Heroic tradition lifts the future (Part 1: Long An, a time of blood and flowers)

Lesson 1: Long An, a time of blood and flowers

Long An was once a fierce battlefield. Amidst the “rain of bombs and bullets”, the army and people of Long An remained united, upholding the spirit of “Determination to die for the Fatherland, determination to live”. Decades have passed, but Long An, once a land of blood and flowers with countless stories of bravery in fighting and sacrifice, creating resounding victories, contributing to the Great Victory of Spring 1975, is still remembered as a heroic epic that resonates forever.

Long An Monument Park "Loyalty and steadfastness, the whole people fight the enemy" was built right at the gateway to Tan An City as a spiritual symbol.
patriotism of army and people of Long An

From the strength of the people to fight the enemy...

Inheriting the indomitable fighting spirit from the time of the resistance war against the French with famous bases such as Dong Thap Muoi - "Viet Bac of the South", the army and people of Long An entered the fierce confrontation with the American imperialists with the will "rather sacrifice everything, but definitely not lose the country, not become slaves".

Under the wise leadership of the Provincial Party Committee, the movement "All people fight the enemy" broke out, turning each citizen into an indomitable soldier, each village into a steadfast fortress like flames lighting up the sky of freedom and hope.

The people's war in Long An appeared through vivid images, when people gradually turned difficulties into strength, skillfully applying the "three-pronged attack" tactic: armed struggle, political struggle and military work.

Each initial guerrilla team gradually grew into strong main combat battalions such as Battalion 1, which was honored three times as a Hero of the People's Armed Forces, Battalion 2, and a widespread guerrilla militia system throughout the region, turning the rugged river terrain into a strategic "ally".

The " American-killing belts " like the one in Rach Kien (Can Duoc) were built from the people's persistent determination, when all weapons, from primitive to modern, including homemade tools from enemy dud bombs, were creatively used to wear down the invaders' forces.

At the same time, the vibrant protest movements and the shouts of "Right to live, right to freedom" of tens of thousands of people in Duc Hoa and Can Giuoc districts challenged the enemy's repressive apparatus.

The image of mothers and sisters standing steadfastly in the face of enemy guns and tanks is not only a symbol of courage but also a living testament to the indomitable spirit of the nation.

The resolutely deployed "army propaganda" tactics not only penetrated deep into the enemy's heart but also shook the minds of puppet soldiers, contributing to creating incidents on the battlefield, turning the rear into a solid fortress, where the " people's hearts and minds " demonstrated the nation's unshakable strength.

... made many resounding achievements

During the 21 years of resistance war, the army and people of Long An have made their names in history through glorious feats of arms like a colorful heroic picture, imbued with sacrifice, perseverance and strategic intelligence.

From the Dong Khoi movement in 1960 that shook the empire with extraordinary spiritual power to the daring raid on the Hiep Hoa Commando Training Center (Duc Hoa) on the night of November 23, 1963, which not only destroyed the enemy's large base but also "captured" 4 American advisors, it opened a historic milestone, starting a new chapter for the resistance. The Hiep Hoa victory was the fatal blow that repelled the enemy's "Special War" strategy, creating momentum for the "Strategic Hamlet" movement to explode throughout the province, bringing hope and confidence to the people.

When the US switched to the “Local War” tactic, Long An once again rose up with the campaigns “Find the Americans and destroy them”, “Hold the Americans’ belts and fight”, demonstrating the heroic and indomitable fighting spirit of the people of the lower Can Giuoc region - the place that marked the 45-day and night battle for freedom (June to July 1967). That feat not only firmly protected the liberated area but also eroded the enemy’s war strategy. The perseverance and indomitability of the Long An people were demonstrated through thousands of mothers who bravely sent their husbands and children off to battle, overcoming the pain of loss and contributing to the glorious historical victory.

Revolutionary bases such as Binh Thanh (Duc Hue district), Dong Thap Muoi, Ba Vu Melaleuca forest (Ben Luc district) and Dam la toi troi (Tan Tru district) are the "red addresses" of faith, where everyone knows that no matter how storms arise, patriotism will never fade.

Entering the Great Victory of Spring 1975, Long An once again affirmed its great strategic role, becoming an important springboard south of Saigon. Thanks to its “daring” position at the gateway to Dong Thap Muoi, the corridor for transporting troops, weapons and resources to the main fronts was maintained persistently and effectively. In particular, the task of protecting the bridges on National Highway 4, especially Tan An Bridge, created favorable conditions for the army to advance to Saigon quickly and decisively.

The Long An armed forces, with good coordination with the 5th Division, fought fiercely, maintained the traffic arteries and prevented the enemy from sending reinforcements from the 4th tactical zone - a land marked by bravery. On April 30, 1975, when the army and people of Long An bravely rose up to completely liberate Tan An town and neighboring districts, that image became a symbol of patriotism. Students and people, with all their determination, used boats and canoes to transport troops across the Vam Co Tay River amidst enemy fire, not only was it a heroic historical moment but also a vivid demonstration of the strength of solidarity and the steadfast belief in a free and happy country.

Forever the song of pride

Although the war is over and memories may fade with time, the heroic feats and indomitable sacrifices of the army and people of Long An are forever engraved in the minds of every patriot.

The eight golden words "Loyalty and steadfastness, the whole people fight the enemy" along with the Gold Star Medal, Ho Chi Minh Medal, First Class Independence Medal, First Class Liberation Military Exploit Medal, First Class Resistance Medal,... and a series of titles of Hero of the People's Armed Forces, Heroic Vietnamese Mother are not only a recognition of the great contributions of the heroic land but also a vivid symbol of the immortal tradition - the tradition of passionate patriotism and an indomitable spirit in the face of all challenges.

Long An, with its great contribution to the Great Spring Victory of 1975 and the image of “the country and rivers reunited” on the historic day of April 30, is a testament to the resilient spirit of a proud nation. The epic of pride, resilience and solidarity of the army and people here is not only a memoir of the glorious past but also an endless source of inspiration for present and future generations.

In the period of building and developing a new homeland, a new era, that pride continues, inspiring and igniting enthusiasm for everyone to strive continuously, enriching the heroic tradition of a land that has flourished on all fronts./.

(to be continued)

Tran Quoc Viet

Lesson 2: Building the future, reaching new heights

Source: https://baolongan.vn/truyen-thong-anh-hung-nang-buoc-tuong-lai-bai-1-long-an-mot-thoi-mau-va-hoa--a193550.html