The Hien Luong-Ben Hai special national relic site is a symbol of the aspiration for peace and national unification - Photo: KHÁNH HUNG

Blending in with the bright red flag is the green uniform of veterans from all over the country returning to visit the old battlefield, where they spent their entire youth fighting for the nation's independence to reunite the country; visiting the place where many comrades have forever lain, their blood and bones merging with the land, mountains and rivers of Quang Tri.

We met a group of 20 veterans from Hai Duong province visiting Quang Tri. They were soldiers who participated in the campaign to liberate Quang Tri and the 81 days and nights defending Quang Tri Citadel in 1972. Although they were over 70 years old, the brave soldier spirit seemed to remain intact in each veteran. Standing together in the place where they had fought in the same trenches and shared the same ideals, the veterans seemed to relive their glorious and glorious times.

“I was a soldier of Battalion 18, Division 325 of the 2nd Army Corps, directly participating in defending the Quang Tri Citadel. When I entered Quang Tri to fight, I was only 17 years old, a high school student. My unit had many comrades who were university students in their first and second years, who, following the sacred call of the Fatherland, put down their pens and went to the South to fight. Although we knew the battlefield was fierce with bombs and bullets, we could not sit still while the enemy was still in the country,” said Mr. Tran Van Quang, a veteran in the group.

Many of the veterans have returned to visit the old battlefield many times, but are still deeply moved: “The war was so fierce, the Quang Tri Citadel was destroyed by bombs and bullets, leveled, many comrades were left behind forever on this land. We were lucky to survive, to return to our homeland and family. Standing on the land of Quang Tri today, looking at the town rising up from the ruins of war, the hearts of the old soldiers are filled with immense pride.

We returned here not only for ourselves but also to bring with us the hopes of our comrades who sacrificed their lives to bring peace to the country. Witnessing the innovation and development of Quang Tri after 50 years of national reunification, we are very proud," veteran Vu Ky shared. After offering incense at the Truong Son National Martyrs' Cemetery, the delegation participated in an exchange with local female guerrillas who had fought side by side with their uncles and aunts in the 81-day and night campaign to protect Quang Tri Ancient Citadel. The exchange was filled with emotions, with stories about the war continuing one after another, mixed with tears of happiness and sadness.

The majority of Quang Tri people, no matter where they are, join hands and serve the Fatherland. Among them, there are many children of soldiers of the former Southern regime who are highly regarded by the Party and State, holding important positions in agencies and units. They are always proud to devote their youth and intelligence to contributing to the construction of their homeland.

Mr. Le Thanh Nganh, 73 years old, in Thuong Xa village, Hai Thuong commune, Hai Lang district, recalls the painful days of his homeland and country. His mother felt as if her heart was broken when he was drafted by the Saigon government in 1972. At that time, his whole family followed the revolution. His father was a martyr, his mother was a war invalid, his older brother was imprisoned by the Saigon government in Con Dao, and his younger brother joined the army.

After the country was reunified, thanks to the love, sharing and understanding of his homeland, Mr. Nganh soon became a progressive person and was admitted to the Party. His children are now adults. His eldest son is the director of a state unit, his daughter graduated from university and is in business. His children all have happy lives.

50 years of national unity and peace, deep in the souls of the Vietnamese people, they all share the same Lac Hong blood, carry in their hearts the love for their homeland and share the same desire for peace.

These are great motivations that create solidarity, contributing to building the homeland of Quang Tri and the country of Vietnam to become more and more prosperous. That is also the common wish not only of Quang Tri but also of the whole country today.

Khanh Hung

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/thang-tu-huong-den-tuong-lai-193308.htm