Quang Tri Citadel - Photo: VGP/Nhat Anh
The war is over, but the blood and bones of thousands of soldiers still blend into every handful of Quang Tri soil. They came from all over, to write an immortal epic for the country. And this land has become the eternal resting place, the place that preserves the sacred memories of the nation.
The Thach Han River, Quang Tri Citadel, Truong Son National Martyrs' Cemetery, Road 9 National Martyrs' Cemetery, Vinh Moc Tunnels, Hien Luong - Ben Hai River banks... are not only evidences of war but also sacred symbols of the desire for peace and immortal patriotism. These places have become destinations in the journey "back to the source" to express deep gratitude to previous generations.
The family of Ms. Trinh Thi Duyen (Dong Anh, Hanoi ) at the grave of martyr Trinh Quang Tu at Truong Son National Martyrs Cemetery - Photo: VGP/Nhat Anh
From early morning, at the Truong Son National Martyrs Cemetery, the resting place of more than 10,000 martyrs, incense was burning and fresh flowers were offered on the graves. The shade of the green pine trees created a solemn atmosphere. Without anyone telling anyone, everyone quietly and respectfully lit incense, sending their sincere hearts to the soldiers who had fallen here.
At the grave of her brother, martyr Trinh Quang Tu, at the Truong Son National Martyrs' Cemetery, Ms. Trinh Thi Duyen (Dong Anh, Hanoi) emotionally shared: "Tu was born in 1948, the eldest of eight children. While a student, he put down his pen to answer the call of the Fatherland, enlisted in the army in 1968 and died two years later on the Quang Tri battlefield. He passed away at a very young age, before he could get married, before he could say goodbye.
His remains were brought back to be buried here, where his family always feels secure because of the thoughtful care of the local authorities. Every year, on July 27, his family returns to Quang Tri, not only to visit him but also to pay tribute to all the heroic martyrs who have remained on this sacred land."
Veteran Tran Thi Loi (Cam Lo commune, Quang Tri province) burns incense at her brother's grave - Photo: VGP/Nhat Anh
Not only relatives of martyrs, in July, Quang Tri also welcomes people from all over the country.
Coming to offer incense at the Truong Son - Ben Tat Martyrs Memorial Temple, Ms. Tran Thi Kieu Huong (HCMC) emotionally shared: "We had a very special trip when returning to the heroic land of Quang Tri with places that not only bear the mark of war, but are also living proof of the desire for peace. For independence and freedom, countless soldiers and compatriots across the country fought, heroically sacrificed and now rest eternally on the land of Quang Tri. With the tradition of "drinking water, remembering its source", we came here to be grateful and pay tribute to those who fell for peace today".
Ms. Tran Thi Kieu Huong (HCMC) offers flowers and incense at the Truong Son Martyrs Memorial - Photo: VGP/Nhat Anh
Unlike other cemeteries where graves have names, ages, and hometowns, Quang Tri Citadel is the common grave of tens of thousands of soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 81-day and night war in the fiery summer of 1972. This place is now a peaceful space, green with shady trees, but behind that quietness are the heroic echoes of the past that have never ceased.
Standing in the heart of the Citadel, Mr. Hoang Thai Duong (Lang Thuong Ward, Hanoi City) choked up: "History has told me about the 81 days and nights of bombs and bullets pounding at the Quang Tri Citadel, but only when I set foot here did I truly feel the fierceness and great sacrifice. More than 80,000 tons of bombs and bullets, more than 10,000 liberation soldiers fell, including those in their twenties. They sacrificed their lives to protect every inch of land, to write the golden history of the nation".
"We came to burn incense for those who lie under the trees of the Citadel. The journey to Quang Tri in July is not only a return to history, but also a reminder of the responsibility to live. The responsibility to preserve peace, develop the country, and live a useful life so as not to disappoint those who have incarnated into the motherland," said Mr. Duong.
Ms. To Thi Anh Nguyet (Gia Lai province) burns incense to pay tribute to martyrs of Binh Dinh province (old), now Gia Lai province, at Truong Son National Martyrs Cemetery - Photo: VGP/Nhat Anh
In the quiet space, each step seemed to touch memories, each breeze seemed to carry the breath of the deceased. "I bow before the souls of the heroic martyrs, those who wrote the immortal epic for the country of Vietnam. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the mothers, fathers, wives... who sacrificed a part of their flesh and blood for the country. And I pray that today's and future generations will forever cherish, preserve and promote the sacred values of peace, independence and freedom", said Ms. To Thi Anh Nguyet (Gia Lai province) when returning to this sacred "land of fire".
People come to offer incense at Quang Tri Citadel - Photo: VGP/Nhat Anh
Nhat Anh
Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/thang-bay-ve-mien-dat-lua-de-tuong-nho-tri-an-102250727084321233.htm
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