In July, we return to the 'land of fire' to remember and pay tribute.

(Chinhphu.vn) - Every July, groups of people from all over the country flock to Quang Tri, the heroic land that bears witness to the glorious years of the nation, to remember and pay tribute to the outstanding sons and daughters who fell for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland.

Quang Tri Ancient Citadel - Photo: VGP/Nhat Anh

The war is over, but the blood and bones of tens of thousands of soldiers still mingle in every handful of soil in Quang Tri. They came from all corners of the country to together write an immortal epic for the nation. And this very land has become their eternal resting place, the repository of the nation's sacred memories.

The Thach Han River, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, Truong Son National Martyrs Cemetery, Duong 9 National Martyrs Cemetery, Vinh Moc Tunnels, the banks of Hien Luong - Ben Hai... are not only relics of war but also sacred symbols of the aspiration for peace and undying patriotism. These places have become destinations on the "return to the roots" journey to express profound gratitude to the generations of ancestors who came before.

The family of Ms. Trinh Thi Duyen (Dong Anh, Hanoi ) stands beside 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, the air was thick with incense, and fresh flowers adorned the graves. The shade of the green pine trees created a solemn atmosphere. Without being told, everyone silently and respectfully lit incense, offering their heartfelt condolences to the soldiers who lie buried here.

Standing beside 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: "Brother Tu was born in 1948, the eldest of eight children in the family. While still a student, he put aside his studies to answer the call of the Fatherland, enlisted in 1968, and died two years later on the battlefield in Quang Tri. He passed away at such a young age, before he could get married or say goodbye."

His remains were brought back here for burial, where the family always feels at peace knowing that the local authorities are taking good care of them. Every year, on July 27th, the family returns to Quang Tri, not only to visit him but also to pay tribute to all the heroic martyrs who lie buried in this sacred land."

Veteran Tran Thi Loi (Cam Lo commune, Quang Tri province) lights incense at her brother's grave - Photo: VGP/Nhat Anh

Besides relatives of fallen soldiers, Quang Tri also welcomes people from all over the country in July.

Visiting the Truong Son - Ben Tat Martyrs Memorial Temple to offer incense, Ms. Tran Thi Kieu Huong (Ho Chi Minh City) emotionally shared: "We had a very special trip returning to the heroic land of Quang Tri, with landmarks that not only bear the marks of war but also serve as vivid evidence of the aspiration for peace. To achieve independence and freedom, countless soldiers and compatriots from all over the country fought, bravely sacrificed, and now rest eternally in peace on the land of Quang Tri. With the tradition of 'drinking water, remembering the source,' we come here to express our gratitude and appreciation to those who fell for the peace we enjoy today."

Ms. Tran Thi Kieu Huong (Ho Chi Minh City) lays flowers and incense at the Truong Son Martyrs Memorial - Photo: VGP/Nhat Anh

Unlike cemeteries where graves are named, with ages and hometowns, Quang Tri Citadel is the common grave of tens of thousands of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the 81-day and 81-night battle of the fiery summer of 1972. Now a peaceful, green space, the site remains tranquil, but behind this stillness lies the heroic echoes of the past that never fade.

Standing in the heart of the ancient citadel, Mr. Hoang Thai Duong (Lang Thuong ward, Hanoi) choked up: "History has told me about the 81 days and nights of relentless bombing at Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, but only when I set foot here did I truly feel the ferocity and the great sacrifice. More than 80,000 tons of bombs and ammunition, more than 10,000 liberation army soldiers fell, including those in their early twenties. They sacrificed themselves to defend every inch of land, to write a golden chapter in the history of the nation."

"We came to light an incense stick for those buried beneath the trees of the ancient citadel. The journey to Quang Tri in July is not only a return to history, but also a reminder of our responsibility to live. The responsibility to preserve peace, develop the country, and live a useful life so as not to disappoint those who have become one with Mother Earth," Mr. Duong expressed.

Ms. Tô Thị Ánh Nguyệt (Gia Lai province) lights incense to pay tribute to the martyrs of the former Bình Định province, now Gia Lai province, at the Trường Sơn National Martyrs Cemetery - Photo: VGP/Nhật Anh

In the tranquil space, each step seems to touch memories, each breeze seems to carry the breath of those who have passed away. "I bow before the spirits of the heroic martyrs, those who wrote the immortal epic for the Vietnamese nation. I express my deepest gratitude to the mothers, fathers, wives… who sacrificed a part of their flesh and blood for the country. And I vow 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) upon returning to this sacred "land of fire."

People come to offer incense at Quang Tri Ancient Citadel - Photo VGP/Nhat Anh

Nhat Anh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/thang-bay-ve-mien-dat-lua-de-tuong-nho-tri-an-102250727084321233.htm