Located in the village Van La (Luong Ninh commune, Quang Ninh district, Quang Binh), although recognized as a provincial historical relic, the tunnels Van La – a place of refuge for people over the years war fierce – “forgotten” for a long time, little known.
The road leading to the Van La tunnel historical site
About 10 km from Dong Hoi City, Van La village has long gone down in history books as being in the “eight famous incense” in Quang Binh. This village is the hometown of famous general Hoang Ke Viem and many historical figures.
The only remaining door leads inside the tunnel
Mr. Duan is a researcher and witness of the years when the tunnels were newly built
As a researcher of history, for many years writing Party history for many localities, Mr. Le Trong Duan (70 years old, Van La village, Luong Ninh commune) is a witness who knows quite well about the formative years of the locality. religion.
Van La Tunnels can accommodate about 400 people
“The tunnel was built from June 1966 to 1967 when it was completed. At this time, because the US bombed so fiercely, there were battles that caused houses to burn and people to die so tragically, the Commune Party Committee had to meet to discuss and decide to create a tunnel for people to take shelter,” Mr. Duan recalled.
Currently, the project has degraded, the soil and rocks inside have collapsed, leaving the tunnel only about 30 meters long
When newly built, the tunnel was about 100 m long, 1.8 m high, 1.5 m wide, had 3 entrances including 1 horizontal door and 2 vertical doors, accommodating about 400 people. Once completed, the tunnels are a shelter mainly for the elderly and children.
“In 1968, the US stopped bombing the North for the first time. Quang Binh province had a peaceful time, and Van La people did not use the tunnels. In 1972, the war broke out again, and the tunnels not only becomes a shelter for people but also a place to treat wounded soldiers,” Mr. Duan said.
Stone stele placed in front of Van La tunnel
After 1975, Van La Tunnels were gradually forgotten, 2 of the 3 tunnel entrances were covered by people using soil and stones; The inside of the tunnel has also collapsed, leaving only a section about 30 meters long.
In 2005, Van La Tunnels was recognized by the People’s Committee of Quang Binh province as a provincial historical relic; The tunnel’s front yard is built with concrete and stele attached to serve visitors.
Van La people hope that the tunnel will be repaired and dredged to become a well-known place
According to Mr. Duan, many people in Van La hope that the local government will have a plan to repair and dredge the tunnels. Although the scale may not be as large as the Cu Chi and Vinh Moc tunnels… this is a relic that records historical years, demonstrating the solidarity of local people with Uncle Ho’s soldiers during the years. fierce resistance.
Tags: Van littleknown tunnel Quang Binh
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