Field trip to the central region of Vietnam for journalism students.

The red journey towards the nation's history.

Recently, students from the K58 Journalism program embarked on a meaningful field trip to Central Vietnam. The group consisted of over 60 students, led by three faculty members: Ms. Dang Thi Thu Huong, Head of the Journalism and Communication Department; Mr. Phan Van Kien; and Mr. Nguyen Dinh Hau. The destinations visited were historical sites associated with significant historical events in Central Vietnam, including the Dong Loc Crossroads (Ha Tinh province), Truong Son Cemetery, Quang Tri Ancient Citadel (Quang Tri province), and Vung Chua - Yen Island and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh province).

Each place the group traveled through or visited left a unique impression on each student, a mix of excitement, nervousness, and tears welling up in their eyes.

Among the places the delegation visited, the historical sites left a deep impression on the students – places that marked a glorious, tragic, yet also painful and sorrowful period in the nation's struggle for independence. It was difficult to hold back tears as they set foot for the first time on the lands where fierce battles had taken place. Despite the harsh conditions, where life and death hung in the balance, our soldiers and people remained determined to fight the enemy, ready to face sacrifice and loss to win independence.

These landmarks remain, marking a glorious and heroic era of the nation, but behind it lies a profound loss that continues to this day.

The students took notes while simultaneously working to produce their articles at the Dong Loc Crossroads historical site.

The first place the delegation visited to offer incense was Dong Loc Crossroads, a site commemorating the heroic sacrifice of a squad of 10 young female volunteer soldiers. The youngest was 17 years old, and the three oldest were 24. Now that the war is over and life has revived on the very coordinates of that time of death, time may make people forget many crossroads in life, but it is difficult for anyone who has passed through once to forget Dong Loc Crossroads.

Student groups worked at the locations where the delegation stopped.

After visiting Dong Loc Crossroads, the group continued to pay respects to the fallen heroes at Truong Son Cemetery. Here, the young people truly understood the pain of the entire nation; the war is over, but the losses and sacrifices will never fade. Mothers who lost their sons, wives who lost their husbands because of the war, their pain remains irreplaceable to this day. With choked emotions, the teachers and students offered incense to the spirits of the fallen heroes, deeply moved by the sacrifices made by previous generations to achieve national independence.

The delegation visited the Trường Sơn cemetery to pay respects to the heroes.

Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, a place closely associated with the 81 fierce days and nights of 1972. During those 81 days and nights, in an attempt to retake Quang Tri Citadel and Quang Tri town, the US dropped 328,000 tons of bombs. This place also witnessed intense fighting between our forces and the enemy. Thousands of soldiers sacrificed their lives here, their blood and bones mingling with the rubble. Teachers and students couldn't hold back their tears when they heard the poems written about the Ancient Citadel.

The delegation offered incense at Quang Tri Ancient Citadel.

Walk softly and speak quietly.

Let my comrades rest peacefully under the grass.

The sky over Quang Tri is clear and breezy.

No matter how noisy it is, don't disturb the trees.

………………………………….

Walk softly and speak quietly.

The ancient citadel is vast, yet my comrades lie cramped within its confines.

Every inch of land holds a real life.

Let me be overwhelmed with emotion today.

The echoes still linger…

In addition, the group also visited Phong Nha Cave (Quang Binh). Phong Nha Cave is considered the "foremost cave in Southern Vietnam," sheltered by tropical forests. The scenery of mountains and rivers here is captivating, and the majestic nature enchants visitors. Throughout the journey, the group also visited many famous landmarks in Central Vietnam. Each destination offered a unique experience and a different feeling.

On their final leg of the journey, the group visited Vung Chua - Yen Island to pay respects at the tomb of General Vo Nguyen Giap. The entire group respectfully offered incense in remembrance of the great General of the nation.

The trip, covering over 1000km, left many memories for the students and their teachers. Every trip has an end, but after each journey, a lasting impression remains. This trip was not just a field trip for learning, but also a journey to strengthen friendships and teacher bonds. Everyone left behind the hardships and worries of studying to make way for this long journey. And the memories from this trip will forever be cherished, leaving behind fond recollections of student life.