Dong Xoai Victory Monument: A symbol of the heroic epic

The late poet To Huu used the images of “ Red flashes of warfare blazing across the southern sky” and “ The light of freedom radiated across the five continents and the four seas” to praise the victory of our army and people in the battle of Dong Xoai (1965): “ The Battle of Dong Xoai witnessed red flashes of warfare blazing across the southern sky / The light of freedom radiated  across the five continents and the four seas.”

These verses have touched the hearts of generations, embodying the indomitable and resilient fighting spirit of our army and people, as well as the aspiration for freedom, independence, and peace for the nation.

Incense offering ceremony in tribute at the Dong Xoai Victory Relic Site

The fierce battle of Dong Xoai

Alongside the uprisings of the people in the South, our forces launched an attack on the Dong Xoai District precisely at 11 p.m. on June 9, 1965. The battle took place fiercely, with our troops attacking and eliminating security posts, the commando base, the administrative area, and other military targets in the Dong Xoai area. After three days and nights of steadfast and courageous fighting, the decisive battle at Dong Xoai ended on June 12, 1965. Our forces wiped out 608 enemy troops; seized 148 guns, 20,000 rounds of ammunition; shot down seven aircraft; liberated 20,000 civilians; destroyed numerous strategic hamlets; and halted enemy operations. The 2nd Infantry Regiment fulfilled its mission with excellence but suffered heavy losses, with 134 cadres and soldiers sacrificing their lives and 290 others wounded.

Promoting the value of the national historical relic

To be worthy of a victory of great significance to the Vietnamese revolution and to help educate future generations to take pride in the fighting spirit and the glorious years of the people of the former Binh Phuoc Province in particular, and the people of the whole country in general, the Dong Xoai Victory Monument project was approved for construction by the People’s Committee of the former Binh Phuoc Province to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Dong Xoai Victory (June 9, 1965 – 2005). After two years of construction, the project was officially inaugurated and put into use on December 26, 2007.

The exhibition house within the campus of the Dong Xoai Victory Site Relic

The Dong Xoai Victory Site Relic is a complex comprising multiple structures with a total area of nearly 17 thousand square meters. Its main components include the victory monument, reliefs, exhibition house, and a statue of three soldiers. Supporting facilities include souvenir stalls, a system of greenery, stone benches, and more.

With its great historical value, the Dong Xoai Victory Site Relic was recognized as a National Relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism under Decision No. 4103/QD-BVHTTDL dated December 12, 2014.

The Dong Xoai Victory Site Relic has become a cultural and historical symbol for the people of Dong Nai province in general and Binh Phuoc ward in particular. Local authorities and residents have been working together to preserve and promote the spiritual value of the site through various meaningful activities.

A visitor tours the exhibition house at the Dong Xoai Victory Site Relic

Standing at the foot of the monument, looking up at the fluttering flag, and listening to the proud stories of this steadfast land deeply moves everyone who has ever set foot here.

Amid today’s modern and vibrant Binh Phuoc ward, the Dong Xoai Victory Monument stands tall and proud, serving as a place to remember and honor the generations who came before - those who sacrificed their youth and shed their blood for the peace and independence of the Fatherland.

By: Minh Nhat

Translated by: Dang Huyen - Thu Ha