On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025), the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – August 19, 2025), and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025), the Quang Tri Provincial Party Committee, People’s Council, and People’s Committee directed the Quang Tri Provincial Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union to coordinate with relevant agencies and organizations to upgrade the exhibition house at the Long Dai Ferry historical siteSixteen young volunteers lost their lives there. On September 9, 2025, the site was officially recognized as a National Historical Site. As part of A Tribute – The River of Fire, a solemn ceremony will be held to receive the certificate recognizing the Long Dai Ferry as a National Historical Site.
Images from the program rehearsal
The program opens with an old soldier returning to the Long Dai Temple. Holding a timeworn diary, he turns the pages , which are filled with poetry and memories. He relives the smoke and fire of wartime and recalls the marching steps, the ferry rides across the river, and the comrades who forever rest there.
The program will especially recount the heroic sacrifice of sixteen young volunteers from Company C130, including seven women and nine men, all from Kien Xuong, Thai Binh (formerly a province). Undaunted by hardship and sacrifice, these young volunteers bravely held their ground and responded with action to the motto: “The heart may stop beating, but the traffic lifeline must never be cut”.
As part of A Tribute – The River of Fire, journalist Lai Van Sam and anchor Hong Nhung will read a newly written poem about these sixteen young volunteers, who shared the same homeland, departed on the same day, and sacrificed their lives at the same moment.
In addition, the audience will hear the emotional story of the diary of martyr Bui Nang Dac, carefully preserved by his sister, Ms. Bui Thi Thao, which reflects the dreams and aspirations of a young soldier.
A Tribute - The River of Fire is a refined combination of music and stagecraft, creating an artistic space deeply imbued with epic character. The production team has maximized the setting of the historical Long Dai Ferry site, incorporating the river into the stage itself. The ferry bridge, once a witness to fierce wartime battles, will be illuminated as a symbol connecting the past and the present. The integration of live scenery with artistic performance promises a unique experience, allowing audiences to immerse themselves deeply in the story of this historic river.
The program will feature reinterpretations of familiar songs cherished by generations of Vietnamese, such as Binh Tri Thien in Flames, Steps on the Truong Son Range, Truong Son East, Truong Son West, The Girl Who Opened the Road, Red Leaves, The Red Flower, The Fatherland in the Sunlight, and The Pain Amidst Peace. The show features the participation of renowned artists, including People’s Artist Tan Minh, singers Pham Thu Ha, Viet Danh, Anh Tho, Tung Duong, Ho Ngoc Ha, Quoc Thien, Duong Hoang Yen, and Hoa Minzy.
Through this program, A Tribute - The River of Fire brings the historical values of the Long Dai Ferry to a wider audience, especially the younger generation. The production team shared: “We believe that when the stories of our forefathers are told in a heartfelt way, history will no longer feel like dry textbook pages. Instead, they will become part of our emotions, stirring pride in each of us and helping us cherish even more the peaceful and happy life we have today even more.”
The program will be broadcast live at 20:10 on September 18 on VTV1. Stay tuned!
