Organized by the Quang Tri People's Committee (UBND) in collaboration with Vietnam Television (VTV), and sponsored by T&T Group and SHB Bank, the event honored the heroes who sacrificed their lives for national liberation. It also aimed to share revolutionary traditions and inspire national pride in current and future generations.
Long Dai ferry terminal served as a vital transportation link, connecting the northern rear with the southern front, Laos, and Cambodia. During the war, the site endured hundreds of tons of bombs, becoming a fierce "bomb pocket." In September 1972, 16 young volunteers from Company C130 (originally from Thai Binh, now Hung Yen) died while on duty there.
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Singer Tung Duong performs at the "Words of Gratitude - River of Fire and Flowers" program. Photo: BTC |
Singer Tung Duong performs at the "Words of Gratitude - River of Fire and Flowers" program. Photo: BTC
According to the organizers, the meticulously crafted performances depicted the courageous sacrifice of the 16 young volunteers from Company C130. Renowned artists such as Tung Duong, Anh Tho, Ho Ngoc Ha, Tan Minh, Hoa Minzy, Pham Thu Ha, Duong Hoang Yen, Quoc Thien, and Viet Danh participated.
The program opened with the image of an elderly soldier returning to the ferry terminal in the rain, carrying an old diary. This evoked poems, marching footsteps, and memories of comrades lost by the river. The audience was deeply moved by the story of martyr Bui Nang Dac's diary, preserved by his older sister for many years, which portrayed the dreams and aspirations of a young soldier.
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The performances and scenes in the program were elaborately staged. Photo: BTC |
The performances and scenes in the program were elaborately staged. Photo: BTC
The organizers integrated the historical Long Dai ferry terminal into the stage, transforming the river into a backdrop. The bridge and ferry, witnesses to the fierce war, were illuminated, symbolizing the connection between past and present. The fusion of reality and art created a unique experience, enabling the audience to deeply connect with the historical narrative.
Against the backdrop of the "river of fire and flowers" at Long Dai, the tragic days were vividly reenacted through familiar songs such as: Binh Tri Thien Smoke and Fire, The Girl Who Opens the Road, Red Leaves, Red Flower Color, and Pain Amidst Peace. All were presented with a fresh perspective, offering a rich emotional experience for the audience.
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Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung awards the National Historical Relic Certificate to Quang Tri province leaders. Photo: BTC |
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung awards the National Historical Relic Certificate to Quang Tri province leaders. Photo: BTC
At the event, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung presented the National Historical Relic Certificate for "Long Dai Ferry Terminal II - the place where 16 young volunteers sacrificed their lives in September 1972" to the leaders of Quang Tri Province. This recognition underscores the site's historical significance and sets the stage for it to become a place for education, remembrance, and historical-spiritual tourism.
In April 2025, T&T Group and other entities commenced the Long Dai ferry terminal upgrade and restoration project, contributing to the development of a modern and lasting memorial.
Over 32 years of development under the leadership of businessman Do Quang Hien, T&T Group and SHB Bank have adhered to the philosophy of "development linked with social responsibility." The companies have contributed trillions of Vietnamese dong (VND) to numerous national historical and cultural projects. They have also implemented social welfare activities such as supporting the poor, caring for Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, building solidarity houses, providing aid to disaster-stricken areas, and awarding scholarships to underprivileged students.
(Source: SHB)
