Commemorating the 60th anniversary of the sacrifice of 33 Youth Volunteer martyrs at Rocket Cave.

In a solemn and moving atmosphere, the ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of the sacrifice of the Youth Volunteer Martyrs at Hoa Tien Cave was held on the very land that once witnessed the fierce years of war. Six decades have passed, but the memory of April 28, 1966, remains vivid in the hearts of many generations of people in Nghe An province in particular and the whole country in general.

This is where 33 young volunteers fell while tirelessly guarding the roads, ensuring uninterrupted transportation amidst bombing and shelling. Their sacrifice has become an immortal symbol of courage and unwavering will: living clinging to bridges and roads, dying steadfast and indomitable. It is from these ordinary yet extraordinary people that the strength of the home front was continued, contributing to the great victory of the resistance war against the US to save the nation.

In 2011, the Rocket Cave and Railway Martyrs' Cemetery complex was classified as a National Historical Monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, comprising three structures: Rocket Cave, Railway Martyrs' Cemetery, and the Memorial House - the resting place and memorial site of 33 young railway volunteer soldiers who sacrificed their lives.

Speaking at the commemoration ceremony, Comrade Thai Van Thanh – Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Nghe An province – recalled the heroic fighting tradition of the nation, affirming the special role of Hoang Mai area in the resistance war against the US. This is a strategic area where the Youth Volunteer Force tenaciously held its ground, ensuring smooth transportation to support the Southern battlefield.

Comrade Thai Van Thanh emphasized: “Sixty years have passed, and the Rocket Cave and the sacrifices of our brothers and sisters have become a typical image of the generation of volunteer youth ready to sacrifice their youth for the Fatherland, with the determination to “live clinging to bridges and roads, die bravely and resolutely,” and “not regret shedding blood and bones until the road is open.” At the same time, it has further ignited motivation and willpower, serving as a source of spiritual strength to encourage and inspire the Party Committee, government, and people of Nghe An to steadfastly move forward on the path of building and protecting the Fatherland, upholding traditions, and building a prosperous and civilized homeland...”

With pride and gratitude for the past, provincial leaders affirmed that Nghe An will continue to uphold its tradition of unity, strive for socio-economic development, and at the same time pay attention to preserving and promoting the value of the Rocket Cave relic, transforming it into a significant site for educating future generations about revolutionary traditions.

As part of the program, the documentary "The Epic of the 20s" was screened, realistically recreating the arduous days of fighting and the life-or-death moments of the Youth Volunteer Force at Rocket Cave. The documentary footage and witness accounts moved many people to tears.

At the program, the Organizing Committee presented many meaningful gifts to the relatives of martyrs' families and former Youth Volunteers, demonstrating the deep concern and gratitude of the Party Committee, the government, and the entire society for the great contributions and sacrifices of previous generations. These gifts not only have material value but also convey feelings of responsibility and the moral principle of "drinking water, remembering the source," contributing to encouraging the families to continue upholding the revolutionary tradition.

Furthermore, the interaction with historical witnesses realistically recreated the brutal years of war, vividly portraying the courageous spirit and noble sacrifices of the Youth Volunteer Force. Through this, awareness of the value of peace was raised, while simultaneously fostering a sense of responsibility in preserving and promoting the revolutionary achievements that were earned through bloodshed.

The highlight of the ceremony was the epic art performance "Sacred Fire in the Stone" – an elaborately staged work that recreated the entire historical story at Rocket Cave through three chapters: "A Time to Remember," "Sacred Fire in the Stone," and "Shining Forever Through Time." Through artistic language, the program profoundly portrayed the image of courageous young volunteers, bringing to life a glorious era, yet one also filled with loss and sacrifice.

The commemoration not only aims to honor the heroic martyrs but also contributes to educating the younger generation about patriotic and revolutionary traditions; at the same time, it promotes and enhances the value of the historical site of Hoa Tien Cave – the railway martyrs' cemetery. Sixty years – a long enough period for the losses to gradually fade into the past, but also long enough to affirm the enduring vitality of historical memory. Today, Hoa Tien Cave is not just a geographical location, but also a sacred symbol of patriotism and the indomitable spirit of Vietnam.