Among them is Tran Duc Noi, a 74-year-old veteran who fought in the 81-day battle to defend the Quang Tri Citadel in 1972. Noi says he returns to Quang Tri every year on the occasion of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27).
“We were very young back then, but we were determined to defend the Quang Tri Citadel, even if it meant sacrificing our lives on this very land. We feared neither hardship nor death. Whenever I return here, I think of my comrades who fell in battle, forever remaining twenty years old and never returning to their families. Every July 27, we bring water from Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi and pour it into the Thach Han River and around the citadel. Each time I come back, I cannot hold back my tears,” said Noi.
For Pham Nguyen Yen Vy, a student at Van Lang University in Ho Chi Minh City, this was her first visit to the Quang Tri Citadel. Walking through the historic site and listening to stories of the fierce 81-day battle gave her a deeper appreciation of the sacrifices made by previous generations.
“I have visited many historical sites across the country, not just the Quang Tri Citadel. Through the stories of sacrifice and dedication passed down by earlier generations, I have gained a deeper understanding of our nation’s history. We will always remember the tremendous sacrifices made by our fallen heroes,” said Vy.
Throughout July, the Quang Tri Citadel welcomes families, individuals, and volunteer groups from all corners of the country. Though each visitor arrives with a different story, they all share the same sense of reverence and gratitude. For Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy from Hanoi, returning to Quang Tri every July has become an annual journey of remembrance.
“Every year around July 27, we organize volunteer activities and come here to offer incense in tribute to our fallen heroes, with boundless gratitude. As younger generations, we understand that every inch of Vietnam’s land today has been secured through the blood and sacrifice of those who bravely gave their lives for the nation’s independence and freedom,” said Thuy.
