The students listened to stories told by Ms. Le Thi Thanh Thuy about the Victory at Ong Hao.
One late morning at the end of the year, the grounds of the Ong Hao Victory Historical Site were bustling with activity as over 300 students from Binh Thuy 2 Primary School (Binh Thuy Ward) came to visit. Guided by tour guides and teachers, the children lined up neatly and solemnly to enter the Ong Hao Victory Monument, respectfully lighting incense sticks. Ms. Le Thi Thanh Thuy, the tour guide at the site, spoke in a somber tone as she invited the teachers and students to observe a moment of silence to remember and pay tribute to the heroes and martyrs. The smoke from the incense permeated the peaceful space, filling the children's faces with solemn reverence.
Afterward, the children entered the exhibition hall, where a guide told them the story of the Victory at Ong Hao. Throughout the exhibition space, photographs, artifacts, and dioramas recreating the battle helped them visualize more clearly the fierce wartime period. Questions were constantly asked, demonstrating their enthusiasm for the history of their homeland.
According to historical records, exactly 60 years ago, on June 8, 1965, in the Ong Hao canal area, the heroic Tay Do Battalion bravely fought an unequal battle against the enemy. With courageous spirit and flexible tactics, they completely annihilated the Black Tiger Battalion, inflicting heavy losses on the puppet 21st Division, contributing to the failure of the US-puppet regime's "rural pacification" plan in Can Tho. The Ong Hao victory was not only the first major surprise attack by the Can Tho armed forces, but also a vivid testament to the military art of "using few against many, using rudimentary means to defeat modern ones," further enhancing the glorious tradition of "Going to war means victory - fighting means annihilation" of the heroic Tay Do Battalion.
The historical story was told concisely, clearly, and memorably by Ms. Le Thi Thanh Thuy, suitable for elementary school students. As a result, the children listened attentively, captivated by every detail. And when the tour guide held a quiz with prizes about the stories told, the children enthusiastically raised their hands and answered correctly. Nguyen Thach Ha Tho, a 5th-grade student, expressed: “Standing in front of the monument, I was very moved. I understand that to have the peaceful life we have today, our ancestors made many sacrifices. I will try harder in my studies to be worthy of our ancestors.” Nguyen Hung Thang, also a 5th-grade student, shared: “I liked hearing about the battle the most. I saw that the soldiers were very brave and resilient. I admire them very much!”
Ms. Le Thi Thanh Thuy, a tour guide at the historical site, has been dedicated to it for over 13 years. She is passionate about the site, researching information and historical documents, and meeting witnesses to enrich her presentations. Most importantly, Ms. Thuy lives with the pride of a young person in the traditions of her ancestors, sharing her experiences with heartfelt emotion. Perhaps that's why each of her stories seems to ignite a spark in her listeners. Ms. Thanh Thuy said: “Every artifact, every story here is a testament to history. When telling stories to students, we always try to convey them in a relatable way, so that they not only understand but also feel the immense sacrifices of our ancestors.”
Ms. Nguyen Thi Chi, a teacher at Binh Thuy 2 Primary School, said: “These extracurricular learning sessions are very meaningful. Students learn through practical experience, thereby fostering gratitude, a sense of responsibility, and pride in their homeland and country.” Indeed, traditional education through visits to historical sites is proving to be an effective approach, contributing to reviving historical values in contemporary life. The Ong Hao Victory Monument is a prime example; it not only preserves war memories but also serves as a humanistic educational space where the past and present meet in history lessons.
From the stories of the heroic land of Truong Long, history continues to be retold and spread. Through these trips back to the roots, the youth of Can Tho will gain more motivation to continue writing the story of peace with knowledge, responsibility, and love for their homeland and country.
Text and photos: DANG HUYNH
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/ngon-lua-truyen-thong-tren-dat-truong-long-a196597.html
Comment (0)