Conserving and enhancing the value of revolutionary historical relics

In the run-up to the 81st anniversary of the Founding of the Vietnam Peoples’ Army (December 22, 1944 – 2025), many units and schools across Dong Nai have been organizing guided tours and return-to-the-roots activities at revolutionary historical relic sites.

The special national relic, the Command Headquarters for the Liberation Army of South Vietnam (Ta Thiet Base, Loc Thanh Commune), has become a popular return-to-the-roots destination for people from all walks of life. Photo: Collaborator

At the same time, the preservation, restoration, and renovation of revolutionary historical relic sites in the province have received attention from Dong Nai, contributing to safeguarding and promoting the value of heritage and spreading patriotism to the younger generation.

Restoring and renovating numerous revolutionary historical relic sites

Dong Nai boasts a rich network of revolutionary historical relic sites, several of which have fallen into disrepair over time.

In particular, the relic site marking the Establishment of Division 125, the predecessor of Cambodia's united armed forces for national salvation  (in Cam My Commune) – was classified by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2011. Several key structures, including the reception building, the porch’s water-damaged plaster ceiling, and office facilities, have deteriorated over time. The cultural sector, in coordination with relevant departments and local authorities, has conducted surveys and is reviewing proposals for restoration and renovation in line with regulations.

In 2025, Dong Nai granted provincial-level heritage status to the Southeastern Security Department Base Site (in Tri An Commune) and completed the classification dossier for Tap Phuoc – Phuoc Hoa Communal House (in Long Phuoc Commune). These measures lay an important foundation for Dong Nai in preserving and enhancing the province’s heritage value. 

Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve is one of the sites home to numerous revolutionary historical relics recognized at the national level, including the Southern Central Committee Base 1961–1962 (in Phu Ly Commune), the Eastern Southeastern Regional Party Committee Base, and the Suoi Linh Tunnel (in Tri An Commune). Recently, urgent restoration work on several tunnel entrances and trenches at the Suoi Linh Tunnel Site has been proposed by the Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve, accompanied by an economic and technical report submitted for approval by the provincial People’s Committee.

Tran Van Tuan, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Binh Long Ward, said the People’s Committee of former Binh Long Town has invested in restoring deteriorated historical relics, including Quoc Quang School relic (2023) and the mass grave of 3,000 An Loc residents massacred by the U.S, imperialists on October 3, 1972 (2024), while promoting local culture through heritage performances and educational contests. The locality is now advancing digital transformation, linking national heritage data, showcasing sites and scenic spots via social media and official websites, and has proposed a “Digitalization of Red-Address Heritage Sites in Binh Long Ward” project for 2026.

In Binh Phuoc Ward, Dong Nai Province, the national-level relic – Dong Xoai Victory Monument – underwent repairs and upgrades to its deteriorated structures in 2020, 2021, and 2024, which was carried out by the former Dong Xoai City. In Ta Lai Commune, the provincial-level relic site commemorating the Ta Lai prison break has shown signs of wear over the years due to weather and natural conditions. The communal People’s Committee has conducted surveys and assessments to initiate restoration and conservation of the site.

Traditional education for the younger generation

Beyond enhancing physical restoration, local authorities across the province are actively using heritage sites to educate young people about tradition and history through guided visits and experiential activities and “return-to-the-roots” programs. Schools, organizations, and veterans’ associations take students and youth groups to “red-address” sites, offering first-hand insight into the resilience and fighting spirit of previous generations.

On the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People’s Army, multiple relics are welcoming a steady flow of visitors. These sites include the Command Headquarters for the Liberation Army of South Vietnam (Ta Thiet Base, Loc Thanh Commune); the Founding Site of the Indochinese Communist Party Cell in Phu Rieng (Thuan Loi Commune); the Tau O Blockade Victory Site (Tan Khai Commune); Tan Hiep Prison (Tam Hiep Ward); the Dong Xoai Victory Site (Binh Phuoc Ward); and the Green House Site (Tran Bien Ward). Visitors participate in guided tours, incense offerings, and traditional storytelling sessions, gaining insight into the province’s history and heritage.

Nguyen Thai Kieu Tien, manager of La Xanh Kindergarten in Tran Bien Ward, said the school regularly takes its students to the Dong Nai Museum and nearby revolutionary historical sites. Even at kindergarten age, children develop an early interest in and respect for national tradition through storytelling and guided tours. Delivered in an engaging and age-appropriate way, these activities not only captivate the little learners but also plant the seeds of patriotism and foster awareness of local history from an early age.

Restoring and preserving revolutionary historical relics, combined with effective use and promotion, goes beyond safeguarding valuable historical evidences. It also provides an engaging educational setting that cultivates pride and instills a sense of civic responsibility in the younger generation toward their homeland and nation.

By My Ny - Translated by Tam Binh, Thu Ha