Quang Tri hosts “The Parallel 17 - The Aspiration for Peace” Art Program

A special art program, titled “The Parallel 17 - The Aspiration for Peace” marking the 70th anniversary of Vinh Linh’s traditional day on August 25 (1954 - 2024), was held on the night of August 16.

The event, organized by the Nhan Dan Newspaper in collaboration with Quang Tri Province, took place at the historic Hien Luong - Ben Hai area.

Seventy years ago, following the victory at Dien Bien Phu and the signing of the Geneva Accords, peace was restored across Vietnam. The country was temporarily divided into two regions, North and South, with plans for nationwide elections to reunify the country after two years. The Parallel 17 was established as the dividing line between the two regions.

Delegates perform the flag-raising ceremony. Photo: Tran Tuyen

In accordance with the Geneva Accords, French military representatives signed a document transferring control of the area north of the Parallel 17 to delegation and withdrew their troops to the south bank of the Ben Hai River at Ho Xa on August 25, 1954, which then became the traditional day for Vinh Linh.

At that time, Vinh Linh was the only liberated district in Quang Tri Province but had a portion cut off, including all of Vinh Liem Commune and part of Vinh Son Commune, located south of the demilitarized zone. This area had a population of 13,267 people, and 351 of party members had to stay behind to continue their activities amidst enemy territory.

The American empire and the Saigon government violated the Geneva Accords, resulting in a prolonged division of the country. They transformed the South into a new kind of colony and a military stronghold for launching attacks on the socialist North.

Vinh Linh became a hotspot for bombings and devastation. The residents of Vinh Linh suffered greatly, enduring the impact of 7 tons of bombs and ammunition per person during the years of escalating American aggression against the North.

Member of the Party Central Committee (PCC), Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan (People) Newspaper, Deputy Head of the PCC Commission for Communication and Education, and Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists’ Association Le Quoc Minh, speaks at the event. Photo: Tran Tuyen

Despite all sacrifices, losses, difficulties, and challenges, with the resolve that “nothing is more precious than independence and freedom,” the military and people of Vinh Linh showed remarkable courage and determination, refusing to yield an inch.

At the frontline of the demarcation, the steel fortifications of Vinh Linh steadfastly upheld the nation’s glorious flag, proudly flying atop the Hien Luong flagpole. They maintained an unbroken connection between the North and South, ensuring that the vital link between the home front and the heroic frontlines remained intact day and night.

Vinh Linh, alongside Quang Trị, has honorably carried out the sacred mission entrusted by the nation, leaving a vibrant mark on the history of human progress. Their remarkable contributions have touched the conscience of the world and earned them several prestigious titles, including “Frontline of Socialist North Vietnam,” “Diamond Land,” “Heroic Fire Line,” and "Steel Rampart of Vinh Linh."

National Assembly Vice Chairman Tran Quang Phuong delivers a speech at the program. Photo: Tran Tuyen

In his opening remarks, Le Quoc Minh, Editor-in-Chief of the Nhan Dan Newspaper, affirmed: "The enemy aimed to transform the river in Quang Tri homeland into a wedge of division. However, people, with their immense sacrifices, built bridges and ferry crossings to unite the nation. They connected us with a bond as unbreakable as flesh and blood, embodying the timeless truth proclaimed by President Ho Chi Minh to both the nation and the world: 'Vietnam is one, the Vietnamese people are one; rivers may run dry, mountains may erode, but this truth remains eternal.'"

As time goes by, it becomes increasingly clear that people’s victory in the struggle against American aggression and for national liberation is a brilliant milestone in history. This triumph stands as a monumental achievement of the 20th century, a defining event with profound international significance and enduring relevance.

Photo: Tran Tuyen

Seventy years after the signing of the Geneva Accords and fifty-two years after liberation, the people of Quang Tri have carried forward their legacy of bravery and perseverance in battle, along with their industriousness and creativity in work. United in their efforts, they are dedicated to building a prosperous and thriving homeland.

Although the war has ended, it left a legacy of profound suffering and heavy losses in the region. In Quang Tri Province, there are 2,833 Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, over 18,000 fallen soldiers, more than 11,000 war invalids, and tens of thousands of individuals who contributed to the revolution.

Photo: Tran Tuyen

The province is home to 72 war cemeteries, including 2 national cemeteries, with more than 600,000 graves. By 2022, the number of war invalids, fallen soldiers, and those who contributed to the revolution represented nearly 20% of the province’s total population.

In Vinh Linh District alone, there are 557 Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, 5,271 fallen soldiers, 2,757 war invalids, and 586 disabled veterans. The entire Quang Tri Province has tens of thousands of people exposed to Agent Orange/dioxin. Quang Tri is one of the most heavily contaminated areas in the country with unexploded ordnance and explosive materials, covering over 81% of the province’s total area.

On behalf of the Party and State leadership, National Assembly Vice Chairman Tran Quang Phuong commended the Nhan Dan Newspaper and Quang Tri Province for organizing the meaningful political art program "The Parallel 17 - The Aspiration for Peace."

He expressed the hope that the program would serve as a heartfelt tribute to the immense sacrifices of people and comrades, and further ignite the flames of patriotism, self-reliance, resilience, solidarity, and the national aspiration to build and protect the country.

Photo: Tran Tuyen

The art program “The Parallel 17 - The Aspiration for Peace” is designed to revisit the years of division between North and South Vietnam. Those twenty years of hardship, loss, and sacrifice have deepened the yearning for peace and reunification among all Vietnamese people, especially for those in the border regions.

The program also highlights the Parallel 17 - a revitalized Vinh Linh, and a dynamic Quang Tri that is steadily thriving. It presents the region as a captivating destination for tourism and historical exploration, bridging connections between people both at home and abroad. It links the past with the present and looks ahead to a future of enduring peace and prosperity.

The art program “The Parallel 17 - The Aspiration for Peace” consists of five sections: “The Days of July,” “As If There Had Been No Separation,” “Blood and Flowers,” “Where the Strength of Vietnam is Visible,” and “The Land of Steel Blossoms”, with the performances of famous signers such as Anh Tho, Trong Tan, Tung Duong, Van Khanh and Lavender dance troup.

Photo: Tran Tuyen

Pha Le Group donates VND300 million to support the military and residents of Con Co Island. Photo: Tran Tuyen

On this occasion, the Vietnam Seeds Fund of the Nhan Dan Newspaper, in collaboration with several businesses and sponsors, presented 10 houses to families who have made significant contributions to the revolution in Vinh Linh District. Each house is worth VND50 million.

The Nhan Dan Newspaper, in collaboration with Vietnam Oil and Gas Group, donates 10 houses, each valued at VND50 million, to families who contributed to the revolution in Vinh Linh District. Photo: Tran Tuyen

Additionally, the Nhan Dan Newspaper, in partnership with the Thien Tam Fund of Vingroup, distributed 500 gift packages, totaling VND500 million, to families in Vĩnh Linh facing significant hardships. The Investment Newspaper and 365 Healthcare System awarded 200 scholarships, each worth VND1 million, to needy but diligent students in Quang Tri Province. Moreover, the Pha Le Group contributed VND300 million to support the military and residents of Con Co Island.

The organizing committee presents flowers to the sponsors supporting the program. Photo: Tran Tuyen

Previously, the Nhan Dan Television, in collaboration with Quang Tri Newspaper and the Economic & Urban Newspaper, organized the donation of 200 bicycles to students in Vinh Linh District.

The program concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. Photo: Tran Tuyen

Duc Viet - Tra My