Emotional trip back to the roots to visit the founding place of the Vietnam People's Army

From Hai Duong city, I followed the working delegation of Hai Duong province to make a trip back to the source in Cao Bang on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army (December 22, 1944 - December 22, 2024).

Overcoming a long journey of hundreds of kilometers, many winding mountain passes, steep passes, and hairpin turns, the delegation of Hai Duong province arrived at the special national historical site of Pac Bo in Truong Ha commune, Ha Quang district. This is where leader Ho Chi Minh returned to the country after 30 years of searching for a way to save the country and conducting revolutionary activities abroad.

That day, it was cold and rainy but there were still many tourists coming to visit. Before our eyes was the poetic scenery of the majestic Cao Bang mountains. The sound of the stream flowing from the great forest reminded us of the echoes of the boiling revolutionary days before the uprising.

The Ho Chi Minh Temple, located in the central area of ​​the Pac Bo special national relic site, was the first destination of the delegation. The temple is located on the sacred Tenh Chay mountain. At the foot of the mountain is the Lenin stream originating from the Coc Bo source.

The temple was built in the familiar stilt house style of the local ethnic people. The most solemn place in the main hall is the statue of Uncle Ho. Above is the inscription Hong Nhat Cao Minh (meaning the red sun shining from above), expressing his greatness and great contributions to the nation.

Pac Bo National Special Historical Relic Site is also the starting point of Ho Chi Minh Trail, creating a new look for Truong Ha today.

Talking to the people here, we felt their simplicity, sincerity, and friendliness. At that moment, I suddenly had an image of images from 80 years ago, when the ethnic people here wholeheartedly raised and protected the revolutionaries...

The most important destination of this trip back to the source is the special national relic site of Tran Hung Dao forest located at the foot of Slam Cao mountain in Tam Kim and Hoa Tham communes (Nguyen Binh district, Cao Bang province), about 50 km southwest of Cao Bang city. The primeval forest spreads out large canopy trees, surrounding the sacred relic.

Right in front of the forest, in the middle of a flat land, the State built a monument, a relief carved with the image of General Vo Nguyen Giap assigning tasks to 34 soldiers.

The old forest, the old scene is still here. I have the feeling that the forest still bears the image of the famous General and those 34 soldiers from the beginning! 80 years ago, on the afternoon of December 22, 1944, in this sacred forest, a simple but solemn ceremony was held to mark the birth of the People's Revolutionary Army, named by Uncle Ho as the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army, consisting of 34 soldiers.

Under the red flag with yellow star, the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army solemnly recited 10 oaths: ''Sacrifice everything for the Fatherland Vietnam, fight to the last drop of blood to fight against French-Japanese fascists and traitors, to liberate all Vietnamese people, to make Vietnam a democratic, independent, free country on par with democratic countries in the world... Always resolutely strive, despite hardships and hardships, do not complain, go through life and death without losing heart, when going to battle, determined to charge forward, even if head falls, blood flows, do not retreat...''.

That sacred oath has permeated the blood and bones of generations of Uncle Ho's soldiers, so that today they together continue the tradition of protecting the Fatherland.

History will forever record a land that had all the elements to give birth to the first main force of the heroic Vietnam People's Army.

The first 34 soldiers, bareclothes and primitive weapons, were united, intelligent, creative, and determined to fight and sacrifice for the Fatherland. Under the command of military genius Vo Nguyen Giap, after 3 days of establishment, they achieved the victory of Phai Khat and Na Ngan, opening the tradition of "Determined to fight, Determined to win" of our army.

In a solemn atmosphere, the provincial delegation led by Provincial Party Secretary Tran Duc Thang respectfully laid wreaths, offered incense, and expressed their infinite gratitude for the contributions of the great President Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, and the heroic martyrs to the country.

Located under the canopy of ancient trees is the memorial house of 34 soldiers of the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army. The memorial house is engraved with Uncle Ho's directive on the mission of the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army: "... The name of the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army means that politics is more important than military... In terms of tactics, it uses guerrilla warfare, secret, fast, active, now east, tomorrow west, "coming without a trace, going without a trace". The Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army is the senior army, hoping that there will soon be other junior armies..." Next to Uncle Ho's directive is a plaque engraved with the names of 34 soldiers of the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army.

Moving deeper into the forest is a resting hut and kitchen that simulates the simple daily life of soldiers. Following a small slope about 50 meters away is a natural water well, which is also the place where soldiers get water for daily use. After many years, it still produces cool, clear water.

Also in Tran Hung Dao forest, a 300-year-old dracontomelon tree that was closely associated with the daily life of the Vietnam Propaganda Liberation Army has been recognized as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree.

Working in the military, Colonel Vu Hong Anh, member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee and Commander of the Provincial Military Command, had many emotions during this journey to the source. Sharing with us, Colonel Vu Hong Anh said that through the journey, he was both moved, proud, and impressed by the heroic, brave, and resilient tradition of the Vietnam People's Army, and at the same time strengthened his determination to contribute to leading the armed forces of Hai Duong province to become increasingly strong in all aspects, contributing to preserving and promoting that heroic tradition today and in the future..

"The armed forces of Hai Duong province are willing to study and follow the revolutionary moral example of President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap," Colonel Vu Hong Anh shared.