Relic of So Nho Base – Binh Phuoc Security Department: Heroic mark in the resistance war against America

During the resistance war against the US, Binh Phuoc - especially the Bu Dop area - was considered an important gateway connecting the Southeast region with the Ho Chi Minh trail system in Cambodia. With rugged mountainous terrain and dense forests, this place became an ideal base for the revolution to organize activities and deploy forces to fight the enemy.

The historical site of So Nho Base is a red address to remind present and future generations of the revolutionary tradition and indomitable spirit of our ancestors in the resistance war against the invading American imperialists.

The So Nho Base was built during the fiercest period of the war, the headquarters of the Song Be Provincial Security Department (now Binh Phuoc Province), located in a deep forest area, where there were favorable conditions for camouflage, defense and force organization. The So Nho Base became the "brain" directing intelligence, security, internal protection and revolutionary struggle movements of the local people. From here, plans to protect cadres, protect communications, organize liaison, detect and neutralize enemy spies were closely implemented, contributing to maintaining the security situation - a key factor to ensure the success of large and small campaigns of the revolutionary armed forces throughout the region.

The Binh Phuoc Police Force has gone through many different names such as: National Self-Defense Force, Police Department (1945 - 1954), Enemy Situation Board (1954 - 1960), Binh Long Security Board, Phuoc Long Security Board (1961 - 1971), Security Board of Division 10 (Binh Phuoc Security Board, 1971 - 1972), Binh Phuoc Provincial Security Board (1972 - 1975). On April 7, 1972, Loc Ninh was liberated, becoming the first district in the South to be completely liberated, and at the same time the capital of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam and the end point of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Due to its important strategic location, many military agencies such as the Command of the Liberation Army of South Vietnam, the Political Department, the Logistics Department, the General Staff Department, etc. chose Loc Ninh as their base. In order to protect the Party and the revolutionary government, the Binh Phuoc Security Department was established. The total number of officers and soldiers of the Binh Phuoc Security Department at that time was about 100 people.

To ensure the task of protecting the Party, government, people and fighting against sabotage, espionage, and enemy commando activities, Binh Phuoc Security Department moved from Suoi Cat Base (formerly Thuong Kiem Commune, now Binh Thang Commune, Bu Gia Map District) to So Nho Base in Thanh Hoa Commune, Bu Dop District (1972 - 1975). Binh Phuoc Security Department operated at So Nho Base from 1972 until the day of complete liberation of the South and national reunification. This was the last base and also the place where Binh Phuoc Security Department was stationed the longest. The base was built in a rubber plantation, using bamboo and thatch, and roofed with Trung Quan leaves. The constructions were semi-submerged (half-submerged, half-exposed), with a system of surrounding trenches to ensure safety and secrecy.

The leaders of Binh Phuoc Security Department chose So Nho as the base because it is only about 8km away from the Provincial Party Committee offices and departments and branches, ensuring confidentiality and convenience for receiving timely instructions. The base is not only a place to work, but also a space for cultural and artistic activities, and at the same time serves to increase production to improve the lives of officers and soldiers. Inheriting and promoting the achievements of the Binh Phuoc Sub-region Security Force, Binh Phuoc Security Department continues to direct the security forces of districts and communes to grasp the enemy situation, protect the Party, liberated areas and prepare all conditions to serve political, military and diplomatic tasks.

Since its establishment, the Binh Phuoc Security Department has carried out important tasks, contributing to the bankruptcy of the US imperialists' strategies of "Unilateral War", "Special War", "Local War" and "Vietnamization of War". During its operation, the Binh Phuoc Security Department has achieved many outstanding feats, including those that contributed to protecting the safety of the people in the liberated areas. In particular, the Binh Phuoc Security force coordinated with the Loc Ninh District Security force to protect the safety of Loc Ninh. From 1972 to April 30, 1975, the Binh Phuoc Security force contributed to firmly protecting the capital of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam in Loc Ninh.

Today, when the country is at peace, So Nho Base has become an important historical relic, which Binh Phuoc province has paid attention to investing in, restoring and preserving as a symbol of the glorious revolutionary tradition. So Nho Base - Binh Phuoc Security Department was ranked as a provincial historical relic by Binh Phuoc Provincial People's Committee on April 19, 2018.

The relic is not only a place to educate the younger generation about patriotism and national pride, but also a valuable research site on the history of the Public Security sector during the resistance war. Here, memorial activities, incense offering, historical reenactments, and traditional activities for youth union members, students, and pupils are regularly held, contributing to reviving the heroic memories of a time of “undaunted courage and unwavering will”.

The preservation and promotion of the value of the So Nho Base Relic is part of the strategy to preserve the system of revolutionary resistance relics of Binh Phuoc province. The So Nho Base Relic is a living testament to the silent but great sacrifice of the People's Public Security Forces during the resistance war. It is not only a place to preserve historical memories, but also a place to foster patriotism, revolutionary ideals and deep gratitude to those who have devoted their lives to the independence and freedom of the nation.

During the French colonial period, this area was the headquarters of the Prelin Rubber Department, so cadres, soldiers and people often called it the Small So Base. This was a secret base, compact in scale, built with rudimentary materials such as wood, thatch, and bamboo, cleverly camouflaged under the dense forest canopy. Although simple, it was very scientifically organized, with a system of shelters, trenches, working huts, living huts, meeting huts, etc. All of which bore the mark of a arduous but heroic war. Notably, during its operation, the Small So Base was discovered many times by the US army and the Saigon government, who organized sweeps, dropped bombs, and sprayed toxic chemicals. However, thanks to their intelligence, bravery and solidarity, the cadres and soldiers here still maintained their positions, protecting the safety of the forces and military secrets.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/Tieu-diem-van-hoa/di-tich-can-cu-so-nho--ban-an-ninh-binh-phuoc-dau-an-hao-hung-trong-khang-chien-chong-my-i764904/