Fifty-one years after the reunification of the country, the memories of those who shed sweat and blood to protect every inch of sacred land of the Fatherland still carry immense weight in the hearts of the people. Amidst the majestic Truong Son mountain range, the image of veteran Alang Bay, a member of the Co Tu ethnic group, still stands as a vivid symbol of loyalty to the Party and the Revolution, of unwavering determination to cling to the land and protect the forests, and of never retreating in the face of the enemy.
As long as there are people, there is land.
Born in 1930 in Atiêng commune, Hiên district (now Sông Kôn commune, Da Nang city), Alăng Bảy grew up in a homeland engulfed in war. Witnessing the destruction of his village forged in him an unwavering resolve: to follow the Party and the Revolution to protect the mountains and forests, to preserve every inch of Trường Sơn land – the home of generations of Cơ Tu people.
In 1958, he left his home to join the Revolution, and two years later, he had the honor of becoming a Party member. From then on, his life was closely intertwined with the Trường Sơn forests and the fierce battles fought to protect his homeland. Whether as a scout, a combat officer, or a local leader, he was always at the forefront, directly fighting and holding his ground, never leaving an inch of land. In 1963, he was transferred to the Tây Giang District Military Command as an operational assistant; from 1968 to 1975, he held many important positions such as political commissar, commune militia commander, Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, and Commune Party Secretary. In every position, he demonstrated the character of a loyal Party member, placing the task of protecting the land and the village above all else.
Following the Revolution, hero Alang Bay achieved many remarkable accomplishments in the Truong Son mountain range.
During the most brutal years of the war, Alang Bay and his comrades participated in 35 battles, large and small, directly contributing to the defense of every forest and stream in the Truong Son mountain range. He and his unit shot down 10 enemy aircraft, killed over 300 enemy soldiers, and captured 37. He personally killed over 50 enemy soldiers, wounded 46 others, and shot down 3 helicopters. Notably, in 1962, during an ambush at Ahu Hill, he used his rifle to shoot down a US UH-1A helicopter – a feat demonstrating his bravery, composure, and skillful use of the mountainous terrain.
These victories are not just numbers, but proof of the spirit of "as long as there are people, there is land," of the unwavering determination to defend every inch of the Truong Son mountain range. For Alang Bay, every tree, every mountain slope is not only a battleground but also the very flesh and blood of his homeland, the birthplace of the Co Tu people. Therefore, he fought not only with courage but also with a deep love for the land and people of the vast Truong Son mountains.
Preserving the national spirit
For his immense contributions, he was awarded many prestigious honors by the State: the First Class Resistance Medal, 3 Glorious Soldier Medals, and 2 First and Second Class Military Achievement Medals. In 2015, he was awarded the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces - a well-deserved reward for a lifetime of unwavering combat.
With peace restored, the former soldier returned to his homeland in the mountains and forests, but he never rested for a single day. Despite bearing the scars of war, he continued to contribute as Chairman of the Farmers' Association and Vice Chairman of the Veterans' Association of Song Kon commune. He spearheaded economic development with models of forest planting and livestock farming, contributing to improving the lives of the local people.
Returning to peacetime, Hero Alang Bay (right in the photo) actively participated in local activities and made many contributions to preserving the cultural identity of the Co Tu ethnic group.
In particular, as a member of the Co Tu ethnic group, he is deeply committed to preserving his ethnic cultural identity. He is one of the few who still practice the craft of making crossbows – a cultural symbol and a weapon closely associated with the Co Tu people's history of defending their land. From selecting the wood, making the crossbow body, spinning the string, to perfecting every detail, he diligently teaches the younger generation. For him, preserving the craft is also about preserving the soul of the ethnic group, preserving a part of the memories of the Truong Son Mountains.
In the afternoons by the fireplace, he would tell his grandchildren stories of the years spent fighting in the forest, about how the Co Tu people united to protect their village and land. These stories were not just memories, but also a flame of tradition, nurturing pride and a sense of patriotism in future generations.
On October 1, 2024, amidst the tranquil atmosphere of the vast forest, Alang Bay returned to his motherland at the age of 94. His passing leaves behind profound sorrow, but also further solidifies the image of a man who lived fully for his ideals: loyal to the Party, devoted to the Revolution, and steadfastly defending every inch of the Truong Son Mountains.
He is gone, but his spirit lives on – in the green forests, in the echoing gongs of the mountains, in every generation of the Co Tu people who follow in his footsteps. The crossbows he left behind are not just tools, but symbols of willpower, of courage, and of a silent message: this land is ours, we must protect it, at all costs.
This article is offered as a tribute on the second anniversary of the passing of the Co Tu ethnic veteran, who dedicated his life to fighting and defending every inch of sacred land in the Truong Son mountain range, so that today the country enjoys peace, the mountains and forests remain green, and the villages still resound with laughter and conversation.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/nguoi-co-tu-giu-dat-truong-son-196260627204725788.htm
