ninh commune, said: The establishment of the Quan Hau Ferry Terminal Waterway Tourism Center not only contributes to preserving historical relics but also opens up a direction for tourism development in the locality. Once completed and operational, the project will effectively exploit cultural, historical, and river tourism experiences. The Quan Hau Ferry Terminal Waterway Tourism Center is a highlight, contributing to the completion of local tourism infrastructure, thereby creating momentum to promote socio-economic development in Quang Ninh commune in the future.

Hopefully, amidst the modern pace of life, the establishment of the Quan Hau Ferry Terminal Waterway Tourism Center will serve as a destination, a bridge between the present and the past, reminding us of a glorious period in our nation's history, so that memories of the old ferry terminal will not be forgotten over time. This is not only a source of pride for the people of Quan Hau but also a way for present and future generations to further appreciate history and pay tribute to the heroes who fell for national independence.

D. Nguyet

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/dat-va-nguoi-quang-tri/202605/mot-dia-chi-do-giao-duc-long-yeu-nuoc-cf41f4d/