Visiting the revolutionary historical site of Pha Lo Bridge.

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - Implementing the Central Party Committee's policy, in October 1955, the Provincial Administrative Committee decided to build Route 217 from Thiet Ke commune (now Thiet Ong commune) to Na Meo commune. Construction began on December 1, 1955. After three months of construction, the 91.3km route was basically completed, not only helping to promote socio-economic development in the western mountainous communes but also strengthening the friendship between Thanh Hoa province and Hua Phan province (Laos).

The historical revolutionary site of Pha Lo Bridge is a source of pride for the people of all ethnic groups in Quan Son commune.

When the new road was completed, people and vehicles had to travel by ferry to reach the center of Quan Son district (now Quan Son commune). At the end of 1956, the Pha Lo bridge was built, meeting the needs of the people for trade and transportation.

In 1964, the US imperialists and their Laotian puppets intensified their attacks on Laotian soil and sought to infiltrate the Vietnamese border. During this time, many communes in the former Quan Son district were among the enemy's key targets. The Pha Lo bridge was a particularly fierce target, aimed at cutting off the vital transportation route for goods, food, weapons, and military supplies to Laos. On April 21, 1965, the US Air Force began bombing the Pha Lo bridge and 11 other locations in the former Quan Son district. At 2:29 PM on July 16, 1966, at the Pha Lo bridge, the militia forces of Trung Thuong, Trung Ha, and Son Lu communes, along with a squad from Company 188 and the local B41 platoon, shot down the first US enemy aircraft.

During the war against the US, the area around the Pha Lo bridge suffered 14 enemy attacks. With patriotic spirit, the people of various ethnic groups in the former Quan Son district bravely defended the Pha Lo bridge, ensuring uninterrupted traffic. Thanks to this, thousands of tons of goods, weapons, ammunition, pharmaceuticals, and production tools were safely transported to serve the cause of national defense in the border region, not only in Vietnam but also in neighboring Laos.

Over time, the old Pha Lo bridge deteriorated, posing a safety risk to people and vehicles. On April 6, 1970, a new Pha Lo bridge was built next to the old one, significantly contributing to the socio -economic development of many mountainous communes. Due to its historical value, the old Pha Lo bridge was classified as a provincial-level revolutionary historical relic in 2011.

Proud of their homeland's tradition of revolutionary historical relics, the Party Committee and government of Quan Son commune have consistently focused on educating the people in the commune about patriotic traditions over the years. They have also directed schools to organize practical experience activities at historical and cultural sites.

Recognizing the school's responsibility in preserving and promoting the value of the Pha Lo Bridge revolutionary historical site, Quan Son Primary and Secondary School always focuses on educating students about the site's value by integrating it into social science subjects and organizing field trips to the site.

According to Vi Thi Trong, Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Quan Son commune: "To preserve and promote the value of the Pha Lo Bridge revolutionary historical relic, Quan Son commune continues to strengthen propaganda and mobilize the people in the area to actively participate in protecting the relic and not encroaching on it. We direct mass organizations and coordinate with schools in the commune to strengthen propaganda and education on the value of the relic for the younger generation. We focus on developing this place into an attractive tourist destination."

Text and photos: Hai Anh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/ve-tham-di-tich-cach-mang-nbsp-cau-pha-lo-260146.htm