The heroic spirit of 'Nhựt Tảo' shines brightly forever.

Fifteen years have passed since the sacrifice of National Hero Nguyen Trung Truc, and people throughout the country, and especially in Tay Ninh province, still remember his integrity, talent, and virtue. With pride and respect, the people and local communities have undertaken many meaningful activities to commemorate and honor this hero.

Báo Long An•31/10/2025

The glorious victory of "The blazing fire at Nhut Tao shook heaven and earth"

National Hero Nguyen Trung Truc was born in 1838 in Xom Nghe, a small hamlet on the banks of the Vam Co Dong River, specializing in fishing (now part of Binh Duc commune, Tay Ninh province). In the past, Xom Nghe belonged to Binh Nhut village, Cuu Cu Ha commune, Cuu An district, Tan An prefecture, where Nguyen Van Dao, the ancestor of the Nguyen family, settled and established his family when he fled south. Nguyen Van Dao was one of the first people to develop the Binh Nhut area. Nguyen Trung Truc was his grandson.

The monument to national hero Nguyen Trung Truc at the Vam Nhut Tao historical site (Nhut Tao commune).

As a child, his name was Chơn, which was changed to Lịch in 1859. Because of his upright and honest character, his teacher gave him the name Nguyễn Trung Trực, reflecting the integrity and spirit of a son of Southern Vietnam. The Nguyễn family originated from Bình Định, so besides fishing, the people of Xóm Nghề were also famous for their martial arts tradition. From a young age, Nguyễn Trung Trực showed intelligence, agility, swimming skills, and exceptional strategic talent. When the French colonialists invaded Southern Vietnam, he joined the resistance army of General Trương Định and was assigned to operate in Tân An district.

During this period, Nguyen Trung Truc had a close relationship with Ho Van Chuong, who was instrumental in developing the Nhut Tao area. Chuong's three sons, Ho Quang Minh, Ho Quang Chieu, and Ho Quang Le, were all patriots ready to stand alongside Nguyen Trung Truc against the invaders. From this, the plan to attack French ships on the Nhut Tao River was formed.

Ho Quang Minh, then the village chief of Cuu Cu Ha, pretended to befriend the enemy, suggesting they use nipa palm leaves to roof their warships to protect them from the scorching heat of the South. Nguyen Trung Truc was assigned to the ship as a "carpenter," directly overseeing the roof construction. After a week of roofing, he had a clear understanding of the enemy's activities and forces, and secretly planned an attack.

The main hall of the Nguyen Trung Truc National Hero Memorial Temple at the Vam Nhut Tao Historical Site.

To distract the French forces on the ship and eliminate the garrison at Nhựt Tảo market, that morning, Mr. Hồ Quang Chiêu and the village officials of Nhựt Tảo organized a ceremony at Ông Temple, complete with traditional opera and a feast, inviting the French soldiers to watch. The enemy fell for the trick and flocked to the temple to eat and drink excessively.

Around midday, as Nguyen Trung Truc and his troops prepared to attack the L'Espérance, a signal rang out from within the temple. Immediately, those disguised as village officials drew their hidden weapons and killed the French commander. The militia of Nhut Tao village simultaneously charged in, wiping out the enemy soldiers before they could react. At the same time, Nguyen Trung Truc, commanding 59 troops, divided themselves into five boats disguised as rice trading boats and approached the enemy ship. While presenting their travel documents, he unexpectedly drew his sword and killed a French soldier before joining his troops in storming the L'Espérance. The battle was swift – all enemy soldiers on board were annihilated, with only five escaping. The troops quickly used oil and flammable materials to set the L'Espérance ablaze, creating the resounding victory of "The blazing fire of Nhut Tao shaking heaven and earth," marking a glorious milestone in the history of the Vietnamese people's struggle against foreign invaders.

The pride of our homeland

Following his glorious victory at Vam Nhut Tao, Nguyen Trung Truc continued fighting against the colonial invaders. The Battle of Rach Gia (Kien Giang province) was also one of his resounding victories. Until his death, Nguyen Trung Truc remained steadfast, his words living on in the hearts of the Vietnamese people: "Only when the Westerners have uprooted all the grass in Vietnam will the Vietnamese stop fighting the Westerners."

In the hearts of the people, the image of National Hero Nguyen Trung Truc is extremely sacred and revered. Therefore, it has become a tradition that every year, as the 11th day of the 9th lunar month approaches, people from all over eagerly gather at the Vam Nhut Tao Historical Site and the Xom Nghe Historical Site, which commemorate the glorious achievements of National Hero Nguyen Trung Truc, to prepare for his death anniversary.

People offer incense at the memorial temple of national hero Nguyen Trung Truc in the Vam Nhut Tao historical site.

Arriving at the Vam Nhut Tao historical site four days before the anniversary of the death, Mr. Le Tan Tam (residing in Rach Gia ward, An Giang province) was busy sweeping and preparing for the memorial service. This was his second time participating. Living near the Nguyen Dynasty monument in An Giang, Mr. Tam said he has always had a special affection for the late Nguyen Dynasty, so every time there is a memorial service in Tay Ninh, he arranges his time to come early to help.

“I have always respected and admired the selfless spirit of the hero Nguyen Trung Truc. Every year, my family and I come to offer incense, not only to commemorate him but also to remind our children and grandchildren to live up to the resilient and indomitable traditions of our nation,” said Mr. Tam.

According to Truong Minh Tri, Chairman of the People's Committee of Nhut Tao commune, the locality has promptly implemented a plan to meticulously prepare for this year's memorial ceremony. To prepare for the 157th anniversary of the sacrifice of National Hero Nguyen Trung Truc, the locality has assigned various teams, such as a logistics team, an incense offering team, and a reception team, to ensure the ceremony is well-prepared and welcomes visitors from all over. The tents for residents and tourists have been completed, and sponsoring groups from An Giang have been present since the 7th to coordinate and ensure accommodation and logistics are in order to make the ceremony solemn and smooth.

Each person contributes in their own way, sharing a common heart towards the commemoration of the death anniversary of National Hero Nguyen Trung Truc - the hero who "resolutely fought to drive out the invading enemy," so that the commemoration day is not only a ritual of remembrance but also an opportunity to spread patriotism, unite the community, and cultivate traditional values for future generations.

The commemoration ceremony for National Hero Nguyen Trung Truc is not only an occasion to remember his great contributions but also a cultural and spiritual activity deeply rooted in traditional identity. Every year, the ceremony attracts thousands of local people and tourists from within and outside the province, demonstrating their gratitude and respect for their heritage. Local authorities always strive to organize the event meticulously and safely, creating favorable conditions for people and tourists to offer incense and participate in activities in a solemn and warm atmosphere. This is also an opportunity to educate the younger generation about patriotic traditions and national pride.

Director of the Public Service Center of Nhut Tao Commune, Ho Quoc Khanh

Every year on the anniversary of the death of National Hero Nguyen Trung Truc, my family and I come here to light incense in his memory. Each time I stand before the altar of the hero, my heart overflows with pride and gratitude. His contributions and courageous spirit will forever be an example for today's generation to follow, to live more worthily of those who sacrificed for their homeland and country.”

Mr. Nguyen Van Quy (residing in An Giang province)

Netherlands

Source: https://baolongan.vn/sang-mai-hao-khi-hoa-hong-nhut-tao-a205573.html