Quang Tri: Nurturing peace and prosperity with determination

Located at the heart of the country, throughout its long history of nation-building and defense, Quang Tri has been a frontline against foreign invaders, a place that ignited hope and unwavering belief in independence, reunification, and aspirations for peace.

Strategically pivotal, during nearly half a century (1930-1975), Vietnam confronted its fiercest adversaries of the 20th century, and for over 20 years, Quang Tri stood at the forefront—a land of fire where historic clashes between the peace-loving Vietnamese people and invading forces occurred. The war left profound scars, grief, and losses for the land and people of Quang Tri.

The plaque at the Long Quang Steel Fortification Site in Trieu Trach Commune, Trieu Phong District - Photo by D.T.

Names of places, villages, and countless courageous individuals with a steadfast desire for peace have become etched in history, intertwined with heroic deeds and famous landmarks of the 20th century. These include the Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River, a temporary demarcation line dividing the nation into North and South for 21 years (1954-1975); the fortified Vinh Linh Steel Belt; the Vinh Moc Tunnels, a unique “underground battlefield” showcasing the enduring resilience and unwavering spirit of the people of Quang Tri and Vietnam at the frontlines; and heroic battles at the McNamara Line, Route 9, Khe Sanh, Con Tien, and Doc Mieu.

Notably, the 81-day and night battle to defend the ancient Citadel of Quang Tri (from June 28, 1972, to September 16, 1972) stands as one of the most vivid expressions of Vietnam’s aspiration for independence, freedom, and national reunification during the anti-American resistance, a heroic feat of the 20th century.

Today, the province hosts 72 martyrs“cemeteries, including the Truong Son and Route 9 National Martyrs” Cemeteries, with over 55,000 graves, commemorating tens of thousands who contributed to the revolution and their families. The devastating war left Quang Tri with severe consequences: over 95% of its villages were destroyed, making it one of the most heavily landmine-polluted regions in the country.

Moreover, frequent natural disasters have compounded the challenges faced by this land. Yet, nearly 50 years after national reunification and particularly 35 years after the province’s re-establishment, Quang Tri has undergone remarkable transformation and continues to harbor aspirations for breakthroughs and development.

Quang Tri is no longer just a local name but has become a source of national pride for its heroic struggle against invaders and its enduring desire for peace among the Vietnamese people.

According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Dinh Thien, former Director of the Vietnam Institute of Economics: "No place in the world has endured as much suffering and loss in war as Quang Tri. This region possesses an invaluable asset: an extensive system of revolutionary historical relics unparalleled elsewhere. Therefore, supporting Quang Tri in building a tourism brand for peace is crucial."

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hung, Standing Committee Member of the XIV National Assembly’s Committee on Culture, Education, Youth, Adolescents, and Children, shares: "In Vietnam, if we choose a region symbolizing loss and suffering in war, embodying the desire for peace to organize a Peace Festival, Quang Tri is the most deserving place."

In 2018, marking the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Agreement on ending the war and restoring peace in Vietnam, Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Peace and Development Foundation and former Vice President of Vietnam, directed the organization to collaborate with Quang Tri Province to host an artistic exchange evening “Aspiration for Peace” and a symposium on “Peace Day” in Quang Tri.

At the same time, she proposed Quang Tri as an international cultural exchange hub due to the goodwill between nations. In January 2018, Quang Tri Province chose Quang Tri Town to host the “Song of Peace” program. In September 2019, Quang Tri Town organized the “Ancient Citadel of Quang Tri - Aspiration for Peace” program...

These were the first activities in a series of ideas to develop Quang Tri Town, specifically Quang Tri Province, into an icon of peace and a destination for peaceful tourism. The 2024 Peace Festival in July aims to honor the value of peace, calling on everyone to strive to preserve and build a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable life for the homeland, the nation, and humanity.

The Peace Festival is an occasion to commemorate and pay tribute to heroic martyrs who sacrificed for the survival of the Motherland; to remember war victims and the profound losses caused by war. Organizing the festival aims to build Quang Tri into a cultural space for peace, symbolizing the robust vitality of humanity on a land once devastated by war and serving as a meeting place for friends from all over the world—cities, nations who have shared similar destinies with Quang Tri across the globe.

Furthermore, the 2024 Peace Festival in Quang Tri aims to introduce, promote, and contribute to enhancing the image and position of Vietnam and the land and people of Quang Tri, attracting domestic and international tourists, and promoting socio-economic development of Quang Tri Province.

Quang Tri is a region rich in history and culture. Through various historical periods, its people, known for their diligence, perseverance, and heroic struggle, have achieved remarkable feats and preserved invaluable traditional cultural heritage.

Especially notable are the remnants of revolutionary historical sites left on this land after two great national liberation struggles. These sites hold significant national and international importance, forming a vast treasure trove of Quang Tri’s cultural heritage—both tangible and intangible. It can be affirmed that among Quang Tri’s cultural heritage treasures, the revolutionary war heritage is extensive and rightfully stands among the top renowned landmarks of the nation and the world.

In recent years, Quang Tri has successfully organized significant festivals that resonate deeply, such as the Unity of River and Mountain Festival, Gratitude Festival in July, and the Cultural Tourism Bridge Festival... In July 2024, the Peace Festival is also scheduled to be solemnly and impressively held in Quang Tri.

Visitors to Quang Tri will have the opportunity to live and experience the indomitable stories of its people and the land once ravaged by war. The people of Quang Tri, along with the entire nation, fought and sacrificed for the independence and freedom of their homeland, and for the dignity of humanity, driven by lofty aspirations for peace.

Among over 490 historical sites across the province, revolutionary historical relics constitute the majority. Many of these sites, associated with legendary historical landmarks, have become symbols of national pride, such as the Ho Chi Minh Trail, Truong Son and Route 9 National Martyrs' Cemeteries, Ta Con, Khe Sanh, Doc Mieu, Con Tien, the Ben Hai - Hien Luong Double Bridge, Vinh Moc Tunnels, and the Ancient Citadel of Quang Tri...These place names and villages have become deep-seated memories for generations of soldiers, families, descendants, and today’s youth interested in the history of their homeland.

Therefore, Quang Tri can be considered a vast war museum, a rich and comprehensive “map” describing Vietnam’s great struggle for national defense in the 20th century. It is a land of legendary tales of patriotism in a uniquely significant era for humanity, vividly and convincingly embodying the Vietnamese people’s and humanity’s aspirations for peace.

Nguyen Tri Anh - Ngoc Mai