Exactly 70 years ago, after the victory at Dien Bien Phu, the Geneva Accords were signed, the country was temporarily divided into two regions, the North and the South, with a general election scheduled to be held in two years to unify the country. The 17th parallel was determined to be the boundary between the two regions.

Implementing the terms of the Geneva Agreement, on August 25, 1954, at Ho Xa (Vinh Linh), the French military representative signed the minutes of handing over the area north of the 17th parallel to our delegation and withdrew troops to the south bank of the Ben Hai River, marking an important turning point in history. August 25, 1954 has become the traditional day of Vinh Linh's homeland.

At this time, Vinh Linh was the only district of Quang Tri province that was liberated but was partially cut off, including the entire Vinh Liem commune, part of Vinh Son commune in the south of the demilitarized zone with a population of 13,267 people and 351 of our party members had to stay behind to stick to the land and people and operate in enemy territory.

The US imperialists and the Saigon government sabotaged the Geneva Agreement, permanently dividing the country, turning the south into a new type of colony and a military base to attack the socialist north. The whole of Vinh Linh became the coordinates of bombs and destruction; how much pain and loss did the people of Vinh Linh have to endure when each person had to bear 7 tons of bombs and bullets during the years when the US imperialists escalated their attacks on the north.

Overcoming all sacrifices, losses, difficulties and challenges, with the will that “nothing is more precious than independence and freedom”, the army and people of Vinh Linh have shown their courage, not giving up an inch, not leaving a single strand. At the border bridgehead, the steel rampart of Vinh Linh remains steadfast, keeping the glorious flag of the Fatherland flying proudly on top of the Hien Luong pole, keeping the north-south bloodline open day and night, connecting the rear with the heroic great frontline.

The program "Parallel 17 - Desire for peace" includes two main parts: Ceremony and Political Art Program.

The art section has 5 chapters including “Ben Hai Cut”, “Red Separation” and “Cau ho ben Hien Luong”… The program is elaborately staged with specially designed sound and light in the hope that through art, the audience will have a more specific, impressive and emotional view, so that “17th Parallel” will continue to tell the story of peace for future generations.

The highlight of the program is the two short plays “Same Skin Color” and “We Are Family”, written by author and journalist Tran Dang Tuan.

On this occasion, the Viet Seed Fund - Nhan Dan Newspaper coordinated with businesses and sponsors to present 10 houses to families with revolutionary contributions in Vinh Linh district. At the same time, Nhan Dan Newspaper coordinated to present 500 gifts to families with special difficult circumstances in Vinh Linh; awarded 200 scholarships to poor but studious students in Quang Tri province; awarded 300 million VND to support the army and people of Con Co island. In addition, Nhan Dan Television coordinated to present 200 bicycles to students in 3 mountainous communes of Vinh Linh district, Quang Tri province.

H.Anh