As a crucial transportation hub in the advance and supply routes of our troops to the Dien Bien Phu battlefield, the Co Noi intersection in Co Noi commune, Mai Son district, former Son La province (now Mai Son commune, Son La province) once became a "fire zone" where it had to endure hundreds of tons of bombs and bullets from the enemy every day. This place is the intersection of Highway 13 and Highway 41, a choke point where the enemy dropped thousands of tons of bombs and ammunition in an attempt to cut off the supply route from the rear to the Dien Bien Phu battlefield.
The Co Noi Crossroads historical site viewed from above.
During the campaign, the French colonialists identified Co Noi Junction as the "choke point," the "fatal flaw" of the supply route for weapons and food from the rear to Dien Bien Phu. The French Air Force in Indochina received orders to turn this place into a "quagmire" at all costs, cutting off the Viet Minh's lifeline of support.
The Co Noi Crossroads historical site is a symbol of the indomitable spirit and unwavering will of the Vietnamese people.
From the beginning of 1954 until the end of the Dien Bien Phu campaign, not a single day passed without the sound of bombs and bullets at Co Noi Crossroads. Every day, dozens of intense attacks rained down, churning up the earth and rocks, covering everything in smoke and fire, transforming the small crossroads into one of the most fiercely contested hotspots on the strategic route.
It was on this very land that more than 18,000 officers, soldiers, and volunteer youth from the Central Youth Volunteer Force held their ground day and night with the spirit: "We will die for the Fatherland," and "Blood may flow, hearts may stop, but the transportation arteries will never be blocked."
The heroic sacrifice of over 100 young volunteer martyrs at Co Noi Crossroads is a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism, of the unwavering will, courage, and aspiration for peace and independence of the young generation of Vietnam in the Ho Chi Minh era.
The Co Noi intersection – a former strategic choke point on the front line – is now a significant site for educating future generations about revolutionary traditions.
On that very land, once ravaged by bombs and bullets, a "historical landmark" was established, continuing the historical legacy and fostering ideals and pride for today's generations.
In the memories of those who passed through that "fire zone," the image of comrades and fellow soldiers using their bodies to fill bomb craters, ensuring that each vehicle and each load of goods could pass through the "choke point" of gunfire, remains vivid.
Former Youth Volunteers, now frail and with graying hair, were deeply moved as they revisited the historical site.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Nu, a former youth volunteer, recalled: " At that time, the French attacked very fiercely, dropping hundreds of tons of bombs every day. Roads were very difficult to navigate, so we had to open shortcuts through the hills; we had to mobilize the entire population to transport food and ammunition, and so many of our comrades sacrificed their lives here. Therefore, we were even more united, working together to overcome difficulties and liberate Dien Bien Phu ."
This place preserves many relics of the Youth Volunteers from their time fighting and serving in combat.
Over 70 years have passed, and the Co Noi Crossroads today has taken on a new appearance. In 2000, Son La province invested in building the Memorial Site for Young Volunteer Martyrs here. In 2004, the site was classified as a national-level historical site. In July 2021, the first phase of the spiritual memorial area was inaugurated, contributing to the completion of the space for honoring and educating about revolutionary traditions.
On May 18, 2026, the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, in coordination with the Son La Provincial Youth Union, solemnly organized the inauguration, handover, and acceptance ceremony of the Co Noi Crossroads Historical Relic Area (Phase II), including the following items: Construction of a new 20.07m high spiritual tower; maintenance of the monument and reliefs; repair of the two-story exhibition house, restrooms, memorial courtyard, playground, shallow pool, and parking area; technical infrastructure system including access road to the tower, water supply and drainage, electricity supply, fire protection, retaining wall, and other items.
The spiritual tower as seen from above.
Comrade Bui Quang Huy and Comrade Ha Trung Chien planted trees in the area of the spiritual tower.
In the solemn atmosphere of the historical site, Comrade Bui Quang Huy, Member of the Central Committee of the Party, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Youth Union, expressed: “ Today's inauguration ceremony is just the beginning. The next important task is how to manage, preserve, and promote the project so that it brings practical value and has a profound impact on society. I hope that the Son La Provincial Youth Union will proactively research and develop proposals to report to the Son La Provincial Party Committee and the Son La Provincial People's Committee to continue to pay attention to, plan, and invest in additional supporting and specialized items within the historical site. This will create a significant cultural and historical landmark, commemorating, honoring, and appropriately expressing gratitude to the Youth Volunteer martyrs who dedicated their youth and sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of the country and the nation.”
Former youth volunteers offer incense at the memorial.
The Co Noi Crossroads historical site has also become a destination for educating future generations about revolutionary traditions. Since the beginning of 2026 alone, it has welcomed over 1,000 visitors who have come to explore and research its history.
Comrade Ha Trung Chien, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, stated: “ The completion of the Spiritual Tower in these historic days of May has a very special significance, expressing gratitude to those who dedicated their youth, blood, and lives to national independence; and at the same time contributing to the preservation and promotion of the historical and cultural values of the Co Noi Crossroads historical site. To ensure the long-term value of the project, I propose that local Party committees, authorities, and relevant units continue to pay attention to managing, protecting, and effectively exploiting the historical site; strengthen traditional education, organize meaningful and practical activities to commemorate the origins; maintain the landscape, ensure security and safety, and build a solemn and healthy cultural environment. At the same time, I hope that the youth of Son La will continue to uphold the revolutionary tradition, the spirit of initiative and responsibility, and contribute to building a more prosperous, beautiful, and civilized homeland.”
Central Committee and Son La Provincial leaders pose for a commemorative photo with former Youth Volunteers.
Spending her days at the historical site, Cao Huyen Trang, a tour guide at the Co Noi Crossroads Historical Site, couldn't hide her emotion and pride: " During these historic days of May, my feelings are hard to describe; it's a deep sense of pride and gratitude. I always remind myself to strive to improve my knowledge of history, especially to give explanations from the heart, not only to bring historical values to visitors but also to awaken a deep sense of pride and gratitude ."
From the former "choke point" of the front lines to today's historical landmark, Co Noi Crossroads is not only a historical testament but also a symbol of the indomitable will and resilience of the Vietnamese people. Here, every inch of land still echoes the story of a time of war and fire, reminding present and future generations of the value of peace and the responsibility to preserve and promote the precious revolutionary traditions of the Vietnamese nation. The war is long over, but the flame of patriotic spirit of the Youth Volunteer Force at Co Noi Crossroads will forever burn brightly.
Thuy Ha
Source: https://sonla.gov.vn/tin-van-hoa-xa-hoi/nhung-ngay-thang-5-lich-su-o-toa-do-lua-nga-ba-co-noi-999662
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