Peaceful aspiration from sacred land of Quang Tri: Part 3 - On the thriving

The tales of war highlight the importance of peace. The narratives of revival in Quang Tri enhance the value of peace. The once war-torn and desolate Quang Tri is now a relic of the past, replaced by lush greenery shading fields and villages. Peace flourishes and thrives on this land.

In January 2020, US veteran Kem Hunter was honored to plant a tree in the Peace Garden at the 17th parallel, a former dividing line between North and South Vietnam. Hunter reflected on this act: "I hope the tree we planted at the 17th parallel continues to grow, symbolizing the growing friendship between the people of Vietnam and the US. Together, we can promote world peace and heal the remnants of war.'

The festival “Reunification of the Homeland” at the Hien Luong-Ben Hai Special National Historic Site. Photo: T.L

Land reborn

The “Peace Garden” was established by the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee, the US Embassy in Vietnam, and the PeaceTrees Vietnam diplomatic mission to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations in 2020. This garden symbolizes peace, leaving the past behind and looking to the future.

After four years of care, the “Peace Garden” has thrived, with trees blooming and providing shade for visitors to escape the intense summer heat of Quang Tri. But Quang Tri boasts more than just one' Peace Garden.' After the war left its monuments desolate and treeless, over 40,000 trees have been planted at historical sites since 1995.

An entire forest now shades the once-scarred landscape of bomb craters and artillery holes. Upon seeing this transformation, Hunter exclaimed, 'I can’t believe my eyes. Quang Tri has been reborn from the devastation of war.'

Kem Hunder (second from right) plants a tree at the Peace Garden. Photo: H.N

During the war, Quang Tri played a crucial role in the national struggle for independence and peace, leading to the historic reunification on April 30, 1975. Today, Quang Tri is home to 72 war cemeteries, including two national cemeteries, serving as eternal resting places for thousands who sacrificed for the nation’s peace and independence. Hence, Quang Tri is rightly celebrated as a land of peace.

In a time of peace, Quang Tri has strategically focused on key development projects such as airports, seaports, border gates, and energy, leveraging the East-West Economic Corridor, commerce, tourism services, clean agriculture, and high technology.

Quang Tri has made significant progress, with the average per capita GRDP in 2023 reaching VND71 million (US$2,800), over 12 times higher than in 1989 when the province was re-established.

At the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024, the province concentrated on launching several major projects, including the Quang Tri Industrial Park, spanning over 481 hectares (with nearly 100 hectares in phase 1); the My Thuy Seaport, which will accommodate ships up to 100,000 tons; and the Quang Tri Airport project.

Quang Tri Ancient Citadel from above. Photo: T.L

In 2024, Quang Tri aims to meet and exceed key socio-economic targets, aspiring to achieve the objectives set for the 2020-2025 period. The province targets a GRDP growth rate of 6.5%-7% in 2024, with the average GRDP per capita expected to reach VND75-77 million ($2,946 – 3,020).

Throughout its development, Quang Tri has actively sought and received international support to address the aftermath of war. The province currently collaborates with over 60 international organizations and foreign NGOs. Between 2020 and 2023, Quang Tri and its partners secured over $91 million in non-refundable aid.

A beacon of peace

Veterans such as Toan, Lanh, and Chien are eagerly anticipating the Peace Festival set for July. Having experienced war and contributed to the nation’s liberation, they deeply appreciate the value of peace.'Though my health prevents me from fully participating in the festival and reuniting with old comrades, I still look forward to experiencing it in my own way.

With ongoing conflicts worldwide threatening people’s safety, the Peace Festival in Quang Tri serves as a heartfelt call for global efforts to maintain lasting peace,' expressed Toan. In Hien Thanh commune, Vinh Linh district, home to the Hien Luong – Ben Hai twin bank historical relic cluster, locals are busy preparing for the festival.

Le Duc Kiem, Chairman of Hien Thanh Commune People’s Committee, noted that residents are ready to open their homes to visitors during the festival, allowing them to immerse in the poignant melodies, heroic memories, and hopes for a brighter future within the Peace Festival.

