Delegates and citizens released lanterns on the Thach Han River to commemorate the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence, freedom, and unification of the country.
Amidst the sacred space of this "land of fire," people silently return, sending their profound gratitude into the waves. Thach Han is a place that once endured the flames of war, where countless sons and daughters of Vietnam fell defending every inch of their homeland.
A meeting place of gratitude and memory
These days, locals and tourists from all over the country flock to the Thach Han River and Quang Tri Ancient Citadel to offer incense, flowers, and light candles in remembrance. As night falls, lanterns lit by locals and tourists are gently released onto the Thach Han River. The shimmering candlelight reflects on the river's surface like thousands of tiny stars forming a memorial. Each lantern is a tribute, a message to those who have become one with the land and sky of Quang Tri.
In the sacred atmosphere, the ringing of bells from Quang Tri Ancient Citadel evokes memories of the fierce 81-day and 81-night battle to defend the citadel from June 28 to September 16, 1972. This place, which once endured tens of thousands of tons of bombs and bullets, has now become a "red address," reminding generations to deeply understand the value of peace . The Thach Han River, flowing alongside Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, stands as a historical witness, silently recounting the story of the young soldiers who perished in that fiery summer 54 years ago.
This year, on the occasion of the full moon of the first lunar month, the Quang Tri Provincial Department of Health , in coordination with Quang Tri ward, organized the "Lantern Festival Night" program to pay tribute to the heroic martyrs on the Thach Han River. Hundreds of officials, union members, young people, veterans, and local residents participated in offering incense, lighting candles, and listening to stories of remembrance.
Amidst the solemn incense smoke at the National Special Monument of the Ceremonial House - Flower-Laying Wharf on the South Bank of the Thach Han River, delegates respectfully bowed their heads for a moment of silence to commemorate the immense contributions of the heroic martyrs.
The Director of the Quang Tri Provincial Department of Health, Diep Thi Minh Quyet, emotionally expressed that to defend the ancient citadel during the 81 fierce days and nights, thousands of soldiers and civilians bravely fought and sacrificed themselves; their blood mingled with the earth and rivers, transforming into plants and alluvial soil along the riverbanks. Before the spirits of the martyrs, each person today vows to live, study, work, and contribute in a manner worthy of that noble sacrifice; determined to build a more prosperous, beautiful, and civilized homeland; and to fully realize the aspirations for peace and development that they left behind.
More than just a commemorative ceremony, the lantern festival on the Thach Han River on the full moon of the first lunar month is also an opportunity to educate the younger generation about traditions. Amidst the sparkling light of the lanterns, everyone pauses to understand that today's independence and freedom were bought with countless lives and sacrifices.
Nguyen Thang Loi, Secretary of the Youth Union of Trieu Phong Regional Medical Center, shared: “In the solemn atmosphere of the full moon night of the first lunar month, we deeply appreciate the immense sacrifices of the heroic martyrs who fell for today's peace. As healthcare workers, we always remind ourselves to live responsibly and wholeheartedly care for the health of the people. The Youth Union regularly participates in activities to show gratitude, provide medical examinations and treatment for families of policy beneficiaries, organize visits to martyrs' cemeteries, and study revolutionary traditions. This is also how the younger generation expresses gratitude and continues the legacy.”
Offering incense and flowers to pay tribute to the heroic martyrs on the Thach Han River on the full moon of the first lunar month.
The full moon day by the Thach Han River is quiet and unassuming. There's only the sound of water lapping against the shore, whispered names of fallen comrades, words of gratitude to fathers and brothers who came before, and wishes for peace carried away by the current. Each flower, each floating lantern, is a reminder of the value of peace and the principle of "drinking water, remembering the source" in the heroic land of Quang Tri.
Every year on the full moon of the first lunar month, veteran Phan Minh Khue (from Trieu Phong commune) comes to the Thach Han River to light incense and personally release floating lanterns for his fallen comrades. He choked up, saying that the Thach Han River was once a "hotbed of fire" during the summer of 1972, where many young soldiers in their twenties perished. The peace we enjoy today was bought with so much blood and sacrifice. He hoped that the younger generation would always remember the sacrifices of these heroic martyrs, and at the same time strive to study, preserve history, and build a more prosperous and beautiful homeland.
