The political and artistic program, Epic on the River, aired on the evening of April 18 at the Gianh Ferry Historical Site, part of the Truong Son Road and the Ho Chi Minh Trail. In attendance were Le Tien Chau, Member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Prime Minister, along with members and alternate members of the Party Central Committee, leaders of central ministries and agencies, leaders of Quang Tri province, Da Nang city, Hue city, and Khanh Hoa province. Also present were many Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, war veterans, and members of the public.
Epic on the River pays tribute to the officers, soldiers, volunteers, and civilians who fought at the Gianh Ferry warf from 1964 to 1973, in support of the southern frontline and resisted the US war in the North. The program uses artistic expressions to convey memories of loss, sacrifice, and courage, transporting audiences back to a time of intense bombing and the hope for national reunification.
From history to humanity, tribute and renewal
The program is structured into three chapters, each representing a continuous and layered emotional progression.
Chapter One - Fire Coordinate: This chapter emphasizes the historical significance of Gianh Ferry during the resistance, showcasing its role in transport, storage, and defense. It includes poignant tributes to individuals who switnessed the fierce battles in 1964 and 1965 firsthand.
Chapter Two - Bombs Above, Feet on the Ferry: Focusing on the people behind the legend, this segment highlights the collective efforts of residents and youth volunteers in supporting the war effort. It features reenactments and stories of ferry operators and naval minee clearance teams, as well as a recreated “submerged ferry” to create a visual impact.
Chapter Three - Memories of the River: This concluding chapter conveys a sense of gratitude and responsibility, reflecting on past sacrifices and the journey of national transformation.
The program's visual and musical elements enhance its emotional resonance, making it a powerful expression of living memory and a fitting tribute.
A program of living memory and artistic expression
The program features an innovative spatial design that spans multiple stages and real locations, including the Gianh River and various historical sites, with the river itself acting as a central character.
Symbolic staging elements, such as the submerged ferry, enrich the imagery and meaning, while the use of boats and military trucks recreates a wartime atmosphere, providing a visually rich experience.
Music plays a crucial role in setting the atmosphere and guiding the audience's emotion, transitioning seamlessly from reflective melodies to solemn, heroic tones, in sync with the narrative's progression.
Well-known artists such as People’s Artist Thu Hien, Meritorious Artist Lan Anh, Tung Duong, Huong Tram, Dong Hung, Nguyen Hoang Bao Ngoc, and Hoang Viet Danh performed familiar songs including Hy vong, Loi nguoi ra di, Quang Binh que ta oi, Vui mo duong, Mien xa tham, Tro ve dong song tuoi tho, Linh thieng Viet Nam, and Duong chung ta di, breathing new life into them. Some songs closely tied to the location carry powerful historical memory, reflecting the themes of promises, loss, and remembrance of those who fell by the river.
The program also vividly portrays youth volunteers, described as “flowers on the fire line”. Even in darkness or under heavy bombing, they guided convoys carrying SAM-2 missiles and supplies to the South. Though the war has ended, these melodies continue to flow like the Gianh River, reminding people of a heroic era and the enduring sacrifices of previous generations.
Looking back at its wartime past from today’s Gianh River, Epic on the River brings to life a powerful chapter of national history. It affirms the enduring truth that sacrifices made for the nation will never be forgotten, and that it is from this memory that today’s generations draw the strength to continue building the country.
