Recently, new tunnels have been discovered in Cửa Tùng town. These tunnels are under the supervision of the provincial authority to be restored and preserved properly.
These tunnels were recently revealed at Cua Tung town, Vinh Linh district, Quang Tri province. The tunnels were dug in 1962 and completed 4 years later. They became a shelter for local militia who were on duty guarding the frontier along the Ben Hai river mouth.
"I used to work for the militia, cooking for the soldiers. These tunnels were very important in the American war. Soldiers gathered at these tunnels, waiting for boats to take them across the river to fight. Sacrificed soldiers were brought back through these tunnels too", said Nguyen Thi Mai.
In the American war, the underground always played an important role and had to be fully exploited. By the end of 1968, nearly 70 villages of 15 communes in Vinh Linh province had tunnels. They were not merely a shelter, but also a living space for Vietnamese soldiers in the war zone. The tunnels had also become an advantage for the Vietnamese army to gain victory in the wars.
"From 1966 to 1967, Vinh Quang district had more than 11 kilometres of communication trenches, with hundreds of shelters and 10 tunnels deep in the ground, at the length of over 3 kilometres. Now some of the tunnels have been exposed. They need to be restored and preserved", said Le Thanh Cuong.
The system of 114 tunnels in Quang Tri province is a testament to the enduring vitality and bravery of Vietnamese soldiers and militias. It also represents cultural, historical, and tourism values, especially the Vinh Moc tunnels, which attracts around 70,000 visitors every year.
"Besides Vinh Moc tunnels, which are being exploited, we have zoned other important tunnels in order to conduct restoration. Local authorities will cooperate to restore and preserve these meaningful historical sites and promote them effectively through tourism", said Nguyen Huu Thang.
The tunnel village of Vinh Linh and Vinh Moc tunnels and many other relics along Truong Son road, Quang Tri province, will become key national relics attracting tourists and also educating the young generation about Vietnam's history.