The Thach Han River has, is, and will forever tell the story of soldiers who immersed themselves in the deep river, under heavy bombardment, using their bodies as communication links to serve the battlefield. These were the outstanding sons of the nation who, before crossing the Thach Han River, prepared for their own funerals, sending letters, and engraving their names on metal plaques for their comrades to bury, ready and calmly facing death for their sacred oath to the Fatherland. They were the mainstays of the liberation army, fighting countless battles, seizing every bunker, trench, corner of the city, and outpost against the enemy, yet still radiant with a "victory smile" on their faces even on the brink of life and death.
The heroic feat from the Thach Han River to the Quang Tri Citadel has been inscribed in the history of the Vietnamese revolution, a glorious and bloody achievement that stirred the conscience of mankind; it is an epic of courage and self-sacrifice for the cause of national liberation of the people and soldiers of Quang Tri and the entire country. The Thach Han River continues to flow tirelessly through the years, carrying memories and faith. As the lanterns fade into the night, the light of gratitude remains intact in the hearts of each person, illuminating the journey today and tomorrow.
The river is revived with a new rhythm of life.
The lantern festival honoring fallen heroes and martyrs on the Thach Han River during the full moon of the first lunar month is also an opportunity to educate the younger generation about our traditions.
For generations, the Thach Han River has flowed silently through the heart of Quang Tri, the "land of fire," carrying with it silt, memories, and historical sediments. Once referred to as a "cemetery without tombstones" after years of fierce warfare, today the banks of the Thach Han River have taken on a new appearance – dynamic and full of life.
Sturdy bridges connecting the two banks have replaced the rickety ferries of yesteryear. Along this historic river, bridges such as the Thach Han Bridge (National Highway 1A), Thanh Co Bridge, An Mo Bridge, Dai Loc Bridge, and Cua Viet Bridge have successively appeared, creating strong connections. Particularly noteworthy is the Thach Han 1 Bridge, part of the coastal road project connecting the East-West Economic Corridor, linking Trieu Binh commune and Nam Dong Ha ward, which is now largely complete. The completion of this bridge opens up development opportunities for localities along the Thach Han River.
According to Nguyen Thanh Vu, Chairman of the People's Committee of Trieu Binh commune, the locality is located on the eastern bank of the Thach Han River. When Thach Han Bridge 1 is completed, it will facilitate the locality's connection with urban areas, opening up opportunities for economic development, infrastructure, tourism, and services.
Infrastructure and landscapes along the Thach Han River are increasingly being improved to serve economic and social development and the lives of the people. Projects to build embankments to prevent erosion along the Thach Han River, combined with landscape beautification in Quang Tri, Nam Dong Ha, and Dong Ha wards, and Trieu Phong, Ai Tu, and Trieu Binh communes, not only ensure safety during the rainy season but also create more green public spaces. Parks, squares, and riverside roads are gradually taking shape, bringing the flow of history into harmony with contemporary life.
Along with urban infrastructure upgrades, the appearance of the Thach Han riverside section passing through Quang Tri ward is increasingly vibrant. Commercial and service activities are gradually becoming more active, becoming a meeting point for locals and tourists. When night falls, the lights from the Ancient Citadel Bridge reflect on the water, creating a shimmering, peaceful scene. The river, once stained with the fiery colors of the past, now wears a gentle charm, becoming an "open cultural space" in the heart of the city. Beyond its historical value, the Thach Han river today offers a close and relaxing experience. The tree-lined riverside road has become a place for strolling, cycling, and enjoying the open scenery.
Ms. Dang Thi Bich, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, shared: “I was very impressed cycling along the Thach Han riverside road. The fresh air, cool breeze, and peaceful scenery created a very pleasant feeling. Sitting by the riverbank in the evening, watching the lights reflect on the water, I clearly felt the harmony between the past and the present.”
The Thach Han River, which flows peacefully today, once endured the flames of war, a place where countless sons and daughters of Vietnam fell defending every inch of their homeland.
The clear blue Thach Han River silently nourishes the fields along its banks. The fertile alluvial soil, deposited with each flood season, enriches the delta basin, creating lush green fields of high-quality, organic rice. Thanks to abundant water and fertile land, people confidently apply technological advancements to production, improving rice yield and quality, and moving towards sustainable agriculture. Thus, the river not only nurtures memories but also fosters the future.
More than just a historical river, the Thach Han River today has become a symbol of rebirth. The river continues to flow tirelessly, carrying silt and aspirations, witnessing the transformation of Quang Tri province. In this new rhythm of life, the Thach Han River no longer tells the story of a glorious past but is continuing to write the story of development, peace, and faith.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/xa-hoi/ngay-ram-tri-an-ben-dong-thach-han-20260303132239827.htm
Comment (0)