The Silence of July

(Baonghean.vn) - As the bells rang, a moment of respectful silence ensued, we wept, our words choked back, and the younger generation fell silent, filled with admiration for the heroic sacrifices of generations of our forefathers..

In July, people across the country turn their attention to those who have contributed to the nation. (Image: Internet)

At 7:00 AM on July 25th, putting aside all work, the Propaganda Department officials of the Provincial Party Committee left Vinh City amidst the rain and wind, embarking on a journey "back to the roots." The vehicles traveled along countless roads to reach Anh Son.

July, the month marking the 70th anniversary of the Day of War Invalids and Martyrs, sees a large influx of people coming to pay tribute and pray for the peace of the fallen soldiers at the Vietnam-Laos International Cemetery. The ceremonial halls and rooms are constantly filled with groups of visitors offering incense and remembering those who sacrificed their lives and blood for the happiness of the people.

At the memorial, as the bells rang out, during the moment of respectful silence before the spirits of the heroes, we wept, our words choked, and there were moments of emotional silence as the younger generation admired the heroic sacrifice of generations of our forefathers.

On the way back to the cemetery, I heard the tour guide recount that when visiting this place, even if it rains, the rain always stops just as you're lighting incense. And today, true to her story, amidst the gloomy, dark clouds, the sky at the Vietnam-Laos Cemetery was still bright.

I met Mr. Ngo Viet Hoang, a former soldier from Nghi Trung commune, Nghi Loc district, who had fought in the Cambodian battlefield. He came here with his relatives to light incense for his wife's brother, who died in Laos in 1972.

He said, "Back then, when our generation left, no one thought about returning. Even though I'm not whole anymore, it's a great blessing for me, because many of my comrades are still lying here..." I could hear in his voice the heavy burden of many worries and concerns.

And in a conversation with a woman named Tâm, from Phú Thọ province, she recounted: Her brother, Nguyễn Xuân Lưu, was a martyr who died in 1972 shortly after enlisting in the army. Back home, his family only received a death certificate but didn't know where he was buried.

For 36 long years, they were separated, until 2009, when a comrade brought him a newspaper with information about the fallen soldier Luu, and he learned that his brother had been brought back and buried at the Vietnam-Laos International Cemetery.

Like Mr. Hoang and Ms. Tam, many relatives of fallen soldiers packed their bags and came here to attend the memorial service for their loved ones. Every story told by the tour guide, every inscription carved on the tombstones of the "unknown" fallen soldiers, moved the visitors deeply.

Here, over 7,000 graves still bear the inscription "Unknown Name," amidst the swirling incense smoke. These heroes sacrificed their lives without leaving behind their names. They may forever remain "unknown" martyrs, but their sacrifice has become immortal.

"It will always be here."

The resting place of these heroes is now surrounded by sunshine and breeze.

There are mountains, rivers, and vibrant red wildflowers.

And echoing from the horizon, I hear my mother's lullaby…”.

Leaders of the Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda Department visited and presented gifts to Mrs. Nguyen Thi Huan, mother of a fallen soldier, in Hamlet 17, Nghi Lam Commune, Nghi Loc District. Photo: Ho Ha

The car returned, traveling along the winding Route 15, passing through the meandering road, over many slopes and hills covered with acacia and eucalyptus trees, we arrived at Truong Bon to light incense in remembrance of the young men and women, eighteen and twenty years old, who sacrificed their lives for this vital transportation artery.

Here, right on the site of the former "Death Zone," the green of life has erased the traces of a time of fierce bombing during the arduous and tragic years of the war against America.

Today, the Truông Bồn National Historical Site has become a place that commemorates heroic history, a gathering place for the souls of 1,240 cadres, soldiers, youth volunteers, and transportation workers who sacrificed their lives for independence and freedom. It is a place that welcomes visitors to pay their respects and express gratitude on occasions when they "return to their roots."

There is something deeply moving that stirs emotions when standing before the memorial plaque inscribed with the names of 13 martyrs of the heroic "Steel Squad" of Company 317-N65 - the Youth Volunteer Brigade fighting against the US for national salvation. Here, these heroes and heroines lay down their lives with great glory. Those names, etched into the stone, are like the mountains and rivers expressing their gratitude to the heroic martyrs, those who selflessly sacrificed their lives and blood for the peaceful, transformed nation we have today.

In his work "Written Under the Gallows," the Czech journalist, writer, and communist fighter Julius Fucik referred to the martyrs as "Those who died for them and for you!" He explained that a brighter tomorrow was coming. At that time, the people would recall the glorious historical period to which they had voluntarily dedicated their lives.

Our beloved President Ho Chi Minh once reminded us: "The sacrifices of the martyrs have paved the way for the country to blossom, achieve independence, and bear the fruits of freedom. Our people will forever remember the merits of the martyrs and must always learn from their courageous spirit to overcome all difficulties and hardships and complete the revolutionary cause that the martyrs have entrusted to us."

Now, more than 40 years after the war ended, the example of the millions who fell reminds us never to rest on the laurels of our glorious past.

Ho Ha

(Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda Department)