Living near the Four Martyrs' Memorial Tower, since childhood, Danh Thi Kim Tien has accompanied her grandparents to clean the grounds, light incense, and listen to stories about the heroic struggle of the Khmer people. These stories have become vivid lessons about patriotism and the spirit of fighting for the nation. Kim Tien is one of the outstanding young people in the locality, always striving to excel and achieving many excellent academic results. On June 6th, she was honored to become one of 18 young Party members of the Chau Thanh High School Party Branch. Kim Tien shared: “Hearing the stories about the sacrifice of the monks, I am even more proud of the patriotic tradition of the Khmer people. We always remember the contributions of those who came before us and strive to study and work hard, contributing to the development of our homeland.”
Nguyen Minh Hau regularly cleans the temple and lights incense for the four Venerable Monks. Photo: MOC TRA
According to historical records, the struggle on June 10, 1974, was a significant milestone. At that time, the Saigon government was continuously implementing a policy of conscription, surrounding Khmer temples, and forcing young men and monks to join the army. In response to this situation, at 5:30 AM on June 10, 1974, a demonstration involving approximately 600 monks and over 2,000 civilians took to the streets to protest the repression, demand freedom of belief and religion, and oppose the conscription of Khmer monks.
The protest was brutally suppressed. Four monks, Danh Tap, Lam Hung, Danh Hom, and Danh Hoi, bravely sacrificed their lives. This event became a shining symbol of the patriotism and unwavering fighting spirit of the Khmer people in Southern Vietnam. These historical stories are not only preserved in books but also passed down through generations. Teacher Danh Bo Ra, a teacher at Chau Thanh Ethnic Boarding Secondary School, expressed: “Although the struggle was suppressed by the enemy, the event of June 10, 1974, has become a milestone in the history of the revolutionary struggle, a symbol of the patriotism and unwavering will of the Khmer people.” These moments help today's generation understand more deeply the value of peace, thereby enhancing their awareness of preserving and promoting revolutionary traditions in their studies, work, and daily lives.
After the reunification of the country, to commemorate the contributions of the four martyred monks, in early 1976, the State built the Tower of the Four Martyred Monks in Chau Thanh commune. In March 1987, the Patriotic Monks' Solidarity Association of the province organized a reburial ceremony, bringing the remains of the four monks into the tower. On September 28, 1990, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism recognized the Tower of the Four Martyred Monks as a national historical relic. In 2014, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha posthumously bestowed the title of Venerable Monk upon the four deceased monks. Every year, on June 10th, a solemn memorial ceremony for the four martyred monks is organized by the People's Committee of Chau Thanh commune in coordination with the Patriotic Monks' Solidarity Association of the province, attracting a large number of people to attend.
As the head teacher in charge of the Youth Union, Mr. Danh Bo Ra regularly advises the school on organizing visits for students to learn about history at the historical site. According to Mr. Ra, the Tower of the Four Martyrs is not only a place to commemorate the merits of the four Venerable Monks but also a significant site for educating the younger generation, especially Khmer youth, about revolutionary traditions.
That spirit continues to spread among today's youth. For the past four years, Nguyen Minh Hau, the head of the Duc Tri Seedling Club in Minh Lac neighborhood, has regularly joined members in cleaning the grounds, maintaining the landscape, and offering incense at the memorial tower. Minh Hau shared: "Every time I come here, I feel even more deeply the value of today's peace, which was bought with the sacrifices of countless generations before. I feel a responsibility to continue that tradition by constantly learning, training, living with ideals, and actively contributing to the community."
Currently, together with the Youth Union, the Duc Tri Seedling Nurturing Club maintains many meaningful activities such as organizing free classes, supporting students in difficult circumstances, and participating in local social welfare programs. For Minh Hau, practical actions for the community are a way for the younger generation to express gratitude to the heroes and martyrs and to continue the glorious tradition left behind by the four martyred monks.
MOC TRA
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/tiep-noi-mach-nguon-yeu-nuoc-a488664.html
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