Nguyen Cong Chuc, from Nam Son village, Vinh Son commune, Vinh Linh district, has built a house entirely from American bombs and bullet shells near the Truong Son National Martyrs' Cemetery, to welcome tourists interested in learning about war memories and the desire for peace. Although the festival has yet to occur, the people of Quang Tri are eagerly awaiting and welcoming this significant event, ready to host visitors from everywhere.

American veteran Kem Hunter expressed his enthusiasm, 'I support the plan to hold the Peace Festival every two years in Quang Tri and to develop the province into a beacon of peace. Given its war history and efforts in healing and reconciliation, especially in Quang Tri, this is the perfect place to start such a tradition. We measure wars in years, but healing the wounds of war spans generations. Your vision to make Quang Tri a beacon of peace will inspire future generations.'

Chuck Searcy, President of the American Veterans for Peace in Vietnam, echoed this sentiment, praising the leadership and people of Quang Tri for realizing this idea, demonstrating to the world that peace is achieved through hard work, determination, and sometimes sacrifice. 'The people of Quang Tri have earned their place through heroic actions in fighting and protecting the nation. Peace built on such a foundation will shine like a lighthouse.'

Connection and desire

The Peace Festival kicks off with an artistic program at the Hien Luong – Ben Hai twin bank historical relic cluster, under the theme “Connecting Bridges,” and concludes with the “Peaceful Wishes” program in Quang Tri town.

These locations are integral to the proud history of Vietnam, highlighting the message that national unity brings about peace. Since 2010, Quang Tri province has commemorated the “National Unity” festival at Hien Luong – Ben Hai twin banks, with a flag-raising ceremony on April 30 to celebrate independence and peace.

This festival uniquely reminds the younger generation of Vietnam’s heroic past. The sight of the red flag with a golden star being raised on the historic flagpole has become familiar to the people of Quang Tri and the entire nation, evoking strong emotions. For over 20 years during the war, QuangTri’s soldiers and citizens defended this flag as if it were the heart of the nation, making the memory of those times deeply cherished. In Quang Tri town, with the Thach Han River and the Ancient Citadel linked to the 81-day-and-night battle, the remnants of war still linger in the soil and nature.

Here, the enemy dropped bombs equivalent to ’seven atomic bombs on Hiroshima,' yet our forces fought bravely, contributing decisively to the diplomatic victory that led to the signing of the Paris Agreement and the eventual liberation and reunification of the country in 1975. Once a little-known town, Quang Tri became a symbol of the enemy’s brutality and our people’s heroic spirit. Thus, the wish for peace from this land resonates deeply and powerfully.

After 14 years of organizing the “National Unity” festival, Quang Tri is now set to host the Peace Festival on a grander scale. Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee and Head of the Organizing Committee for the 2024 Peace Festival Hoang Nam stated, 'The first Peace Festival in Quang Tri aligns with President Ho Chi Minh’s ideology, the Party’s diplomatic policies, and the aspirations of peace-loving people.'

Since 2019, the idea of a peace-themed festival has received strong support from the Government, central ministries, and Party and State leaders. The Quang Tri Provincial Party Standing Committee has held numerous meetings and issued directives to ensure the Peace Festival in Quang Tri is truly meaningful.

This peace message from Quang Tri will join the global call for lasting and sustainable peace.

"The Peace Festival is the largest event ever organized by Quang Tri province, aiming to promote QuangTri's image both nationally and internationally and to elevate the annual July gratitude festival. Quang Tri expects this will become a new and unique tourism attraction for Vietnam. With national and international reach, the festival's scale is significant. The province is committed to thorough preparation to ensure the festival leaves a lasting impression on visitors, setting the stage for many similar events to come in the future" said Hoang Nam, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Head of the Organizing Committee for the 2024 Peace Festival.

Tu Linh - Lam Thanh - Hoai Huong - Ngoc Mai