Peace – from aspiration to reality

In 1958, in his “Letter to the National Congress of the Vietnamese People for Peace,” President Ho Chi Minh emphasized: "Preserving peace is the shared duty of all people. Every Vietnamese citizen must be an enthusiastic fighter for peace." This highlights that peace is the fundamental value of life, serving as the foundation for the development of all other values.

Fireworks display at the opening night of the For Peace Festival. Source: Tran Tuyen

History chooses Quang Tri

Throughout Vietnam’s history, there is no greater pain than the anguish of division. Quang Tri bore this burden for more than 20 years. In July 1954, with the signing of the Geneva Accords, the country was temporarily divided at the 17th parallel, where the Ben Hai River and Hien Luong Bridge became the symbolic divide between the North and South. A temporary separation, initially meant to last only two years, extended into 21 years.

After peace was restored, Quang Tri rose from the devastation, overcoming the scars of war with pride and resilience. The province has been dedicated to healing through acts of remembrance, cultural festivals, and ceremonies honoring those who sacrificed their lives. Quang Tri, a land filled with historical monuments tied to its villages, stands as a living testament to the enduring aspiration for peace.

Notable historical sites include Tan So Citadel, where in 1885, Emperor Ham Nghi issued the Can Vuong Proclamation, calling the people to rise against French colonialism. The Vinh Moc Tunnels and Vinh Linh’s underground villages showcase the unyielding spirit of Quang Tri’s people during wartime. The Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River, both now national historical relics, embody the painful memories and desire for reunification. The Quang Tri Ancient Citadel serves as a symbol of heroic resistance during the 81-day battle to defend every inch of sacred ground, stained with the blood of a generation determined to sacrifice everything for national independence.

Quang Tri is a vivid museum of revolutionary warfare, a comprehensive map detailing the Vietnam War, one of the most brutal conflicts of the 20th century. What was once Quang Tri’s “Circle of Fire” has transformed into today’s "Circle of Peace." Annually, domestic visitors come to Quang Tri to reflect on history, pay tribute, and take pride in the legacy left by their forefathers.

For many international visitors, Quang Tri offers an opportunity to learn about and admire the extraordinary resilience of those who lived through the "land of fire.“History chose Quang Tri to sow green life on a”dead land," ravaged by war. It chose Quang Tri because of the region’s inner strength to rise and affirm the most fundamental value of humanity—peace.

The For Peace Festival: A Message of Peace

In 2024, Quang Tri marks a historic milestone by hosting its first-ever Peace Festival with the theme “Joining Hands to Build a Peaceful World,” drawing participation at both national and international levels. At the festival’s opening, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan emphasized, "Every inch of this land, every river, every place name bears the deep marks of a time of bombs and bullets, where millions of our compatriots and comrades fell, contributing to a country blossoming with independence and freedom, paving the way for lasting peace across the S-shaped land."

The peace message was powerfully conveyed through a special artistic performance, “Bridging Connections,” inspired by the historical Hien Luong Bridge. The bridge symbolizes not only the desire for national reunification but also the spirit of linking the values of the past, present, and future in a land that endured so much loss. When the Peace Bell rings, Quang Tri becomes a messenger of peace, calling on everyone to unite in building a peaceful world.

The desire for peace soared even higher through music. The “Trinh Cong Son: Songs of Peace” concert held at Fidel Park delivered profound spiritual meaning. “Peace: From Aspiration to Reality” has become a defining value, turning Quang Tri into a symbol of peace, an enduring melody resonating through time. The Peace Festival, organized by Quang Tri and supported by the community, is a unique and new tourism product for the region, offering an important opportunity for Quang Tri to promote its potential, attract investment, and boost tourism.

Quang Tri as destination for peace

Chairman of the Quang Tri People’s Committee, Vo Van Hung, emphasized, "We hope this festival will create a significant driving force for Quang Tri to not only become a cultural space for peace, a destination for peace, and a meeting place for peace-loving friends from around the world, but also to help promote its potential, attract investment and tourism, and contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of Quang Tri and neighboring regions."

Peace is also an essential foundation for the sustainable development and prosperity of nations. The Peace Festival, held in Quang Tri, aims to contribute to the creation and preservation of peace for humanity.

"Peace is not merely a matter of political agreements; it is rooted in memories developed and shared through dialogue. It is based on a genuine aspiration for peace and prosperity," said Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General, in her message to the Peace Festival.

The festival’s appeal, carrying a powerful message of peace, is enormous. To elevate the value of Quang Tri’s key festivals and fully harness its tourism potential—especially festivals held at the Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River national historical site—Quang Tri needs to invest in upgrading its infrastructure.

From the perspective of a visitor to the Peace Festival, Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong from Hanoi shared, "The festival’s opening program was wonderful, connecting the past and present through a multi-dimensional space. Standing on Hien Luong Bridge, I felt a deep pride in the heroic land of Quang Tri."

However, she noted, "If there were more open spaces, it would be more convenient for visitors and locals to attend the festival.“To create a lasting positive image for tourists and guests visiting the”land of fire" during festivals, Quang Tri should focus on developing the infrastructure of its tourist sites that support these events.

A priority should be building a spiritual and cultural network that becomes a place of reverence for the entire nation, reviving the eternal historical values in the collective memory. This approach can foster a practical and symbolic “circle of peace” with friends from all over the world.

Furthermore, it would be highly meaningful if the spiritual spaces at the Truong Son and Road 9 National Martyrs Cemeteries, as well as other cemeteries throughout the province, were connected to the cultural identities of the home regions of the heroic martyrs who rest in Quang Tri. The goal is to transform Quang Tri’s sacred land into a cultural space, embodying the timeless heritage of the nation.

The sound of the bell ringing across the sacred space of the Truong Son and Road 9 National Martyrs Cemeteries, accompanied by the sight of white doves descending beside the ceremonial hall, serves as a poignant reminder of the longing for peace. More significantly, it reflects the compassion and humanity of a nation deeply rooted in moral principles, as captured in Nguyen Trai’s famous words: "Use great virtue to conquer brutality / Take benevolence to replace tyranny."

The image of a dove carrying a golden rice stalk—symbolizing Vietnam’s rice-growing civilization—spreading its wings, inspires a collective focus on honoring and uniting around the universal value of peace. It underscores a powerful truth: for any nation, peace is the foundational element from which all life’s values and human dignity emerge.

Today, on the land once known as a “battlefield,” a “frontier outpost,” and three times designated as the “capital” of the country, peace is no longer just an aspiration—it has become a reality. This living testament allows Quang Tri, along with the rest of the nation and peace-loving people around the world, to come together to build peace, foster unity, and drive progress forward.

Ho Nguyen Kha - Ngoc Mai