Students listen to a story about the 128-day and 128-night battle at Tuc Dup Hill right inside the C6 Auditorium cave. Photo: MINH QUAN
Following the sun-drenched roads of the Seven Mountains region, I returned to O Lam commune to visit Tuc Dup Hill. Thanks to investment in tourism development, the "2 million dollar hill" has transformed, but the scars of war are still deeply etched into every inch of rock. The path up Tuc Dup Hill winds beneath the cool shade of green trees. Struggling to climb over large, bullet-riddled rocks, I clearly felt the unique characteristics of Tuc Dup Hill's terrain. At many high points on the hill, national flags fluttered in the wind. It was a symbol of the heroic spirit of a time of war, reminding today's generation not to forget the sacrifices of their ancestors.
Stepping into the C6 Auditorium Cave, I felt as if I had entered a historical gateway. Right at the entrance, the vivid image of a soldier pointing his rifle directly at the enemy was recreated, giving me a sense of the ferocity of war. The deeper I went into the C6 Auditorium Cave, the colder the air became. With each step inside the cave, one felt closer to history.
At the center of the C6 Meeting Hall cave, a reconstruction depicts revolutionary cadres and soldiers discussing and implementing battle plans. With a capacity of approximately 100 people, the C6 Meeting Hall was used by the Central Committee to train revolutionary cadres, and was therefore also known as the Tran Phu Meeting Hall. In 1961, Company 6 of An Giang province was established here, so the cave was named the C6 Meeting Hall.
Standing amidst the majestic caves, lighting incense to commemorate the heroic martyrs, one's heart is filled with emotion. From the C6 Assembly Hall cave, you can move through other caves in the complex, interconnected cave system of Tuc Dup Hill. During my meeting with Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc (Ba Ngoc), who experienced the fierce 128-day and 128-night battle (November 18, 1968 - March 25, 1969) at Tuc Dup Hill, I could never forget the tears of the once-heroic revolutionary soldiers. “The sacrifices of the revolutionary soldiers at Tuc Dup Hill could be talked about endlessly. For our generation back then, death wasn't frightening. The most frightening thing was that people would forget what the revolutionary soldiers died for!” Ms. Ba Ngoc shared.
Lost in my quiet reminiscence, I was suddenly startled by the clear voices of the students from Phu Long Primary School in Phu Lam commune. Their teachers had organized a field trip for them to learn more about the resilient and indomitable fighting tradition of their ancestors at Tuc Dup Hill. In the tranquil setting, their innocent eyes gazed at the scenery of the C6 Assembly Hall cave, listening intently to the guide's account of the 128-day and night battle at Tuc Dup Hill.
After offering incense to commemorate the heroic martyrs, Phan Thi Phuong Nghi, a 5th-grade student from Phu Long Primary School, said: “I am very proud to visit Tuc Dup Hill. This trip is very meaningful, helping me understand the sacrifices of our ancestors so that we can have a prosperous and happy life today.” Tong Van Nhuan, a teacher at Phu Long Primary School, was also deeply moved upon setting foot on the “2 million dollar hill.” “Passing through the caves and experiencing the hardships and deprivations of the revolutionary soldiers on Tuc Dup Hill, I cherish even more the word 'peace' ! I feel like I’ve grown a little older, touching upon the heroic history of the army and people of An Giang province during the war against the US to save the country,” Mr. Nhuan said emotionally.
Mr. Nhuận affirmed that he will strive to guide the younger generation of the country, helping them better understand the value of historical relics in their homeland. "These trips to the historical sites are very useful because they are practical lessons that help students connect with the history of their homeland with the most genuine emotions!" Mr. Nhuận added.
Bidding farewell to the students and teachers of Phu Long Primary School, I left Tuc Dup Hill as the midday sun blazed down on the Bay Nui region. Looking back at the historic hill, I felt even more proud. Time may green the rocky outcrops scarred by bombs and bullets, but the heroic achievements will live on forever with Tuc Dup Hill, embodied in the eight golden words bestowed by the Central Party Committee: Resolutely holding firm, defending Mount To!
MINH QUAN
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/ve-tuc-dup--a481294.html
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