Quang Tri (VNA) – As part of his working trip to the central province of Quang Tri on the occasion of 78th War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on July 27 offered incense and flowers at the Temple of President Ho Chi Minh and fallen heroes in Dong Hoi ward and the Long Dai Ferry Terminal historical site.
In a solemn ceremony at the temple, the Prime Minister and his entourage observed a moment of silence to honour President Ho Chi Minh and the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for national liberation, reunification, and the people's well-being. He reaffirmed the nation’s determination to build a strong, united, and prosperous socialist Vietnam.
War-torn Quang Tri is home to around 270,000 individuals recognised for their contributions to the revolution, including over 32,000 martyrs, nearly 25,000 wounded and sick soldiers, and more than 4,000 heroic Vietnamese Mothers. The province houses 288 sites in commemoration of martyrs, including 157 cemeteries with over 74,000 martyrs’ graves.
Over the years, the province has strictly implemented the Party’s and State’s policies for war veterans and nation contributors, helping improve their living conditions.
PM Chinh called on the local Party Organisation, authorities, armed forces, and people to build on the province’s proud revolutionary traditions and make continued efforts to promote the study and practice of President Ho Chi Minh’s thought, morality, and lifestyle, contributing to a strong, civilised, and prosperous nation.
Later, the delegation visited Long Dai Ferry Terminal in Truong Ninh commune, a historically significant site during the resistance war against the US. The terminal served as a critical supply route on the legendary Truong Son Trail amid endured relentless bombing by US forces. In the face of danger, Vietnamese soldiers, youth volunteers, and local militia stood firm to protect ferry trips under the slogan: "Our blood may fall, but the ferry must never stop."
In 1969, President Ho Chi Minh awarded the title "Hero of the People's Armed Forces" to Combat Engineer Company 16 of Regiment 500 for their service at the ferry terminal.
The PM also offered incense and inspected the ongoing restoration of Long Dai II Ferry Terminal site, where 16 youth volunteers from former Thai Binh province (now Hung Yen) laid down their lives, 15 of whom died in a US bombing on September 19, 1972. The project, launched to mark the 50th anniversary of national reunification (April 30, 1975-2025), includes a monument, a memorial house, and a ceremonial space with a total budget of 20 billion VND (765,000 USD).
PM Chinh expressed his hope that the site will soon be completed, creating a cultural and spiritual complex along the Long Dai River to hobour heroic martyrs, fulfil the wishes of their families, and serve as a place for educating younger generations about patriotism and revolutionary traditions./.
