August 2 and 5, 1964 became important and proud milestones for the army and people of the North and in the history of our people's resistance war against the US to save the country. This was the first victory of the Vietnam People's Navy, and also the first victory of the army and people of the North in fighting against the destructive war, protecting the socialist North of Vietnam. Exactly 60 years have passed, but the historical value, along with the lessons learned, the brave fighting examples of the heroic martyrs still live forever with time, and are the pride of today's and future generations.
Relive the glorious memories
On August 1, 2024, the sky of Bai Chay (Ha Long City) seemed bluer and calmer after many days of heavy rain. Amidst the sound of waves and strong winds of Cua Luc sea, nearly 500 delegates could not hide their emotions when they were on board ship number 511 (Flotilla 4, Brigade 169, Navy Region 1) to attend the Memorial Ceremony for heroic martyrs and people who sacrificed their lives in the First Victory on August 2 and 5, 1964.
In the sacred and emotional atmosphere, many delegates could not hold back their tears when lighting incense sticks to commemorate the heroic martyrs. Mr. Le Dang Nhu (born in 1940, from Thieu Giao commune, Thieu Hoa district, Thanh Hoa province), former Brigade Commander of Brigade 127, one of those present at the Bai Chay - Quang Ninh sea area at the time of the enemy's attack, emotionally said: This year I am 85 years old, but the memories of the fierce and heroic fighting days 60 years ago are still intact as ever. In the battle on August 5, 1964, the US air force attacked many targets such as our Navy base in Cua Hoi (Nghe An); Vinh, Ben Thuy, Lach Truong (Thanh Hoa), Cua Luc (Quang Ninh) and Gianh Port (Quang Binh). But the most fierce and large-scale war was when they bombarded Cua Luc military port (Hong Gai town, now Ha Long city). At that time, the ships fought and maneuvered to Ha Long Bay to take advantage of the rocky terrain, while coordinating with the coastal air defense force to shoot down two American planes, capturing Lieutenant pilot An-ve-ret (the first American pilot captured in the North) and also the beginning of the heroic epic of the Vietnam People's Navy in the history of building, fighting, winning and growing. However, in that battle we also lost our comrades. 60 years have passed, but my longing for my comrades has never faded. The most precious thing to me is to personally light incense for my comrades who fought and died with me right on this Cua Luc sea.
As one of the people who directly participated in the battle, Mr. Pham Hong Thanh (born in 1939, in Nghia Lo commune, Cat Hai district, Hai Phong city) shared: Participating in the victory of the first battle, at that time I was in charge of the role of gunner on ship 136, whose mission was to move into the Lach Truong sea area (Thanh Hoa province) to fight. Lach Truong at that time was one of the 5 large estuaries flowing into the East Sea in Thanh Hoa province and was an ideal anchorage for people and navy ships, as well as transport ships when transporting goods from Hai Phong to the South. The enemy's plot and trick was to use a large air force to suddenly attack massively, threatening the spirit of our army and people right from the beginning of the war. Despite having a small and small number of ships, only 3 torpedo boats, many limitations in technical features, and being in a completely independent combat situation, without support forces, we still steadfastly attacked the destroyer and fought back the enemy's aircraft.
“Coming to the memorial service, I feel very lucky to be able to witness the day of peace and we understand more and more the heroic martyrs who fell for the country’s independence and happiness today. In the battle on August 5, 1964, 78 officers and soldiers of the navy heroically sacrificed their lives. Their blood soaked and blended into every inch of the island, every stretch of the sacred sea of the Fatherland, beautifying the glorious flag of the Party and the Fatherland, brightening the image of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers”, brightening the glorious history of the heroic Vietnam People’s Army. They are shining examples of revolutionary heroism, selfless sacrifice for the Fatherland, for the people” - Mr. Thanh emotionally said.
Sharing the same sentiments as Mr. Nhu and Mr. Thanh, those who directly participated in the battle 60 years ago are all old and have weak legs, but they all tried to be present at the memorial service to light a stick of incense for their fallen friends and comrades.
