A place where gratitude converges.

There are destinations that are not simply landmarks, but also a part of the deep and sacred memory of the nation. The National Historical Monument of July 27th, located in Dai Phuc commune, Thai Nguyen province, the birthplace of the Day of War Invalids and Martyrs, is one such place. It has preserved and continues to preserve golden pages of history, a place where gratitude, tears, incense, and the spirit of "drinking water, remembering the source" of the Vietnamese people converge.

The 27-7 National Historical Monument site viewed from above.

Going back in history, nearly 80 years ago, at the height of the fierce resistance against French colonialism, amidst the overwhelming workload and the challenging context of the war, President Ho Chi Minh still found time and made many important decisions regarding the work of showing gratitude and appreciation to war invalids. He proposed that the Government choose a day each year as "Invalids' Day" so that the people could have the opportunity to express their filial piety and affection for war invalids.

On the afternoon of July 27, 1947, at the banyan tree in Ban Co hamlet, Hung Son commune, Dai Tu district (now Ban Co residential area, Dai Phuc commune), the first commemorative rally for "Invalids' Day" was held. 300 delegates from the Central Party Committee, regional leadership agencies, district resistance agencies, and a large number of wounded soldiers and veterans listened to the announcement of President Ho Chi Minh's letter, recognizing the establishment of the Day of Invalids and Martyrs (July 27). Many years later, at that very old banyan tree, the National Historical Relic Site of July 27 was established, becoming a "red address" in the journey of returning to the roots for many generations.

Regularly visiting to pay respects to fallen comrades and heroic martyrs here, veteran Nguyen Van Cuong from Son Tap 3 residential area, Dai Phuc commune, confided: "I am proud that my hometown is the birthplace of the National Day of War Invalids and Martyrs. I am even more proud to see that the younger generation still remembers and cherishes the sacred values ​​of the nation."

More than just a memorial site, the 27-7 National Historical Monument is also a spiritual and educational destination for traditional values. Each year, the site welcomes thousands of delegations, student groups, and visitors from across the country, and is a key stop on many organizations' journeys back to their roots.

Ms. Nguyen Le Thu, Principal of Hoa Sen Kindergarten, shared during a trip with the children: "Every time we bring the children here, we not only tell them about history, but also sow the seeds of gratitude and love for their homeland. Although the children are only just entering kindergarten, I believe that if patriotism and gratitude are nurtured as early as possible, they will be deeply ingrained in their hearts. These will also be beautiful memories, a valuable asset that they will carry with them as they grow up."

After three renovations and upgrades, the National Historical Monument Site of July 27th is now a well-planned and spacious area with traditional architecture including a triple-arched gate, memorial house, ceremonial courtyard, Ông Temple, Bà Temple, lotus pond, tea garden, etc., creating a scene that is both solemn and welcoming. Many activities such as ceremonies for admitting new members to the Youth Union and Young Pioneers, thematic activities, and extracurricular school events are also held here, keeping history alive and deeply ingrained in the minds of many generations.

Every July, many groups of visitors from all over the country come to the National Historical Monument of July 27th to express their gratitude to the heroic martyrs.

Besides its historical and spiritual value, the 27-7 National Historical Relic Site is also an attractive cultural tourism destination, connecting with other routes and sites such as Nui Coc Lake, Truc Lam Tay Truc Zen Monastery, and Dinh Hoa Revolutionary Base Area, creating a unique "back to the roots" tourism ecosystem in Thai Nguyen province.

In order to preserve and promote the value of historical sites and develop tourism, Thai Nguyen province has implemented many measures to preserve, restore, and promote the value of the historical site. These include the application of digital technology, 3D digitization of the entire site, and publishing articles on local and national media platforms to disseminate its cultural and historical value.

Comrade Dang Cuong Quyet, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Dai Phuc commune, affirmed: "We have identified the National Historical Relic Site of July 27th not only as a destination, but also as one of the key areas for tourism development in the locality."

During the 2025-2030 term, the commune has developed a plan to connect the National Historical Monument of July 27th with other destinations in the area to develop eco-tourism and resort tourism at Nui Coc Lake with historical and spiritual tourism, aiming to attract more tourists to the locality.

Amidst the flow of time, the 27-7 National Historical Site quietly preserves the heroic memories of the nation, connecting the past with the present and fostering patriotism for future generations.

During those meaningful days of July, the banyan tree, incense sticks, tears, stories told… all blend together into a sacred space, where gratitude never fades with time. And even as time passes, the journey back to our roots will continue, like an underground stream in the soul of the Vietnamese people, silent but powerful and enduring.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202507/noi-hoi-tu-cua-long-biet-on-72442fc/