Proud of the heroic mining region.

During the historic days of April, along with the nationwide joy in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country, the people of the mining region remember and cherish an event of immense significance - the Liberation Day of the Mining Region on April 25, 1955. Seventy years ago, this day became a glorious milestone in the arduous and heroic struggle for national independence of the heroic people of the mining region.

Our troops took over Hon Gai town (April 1955) amidst a jubilant welcome from the people. (Photo courtesy of Quang Ninh Museum)

For those born and raised before liberation, the Quang Ninh mining region is not only a place of arduous struggle, but also an immortal epic of patriotism, unwavering will, and indomitable spirit. Seventy years ago, the mining region was resplendent with flags and flowers, and countless people shared a common joy.

That was a historic day – the day our army entered and took over the mining region, ending more than 70 years of French colonial rule and opening a new chapter for the entire nation. That moment was an outpouring of happiness, a sacred image of the red flag with a yellow star fluttering atop Bai Tho Mountain, a symbol of victory, aspiration, and a new future.

Although time has passed, for those who directly participated in taking over the mining area that year, and for the people who witnessed that momentous occasion, the emotions remain as vivid as if it were only yesterday. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thung (Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City), now 92 years old, is still very sharp-minded. 70 years ago, Mr. Thung directly participated in taking over the mining area as a soldier in Company 906. He and his comrades were assigned a special mission: from Cam Pha to take over the Quang Hanh electrical substation, the Cot 5 power plant, and to form an honor guard to see off the French troops as they boarded ships to return home.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thung (Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City) and his wife reminisce about the Liberation Day of the Mining Region (April 25, 1955).

Recalling the first day of taking over the mining area, Mr. Thung recounted: "Perhaps this was the happiest time of our lives as soldiers, experiencing an extremely joyful atmosphere. When we saw off the dejected, defeated soldiers boarding the ships, there wasn't a single person in front of us, but wherever we went, thousands of people poured out onto the streets behind us, waving red flags with yellow stars to welcome the soldiers taking over. On the Cua Luc River, fishermen also moored their boats on both sides, and when the ship carrying the French soldiers left, the fishermen's red flags with yellow stars fluttered in the open sea. The atmosphere at that time was indescribable, so joyful!"

Those days were filled with joy; the people poured into the streets to welcome the soldiers with flags, flowers, and resounding cheers. At exactly 8:30 AM on April 25, 1955, at a rally in Hon Gai town, the Hong Quang Military-Political Committee officially debuted before the people. Representatives of the army solemnly read the daily order of General Vo Nguyen Giap, Commander-in-Chief of the Vietnam People's Army, and Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Dam, Chairman of the Hong Quang Military-Political Committee, conveyed a letter from President Ho Chi Minh to the people of Hong Quang: “The areas previously occupied by the French army have been liberated one after another; the people of Hon Gai and Quang Yen are once again living in freedom.” This affirmation was not only the message of a leader, but also the heartfelt sentiment of tens of thousands of people in the mining region.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thung recounts his first days participating in the takeover of the mining region.

Time has passed, but the historical memories of the liberation days remain intact, reminding every citizen of the mining region of the indomitable fighting tradition and the determination to build a stronger and more prosperous mining region. Seven decades have passed since the liberation of the mining region, facing numerous challenges, difficulties, and ups and downs due to the devastating wars during the anti-colonial period against the French, the anti-destructive war of the American imperialists, and the border defense war, followed by a prolonged period of subsidized economy. However, continuing the revolutionary spirit and upholding the tradition of "Discipline - Unity," Quang Ninh is determined to rise above all difficulties to develop its socio -economic sector, ensure national defense and security, and has achieved great successes.

From a poor mining region where people faced extreme hardship in the early days after liberation, Quang Ninh has transformed in both scale and appearance, breaking through and becoming a dynamic, innovative province, leading the country in many fields, becoming a center of innovation in the Northern Delta region, and a comprehensive growth pole in the North.

Mr. Dao Duc Nghia, Chairman of the Elderly Association of Bach Dang Ward (Ha Long City), happily stated: "Quang Ninh has now made very long and solid strides, achieving many outstanding results in socio-economic fields. As someone who has witnessed the changes in the locality and benefited from these achievements, I always remember the great contributions of previous generations; I am clearly aware of my responsibility to continue preserving the tradition and inspiring the younger generation to build Quang Ninh into a province that develops rapidly and strongly, becoming a prosperous and beautiful province as President Ho Chi Minh once wished."

Thu Chung

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/tu-hao-vung-mo-anh-hung-3355003.html