A live TV program, “Truong Son Trail: the way we go,” commemorating heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives on the Truong Son Trail, aired yesterday to mark the 50th anniversary of its establishment.

President Nguyen Minh Triet offers incense at the cave where 8 youth volunteers fell down to commemorate their ultimate sacrifice.

The broadcast was based around Path 20, the section running through Bo Trach District in Quang Binh Province.

Taking part in the event were President Nguyen Minh Triet, Lieutenant General Dong Sy Nguyen, former commander of 559 Army Corps, and many other commanders, war veterans and volunteers who fought in fierce battles along the trail.

President Triet said he was honored to be based on the section of trail, where 50 years ago many young men and women fell for the cause of independence and freedom of the fatherland, trekking over Truong Son to the South to fight on battlefields.

President Triet said that the Party, Government and the people will always remember and owe a debt of gratitude to heroes, martyrs, war invalids, veterans and former young volunteers who sacrificed their youth and even their lives for the cause.

In the program, more than 100 members of staff and soldiers from Quang Binh Province Military Headquarters reenacted the building of the trail from Tan Ky District, Nghe An Province, to Loc Ninh District in Binh Long Province.

It helped viewers realize the hardships, challenges and losses that soldiers and volunteers endured to build the legendary trail 50 years ago.

Lieutenant Generals Dong Sy Nguyen and Phan Khac Hy, Major Gens. Vo So and Hoang Anh Tuan and Col. Nguyen Huu Dai recalled their unforgettable stories of violent battles along Truong Son Mountain, as well their comrades who worked selflessly and fought with determination against US invaders.

The program was jointly organized by Vietnam TV and the Quang Binh Province People’s Committee.

In related news, on the same day, the President met with Quang Binh District representatives from local government and committees. He agreed with project proposals to develop Hon La deep water port into an international port.

He also requested the leaders of the province to focus more on tourism in Phong Nha – Ke Bang national park, recognized as a Natural Heritage Site in 2003 by UNESCO.

He also paid a visit to the family of war invalid Mai Huu Chuoc in Bac Nghia Commune, Dong Hoi City.

VietNamNet/SGGP