Site Where 13 Soldiers Died in Rào Trăng Becomes Historical Relic

The solemn site where 13 brave soldiers tragically lost their lives during a heroic rescue mission in Rào Trăng has been officially designated as a city-level historical relic by the Huế City People's Committee. This recognition honors the ultimate sacrifice made by these servicemen who perished on the night of October 13, 2020, while en route to rescue workers engulfed by a devastating landslide at the Rào Trăng 3 Hydropower Plant.

Their courage and sacrifice will forever be etched in the memory of Thừa Thiên Huế province. To commemorate their bravery, a memorial monument was erected at the site, a testament to their selfless service. The construction, completed in 2023, was a collaborative effort, funded by 3 billion VND from the Military Region 4's "gratitude payment" fund and the remaining 3.5 billion VND from the old Thừa Thiên Huế provincial budget. This monument has since become a significant annual pilgrimage site for local residents and officials.

The tragic events of October 2020 unfolded when a delegation, led by Major General Nguyễn Văn Man, Deputy Commander of Military Region 4, was dispatched following reports of the landslide. While resting overnight at sub-zone 67, the group was caught in a sudden mountain collapse, resulting in the loss of 13 lives in the early hours of October 13th. This designation as a historical relic ensures that their bravery and the circumstances of their sacrifice will be remembered and taught for generations to come.

From the perspective of Tuổi Trẻ, a publication deeply rooted in Vietnamese society, this event is more than just a news report; it is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and rescue workers in service to the nation. While international media might focus on the disaster itself or the infrastructure project, for us, the human element—the bravery, the loss, and the subsequent commemoration—takes center stage. The recognition of the Rào Trăng site as a historical relic underscores the profound respect and gratitude Vietnamese society holds for its fallen heroes, ensuring their legacy endures and serves as an inspiration.