The strategic " brain " of the South in the resistance war against America

During the fierce years of the resistance war against the US to save the country, Ta Thiet land in Loc Thanh commune, Loc Ninh district had the honor of becoming the place where the Regional Command was located - the leading agency for the revolution of the whole South. With a special strategic location, near the residential area and the end point of the Ho Chi Minh trail, Ta Thiet created favorable conditions for receiving and storing human and material resources from the Northern rear to support the battlefields in the South.

Mr. Dinh Quang Moi, former Operations Assistant of the Regional Command (second from right) talks about the fighting days at Ta Thiet Base - Photo: The Truong

Unlike other revolutionary bases that were often hidden deep in the rugged mountains and forests, Ta Thiet had a unique feature. Its proximity to residential areas created a solid base of people's hearts, helping cadres and soldiers receive protection and care from the local people. At the same time, its location at the end of the Ho Chi Minh trail helped Ta Thiet become an important gathering point, where troops and shipments from the North crossed the arduous Truong Son range.

According to historical documents, after Loc Ninh was completely liberated in April 1972, the headquarters of the Regional Command officially moved to Ta Thiet after many moves to ensure safety. At this base, important meetings of the General Staff of the Central Office of the Southern Region took place, discussing and making strategic decisions and directions for the resistance war. This place also witnessed the reception of high-level delegations, throughout the unified direction from the Central to the battlefield.

Notably, on April 3, 1975, at Ta Thiet Base, a delegation of senior officials of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army led by General Van Tien Dung held a historic meeting to discuss the plan to liberate Saigon - Gia Dinh. This bold and swift decision contributed significantly to the final victory of the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, completely liberating the South and unifying the country. Ta Thiet became the last revolutionary base established in the Southern battlefield, a testament to the development and maturity of the revolutionary forces.

Talking about his profound memories at Ta Thiet Base, Mr. Dinh Quang Moi (Loc Thinh Commune, Loc Ninh District), former Combat Assistant of the Regional Command, said: “The time in Ta Thiet was a difficult but also very proud time. We lived and worked in deprived conditions, always facing enemy bombs and bullets. But the team spirit and the bond between the army and the people were extremely close. I remember clearly the sleepless nights by the Hoang Cam stove, discussing the battle plan together, and the times receiving news of victories from the battlefields... The most memorable was when we received the order to launch a general attack on Saigon from the Politburo, the General Staff of the Central Office for Southern Vietnam and won, liberated the South, and unified the country. When we heard Duong Van Minh read the surrender declaration on the radio, the whole base burst into emotion.”

A place to preserve historical values ​​and promote revolutionary traditions

After the country's reunification, the Ta Thiet Base received attention from the Party and the State for investment, renovation and construction of many spacious and modern works and items. The relic site of more than 3,000 hectares is now not only a place to preserve the vestiges of a difficult and heroic historical period, but also a vibrant cultural and educational space.

Traditional education for the young generation at Ta Thiet Base (Binh Phuoc) - Photo: Truong Hien

Within the relic site, visitors can visit important historical sites such as the workplaces of leaders and generals, the meeting tunnel, the unique Hoang Cam kitchen system, and ancient trails... Each relic and each artifact carries its own story, recreating a part of the arduous but extremely heroic life and fighting of generations of fathers and brothers.

The briefing bunker is a testament to the creativity and indomitable fighting spirit of our army and people. With a roof made of 3cm thick, fireproof leaves and a ceiling lined with at least 1m thick wood, the briefing bunker ensures the safety of officers and soldiers during fierce enemy bombings. The Hoang Cam kitchen system was dug deep underground, cleverly concealing smoke to avoid detection by enemy aircraft, demonstrating the intelligence and determination to protect the force.

Not only stopping at preserving the existing relics, Ta Thiet Base today also invests in building new works, such as exhibition houses, documentary film screening rooms, memorial areas... to help visitors have a more comprehensive and in-depth view of the base's history. Traditional education activities, talks, and exchanges with historical witnesses are regularly organized, attracting a large number of students and people to visit and learn.

In 2015, the Prime Minister issued a decision to recognize the Relic of the Southern Vietnam Liberation Army Command Base as a special national relic, affirming the role and great historical value of Ta Thiet Base to the nation. Binh Phuoc Province also has a policy of investing in developing this place to its full potential, turning Ta Thiet Base into an important source tourism destination, contributing to educating patriotism and national pride for the younger generation.

The special national relic of the Southern Vietnam Liberation Army Command is not only a historical site, but also a symbol of the indomitable will, indomitable fighting spirit and creative intelligence of the Vietnamese people. Preserving and promoting the value of the relic is extremely important in educating patriotic traditions, arousing national pride and strengthening faith in the path that our Party and people have chosen. And Ta Thiet has been and is a meaningful destination on the journey to discover the heroic history of the nation.