• The feelings of a tour guide

Along Highway 1, stopping at Gia Rai Ward, the Noc Nang Historical Site appears silently in the middle of a land once stained with revolutionary blood. This is the place that marks the heroic uprising of the Muoi Chuc brothers against the colonialists and their lackeys nearly a century ago. Welcoming us at the site was tour guide Nguyen Thi Man, dressed in a traditional Vietnamese dress and a conical hat, with a gentle smile. That rustic appearance is typical of Southern women, making anyone who meets her feel sympathy.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Man explains to visitors to Noc Nang historical site.

Along with a few other tourists, we followed Ms. Man to visit and listen to her stories. Her deep voice, decisive but profound narration, the dry historical information seemed to be breathed into life, becoming lively and attractive. Many guests did not hesitate to express their admiration and appreciation when listening to her recount the heroic history of this land.

When the guests left, Ms. Man sat quietly in the corner of the memorial house and confided: “Up to now, I have been involved in the tour guide profession for more than 11 years, working in many places such as: Cai Chanh Base Relic, President Ho Chi Minh Temple, the place where the first Party cell of Bac Lieu province was established... and now Noc Nang Historical Relic. Each place has its own emotions, but the common point is pride. I have never intended to give up this job, because I clearly understand its value and meaning. Being able to contribute to preserving history and inspiring the younger generation is what makes me happy every day.”

The family grave of the Muoi Chuc farmers in the relic site.

Attached to the Noc Nang Historical Relic, Ms. Man is not only a narrator, but also a caretaker and preserver of each grave as if preserving the memories of her own relatives. “Although I have worked at many relics in the province, my wish is to stay here until I retire. I see and take care of the graves of Muoi Chuc’s family as if they were my own relatives. Every day, I offer water on the altar and clean the graves. Occasionally, I also buy fruit to offer at the graves,” Ms. Man added.

Not only Nguyen Thi Man, the journey of "telling historical stories" also had the participation of Ms. Le Thi Be Sau, the tour guide of Cai Chanh Base Relic Site (Ninh Thanh Loi Commune). For Ms. Be Sau, living in the historical space, telling the heroic stories of her homeland every time visitors come is a great honor. Over the years, she has memorized every artifact and story associated with this place.

Ms. Le Thi Be Sau, explaining about Cai Chanh Base Relic Site to the delegation of Central officials and former leaders of Bac Lieu province (old) who came to visit. Photo: Phan Thanh Cuong

Ms. Be Sau's voice is full of emotion, when pointing to each artifact, conveying historical information and giving listeners endless pride: "This is the jar that was placed at Cai Chanh Base for our cadres to take shelter when there was artillery or air strikes. This is the boat that comrade Vo Van Kiet used to conveniently move on the crisscrossing canals during his time operating in Hong Dan district. The boat belongs to Mr. Vo Van Dai's family, a revolutionary shelter in Ta Ben hamlet, Ninh Hoa commune. And this is a souvenir of the leaders of Bac Lieu Provincial Party Committee Base, a pair of scissors from Vinh Duc pagoda used to cut fabric to sew flags, preparing to liberate Bac Lieu. This is the flag of Venerable Thich Hien Giac, Abbot of Vinh Duc pagoda, hung on the tamarind tree in front of the pagoda on April 30, 1975".

Each artifact and each story is told with all the heart, not only recreating history but also strongly inspiring patriotism and national pride in the listeners. Narrators such as Nguyen Thi Man, Le Thi Be Sau... not only introduce history but are also the "keepers of the fire of memory".

They have persistently spread traditional values in silence, like bridges connecting the past with the present and the future. In the modern flow, when young people gradually move away from history books, it is their stories from the heart that are profound reminders of a heroic time that we must not forget.

Hoang Lam

Source: https://baocamau.vn/nhung-nguoi-ke-chuyen-lich-su-thoi-hien-dai-a121081.html