Inspire pride in the younger generation
The battle on August 2 and 5, 1964 has passed 60 years ago, but the heroic spirit and lessons from the victory of the first battle of the Vietnam People's Navy still have their value. It was a victory of political strength, national spirit and determination to fight, dare to fight, be determined to fight, know how to fight, and defeat the American invaders of the Vietnam People's Navy and the people of the North; it is a symbol of the indomitable Vietnamese spirit, of a nation that loves freedom and independence, never surrendering to the invaders; of the intelligence, patriotism, hatred of the enemy and the Vietnamese military art inherited and developed in the Ho Chi Minh era.
The lessons, historical values, and brave fighting examples of the Navy, Air Defense - Air Force and the Northern army and people in the First Victory will always live on forever. This is a source of pride and also a great spiritual motivation for the entire Party, people and army to continue to strive and contribute to the cause of building and defending the Fatherland.
In his tribute to the heroic martyrs in the Cua Luc sea area (Bai Chay ward, Ha Long city), Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Bong, Political Commissar of the Navy affirmed: The blood and bones of the heroic martyrs shed for the cause of national liberation have contributed to making the sea and islands of the Fatherland increasingly rich and beautiful. The spirit of "dare to fight, determined to fight and know how to fight and win" of the First Victory has spread, permeated deeply, becoming an invaluable spiritual support for the Navy soldiers and the people of the whole country in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland. Following the great merits and sacrifices of the heroic martyrs, our generation today - the officers and soldiers of the Navy, Air Defense - Air Force and other armed forces vow to continue to thoroughly grasp the resolutions and directives of the Party, the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defense, promote the glorious tradition of the army and military branches, the tradition of winning the first battle, solidarity, coordination, constantly improve the overall quality, combat readiness and combat strength, excellently complete the mission, be the core to firmly protect the sovereignty of the sea, islands, borders and airspace of the Fatherland.
As the commander of ship number 511 of Squadron 4, Brigade 169, Naval Region 1 - the ship honored to be selected to organize the Memorial Ceremony for the heroic martyrs and people who heroically sacrificed in the First Victory, Captain Ngo Van Truong also expressed his determination to strive to achieve more glorious feats. Captain Ngo Van Truong affirmed: Continuing the tradition and deeply expressing the sacred sentiments for the great contributions of the previous generations, the officers and soldiers of Brigade 169 will apply them in practical combat training; master modern technical means; be ready to fight to successfully complete all assigned tasks, firmly protecting the sacred sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland.
For the young generation, the 60th anniversary of the First Victory is an important event, reminding them of their ancestors' contributions to the struggle to protect and build the Fatherland. The pride and sense of responsibility to follow in the footsteps of their fathers and elders is the motivation for the young generation to strive to study, work, produce, and contribute to building their homeland and country to become increasingly prosperous and civilized.
Nguyen Thi Hai Yen, a student at Bai Chay High School (Ha Long City) shared: Being able to attend the memorial service for the heroic martyrs and the people who fought and sacrificed heroically in the First Victory is a great honor and pride for us. Not only do we have the opportunity to pay tribute to the heroic martyrs, we also have the opportunity to meet historical witnesses, directly listen to vivid stories of wartime, from which we can feel more deeply and be more proud of the nation's indomitable fighting tradition.
“Fortunately born and raised in peace, today’s young generation vows to follow in the footsteps of our fathers and brothers, striving to study and train to become good children, good students, and good grandchildren of Uncle Ho. At the same time, we actively participate in volunteer, humanitarian, and charitable activities for the community, such as “Repaying gratitude” and local campaigns and emulation movements. Thereby, we contribute a small part to building Quang Ninh province to become more and more exemplary, rich, beautiful, civilized, and modern; to build a prosperous and happy country.” - Nguyen Thi Hai Yen expressed her determination.
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