In the joyful and exciting atmosphere of the 26th anniversary of the Vietnam Women’s Union (October 20), the Women’s Committee together with the Trade Union of Southern Gas Trading Joint Stock Company organized a meaningful “homeland journey” for the company’s female employees from October 21 to 23 in Quang Binh and Quang Tri. The program brought together 40 female staff members from the company’s branches nationwide.
The first stop of the delegation was the La Vang Church relic site, which in 1961 was honored as a basilica. The church bell tower, standing tall despite the ravages of time and war, serves as a testament to resilience. Though still bearing scars of destruction, faith has endured and risen again—just as Christ resurrected with wounds still marked on His body.
Returning to the center of Dong Ha City, at the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, the delegation solemnly offered incense and flowers in memory of the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives. After touring the site and listening to the narration of the 81 fierce days and nights of defense, each member was deeply moved by the immense price of the peace we enjoy today. More than 40 years ago, thousands of young soldiers gave their lives here, standing firm to the last inch, setting aside personal happiness for the common cause of the nation. Although a small town, Quang Tri endured bombings equivalent to seven atomic bombs, a fact that demonstrates the indomitable will, courage, and determination of the Vietnamese people. Their sacrifices contributed greatly to forcing the United States to the negotiation table to sign the Paris Peace Accords.
About 35 km from Dong Ha City, along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail, the group stopped at the Truong Son National Cemetery, the resting place of thousands of soldiers who fell on the Ho Chi Minh Trail during the resistance war against the U.S. The delegation respectfully offered incense and flowers in boundless gratitude to the sons and daughters of Vietnam who laid down their lives for the cause of liberation and national reunification.
Following the historical journey along National Highway 1, the group visited Hien Luong Bridge and the Ben Hai River, along with the restored historical relics such as the northern flagpole, museum, joint house, border guard post, loudspeaker system, and the Unification Aspiration Monument on the southern bank—sites that bear witness to nearly 20 years of painful national division.
The group then visited Vung Chua – Dao Yen, about 20 km from Dong Hoi City, the resting place of General Vo Nguyen Giap, the “eldest brother” of the Vietnam People’s Army. He was the great commander who led the defeat of two world powers, the U.S. and France, directing landmark victories such as Dien Bien Phu in 1954 and the Tet Offensive in 1968. The delegation held a memorial service to honor this brilliant general of the nation. For many Vietnamese people, visiting his resting place is a cherished wish—and the group felt fortunate to have had this opportunity.
This “homeland journey” on Vietnamese Women’s Day allowed us to relive the nation’s heroic struggles against foreign invaders. It was a profound history lesson that no textbook could fully convey, strengthening our spirit and reminding each of us to contribute in our own small way to the prosperity of our homeland.
Below are some selected photos from the journey:
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Thùy Dung
