The Eight Ladies Cave Historical Site (also known as Eight Volunteers Cave) has become a "red address" for locals and tourists when coming to Quang Binh. Over the past 50 years, the story of the volunteers who devoted their youth to national independence is still there. But up to now, the Site has not yet met the expectations of locals, tourists and the government.
Lao Dong Newspaper started publishing a series of articles about Hang Tam Co - a "red address", a place to educate patriotism, as a gratitude from future generations; as well as for the work of preserving and promoting the value, worthy of the relic.
On June 4, 1996, after the memorial service, the People's Committee of Thanh Hoa province respectfully welcomed 8 heroic martyrs and youth volunteers back to their hometown in Hoang Hoa district.
The 8 heroic martyrs of the youth volunteer movement include: Nguyen Mau Ky (born in 1951), Hoang Van Vu (1953), Nguyen Van Hue (1951), Nguyen Van Phuong (1954), Le Thi Mai (1951), Le Thi Luong (1953), Do Thi Loan (1952), Tran Thi To (1954). All of them died in their twenties.
The heroic sacrifice of the 8 heroic martyrs at Hang Tam Co has always been recognized and honored by the state and the people. They are always the pride of their families and their homeland Thanh Hoa.
Speaking with Lao Dong, Mr. Tran Van Hung - Deputy Director of the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs of Thanh Hoa province said that for many years, provincial leaders at all levels have always paid attention to, respectfully paid tribute to, and remembered the heroic martyrs of Hang Tam Co.
Twice a year, on the occasion of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27) and Lunar New Year, Thanh Hoa province establishes a working group to pay tribute and pay respect at the Eight Ladies Cave relic. Every year, not only the delegation from the province and Hoang Hoa district - the hometown of the heroic martyrs - but also many delegations from other districts also come to Quang Binh to offer incense in memory and gratitude.
“Thanh Hoa always respects and is proud of the heroic sacrifice of its homeland's children at Hang Tam Co, and always considers this historical site a red address to educate the young generation about patriotism and revolution,” said Mr. Tran Van Hung.
According to Mr. Tran Van Hung, over the years, the work of protecting, organizing visits as well as burning incense for the heroic martyrs has been taken care of very thoughtfully by the Relic Management Board and the youth volunteers in Quang Binh province, ensuring solemnity and respect. However, if the Central Government, all levels of industry and society pay attention and upgrade further, it will be very valuable. Building the Hang Tam Co relic into a worthy spiritual tourist destination is the desire not only of the martyrs' relatives and Thanh Hoa province, but also of many people and tourists.
"If there are any upgrades and proposals, Thanh Hoa will definitely always support them" - Mr. Tran Van Hung, Deputy Director of the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs of Thanh Hoa province said.
Hope there are wind graves at the monument
Mr. Le Quoc Truong (Hamlet 8, Hoang Thinh Commune, Hoang Hoa District, Thanh Hoa Province) - the younger brother of martyr Le Thi Luong - is nearly 70 years old this year. No matter how busy he is, regardless of rain or shine, he still maintains the habit of regularly going to the Hoang Hoa District Martyrs' Cemetery to take care of the graves and burn incense for his sister and 7 other martyrs.
The story of the older sister adding two years to her age to go to war and the many old memories are still intact for her younger brother who now has gray hair. Although he is very sad that his brothers and sisters sacrificed at such a young age, over the years, Mr. Truong and the families of the martyrs have always been proud of that heroic sacrifice.
Mr. Truong said that for many years, the incense offering and commemoration of the heroic martyrs at Hang Tam Co has been given great attention by all levels and sectors from the central to local levels of Quang Binh and Thanh Hoa.
“Our families are very grateful and thankful for the Party and State’s attention, through many actions and policies showing gratitude to the martyrs of Hang Tam Co. We have nothing more to express or wish for because you, like tens of thousands, millions of other martyrs, heroically fell for the independence and freedom of the nation. We only have one wish, which is to hope that the authorities will build 8 wind tombs in the relic site so that the souls of you have a place to reunite, a specific place to burn incense because when you live, you have a house, when you die, you have a grave,” said Mr. Truong.
Currently, in Hoang Hoa District Cemetery, there are 7 small graves that are connected together in a row, not separated. There is something special about that because until now, the identification of the specific remains of the martyrs is still unclear. And perhaps over time, that will become increasingly impossible.
According to Mr. Le Quoc Truong, the hidden pain and sorrow will subside over time. Wherever you are, you are still in your homeland. Your blood and bones contributed to liberating your homeland and unifying the country.
The wish to have 8 wind graves at the Hang Tam Co Relic Site has been the fervent wish of martyrs' families for many years.
"We don't know exactly where your bones are, we just need to have solemn wind graves where you sacrificed so that you can reunite and your children and grandchildren can come to burn incense. If that happens, our families of martyrs will be satisfied and less tormented. If there is a miracle, one day we can find and identify your remains, we will bring them back to that relic site" - Mr. Le Quoc Truong confided.
