Celebrating the 40th anniversary of victory at Phu Quoc Prison

On March 15, at the historical site of the Vietnam Communist Prisoner of War Camp - Phu Quoc, An Thoi town, Phu Quoc island district, Kien Giang province, the Vietnam Prisoner of War Liaison Committee and Kien Giang province jointly organized a solemn ceremony to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the victory and commemorate the martyrs who sacrificed their lives at Phu Quoc Prison (March 15, 1973 - March 15, 2013).

President Truong Tan Sang and veterans. Photo: VNA

Comrade Truong Tan Sang, Politburo member and President, attended the ceremony with 1,900 former Vietnamese communist prisoners of war - Phu Quoc from 53 provinces and cities across the country - those who were imprisoned and brutally tortured by the enemy at this prison during the two resistance wars against French colonialism and American imperialism.

President Truong Tan Sang recalled the heroic and heroic memories of former communist prisoners of war 40 years ago. At that time, the soldiers were only in their twenties, but under the skillful and talented leadership of the Party Committee and Party cells of each prison area, the communist prisoners of war united into a solid block, fought steadfastly, and were ready to accept all sacrifices. The President hopes and believes that today's former communist prisoners of war will continue to promote the revolutionary tradition, maintain the integrity of communist soldiers, study and follow the moral example of Ho Chi Minh, and be a shining example for today's and future generations to follow. The President requested that authorities at all levels, organizations, individuals and communities pay more attention to providing material and spiritual support to wounded soldiers, families of martyrs, people with meritorious services to the revolution, former Vietnamese prisoners of war, including former Phu Quoc prisoners of war, especially those families facing difficulties in life.

During the two resistance wars against French colonialism and American imperialism, in Phu Quoc island district (Kien Giang), Cay Dua Camp (1953 - 1954), Cay Dua Correctional Camp (1955 - 1957), and Phu Quoc Communist Prisoner of War Camp (1967 - 1973) were the places where the enemy imprisoned and tortured revolutionary soldiers on the largest scale and number in Vietnam. During the period of 1967 - 1973, this prison detained nearly 40,000 prisoners of war who were soldiers of the armed forces and revolutionary cadres of the People - Government - Party. More than 4,000 people were murdered by the enemy, heroically falling with indomitable spirit, steadfast revolutionary will, and absolute loyalty to the Party and the Fatherland. Implementing the Paris Agreement, from March 15, 1973, the Saigon government at that time was forced to return prisoners of Phu Quoc Prison and it was also the day that marked the "Hell on Earth" on this island was permanently erased.

According to News- TH