War martyrs of Ben Tre remembered

BEN TRE — The Ben Tre River was resplendent and solemn as thousands of hoa dang (flower garlands and coloured lanterns) floated on its surface on Saturday, commemorating martyrs of an uprising that changed the course of the nation’s history.

The hoa dang festival is one of four important events organised by the provincial People’s Committee to express the country’s deepest gratitude for those who gave up their lives in the Ben Tre Uprising 50 years ago on January 17, 1960 against the US-backed Sai Gon regime.

The festival was held at the Hoang Lam Monument on the banks of the Ben Tre River.

The monument is dedicated to Hoang Lam (1943-68), a commando of the liberation force with legendary exploits including the sinking of the enemy’s vessels on the river during the uprising.

He died eight years later during the Tet Offensive, when he led the attack to open the way for land forces to attack Ben Tre town. In the battle to take capture of the enemy’s outpost, Lam and most of his comrades lost their lives. Lam died in action on Cu Lao De (De Island).

The Ben Tre uprising was the first large-scale military action against the US-backed Sai Gon regime. The triumph of the Ben Tre uprising led to the establishment of the National Front for Liberation of South Viet Nam on December 20, 1960.

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong, Transport Minister Ho Nghia Dung, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Huynh Vinh Ai and provincial People’s Committee Chairman Nguyen Thai Xay were among those participating in the event.

Huynh Van Be, chairman of Ben Tre provincial People’s Council, said the hoa dang festival not only showed the country’s gratitude to the martyrs, but also expressed the strong determination of Vietnamese people to build and defend the country.

A minute’s silence was observed during the event in memory of those who died.

The festival also intended to educate, foster and uphold the patriotism of the Vietnamese people, especially the younger generation, Be said.

The screening of a film depicting the historical scene of Hoang Lam sinking an enemy vessel on Ben Tre River was held at the festival.

Deputy Prime Minister Trong inaugurated the festival by lighting the first floating lantern set afloat on the river.

The electrical lighting system along Hung Vuong Street across Ben Tre River was shut off for a while in order to highlight the light emanating from floating lanterns.

Thousands of elaborate floating lanterns were made and placed on the river by thousands of citizens as well as the provincial Women’s Association, Farmers’ Association, Labour Union and Veterans’ Association.

The lanterns were of various shapes, including that of stars and lotuses, and many were made with coconut, the province’s main produce.

Around 50 small to medium sized flower boats with five to 10 persons each were mobilised to facilitate the lantern floating process. Six temporary bridges along the river also helped participants float their lanterns.

The 50th anniversary of the Ben Tre uprising was also marked with a series of other events including the second Coconut Festival, a coconut fashion contest, a coconut culinary contest and a children’s of Festival. — VNS