Preserving and promoting the value of the Vietnam - Laos Revolutionary Historical Relic Site

During the historic days of October, when Son La province organized many activities to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the province's founding, we had the opportunity to return to the Vietnam - Laos National Special Revolutionary Historical Site in Lao Kho 1 village, Phieng Khoai commune - a beautiful symbol of solidarity and close attachment between the two peoples of Vietnam and Laos.

A corner of Lao Kho 1 village, Phieng Khoai commune.

Lao Kho village is known as the place that sheltered President Kaysone Phomvihane during his revolutionary activities. Going back in history, on May 20, 1948, the Lao Bac Assault Committee was established by the General Command of the Vietnamese National Army and Militia. The Lao Bac Assault Committee, headed by Comrade Kaysone Phomvihane (who later became the General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Prime Minister, and President of the Lao PDR), was assigned the task of building a revolutionary base behind enemy lines, launching a guerrilla movement to establish a resistance base against the French colonialists. Phieng Sa village, Chieng On commune, Yen Chau district, Son La province (now Lao Kho 1 village, Phieng Khoai commune) was chosen and became the first base of the Lao revolutionary forces.

The active activities of the Lao Bac Assault Committee under the command of comrade Kaysone Phomvihane and the wholehearted help of the Son La Viet Minh Provincial Committee, especially the people of Phieng Sa - Lao Kho and the family of Mr. Trang Lao Kho, built the Lao revolutionary base and established the Itsala Military Region, the predecessor of today's Lao People's Army, creating the basic premise and solid foundation for the development of the Lao people's resistance movement against French colonialism to win.

Mr. Trang Lao Lu introduces the photo displayed at the Vietnam - Laos Revolutionary Historical Relic Site.

Mr. Trang Lao Lu, son of Mr. Trang Lao Kho, is over 90 years old this year but he is still healthy and clear-minded. He always proudly recalls the stories his father told him about the period of activities of comrade Kaysone - Phomvihane in Lao Kho village. The memories of the special friendship with President Kaysone - Phomvihane are always cherished by his father, considering it the greatest honor in his life.

Time has passed, but the beautiful feelings and memories of the Vietnam - Laos friendship, the alliance in solidarity to fight against the enemy, to gain national independence, still remain valuable, demonstrating the special solidarity, the invaluable asset of the two brotherly peoples of Vietnam and Laos. To record the historical mark, the Vietnam - Laos Revolutionary Relic Site in Lao Kho 1 village, Phieng Khoai commune, was started in 2012, inaugurated and put into operation on July 6, 2017, on the occasion of the Vietnam - Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2017. In early 2022, the Relic Site was ranked as a Special National Historical Relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Lao students studying in Son La province visit the Vietnam - Laos Revolutionary Historical Relic Site. Photo: PV

The people of Lao Kho 1 village are always proud of their revolutionary tradition and the family of Mr. Trang Lao Kho who contributed to the revolutionary cause and the friendship between the two nations. The Government of the Lao PDR awarded the Freedom Medal to Mr. Trang Lao Kho's family and the Third Class Medal to the people of Lao Kho 1 village.

The Vietnam - Laos revolutionary historical relic site is a testament to the solidarity and close bond between the two peoples of Vietnam and Laos, founded by President Ho Chi Minh and President Kaysone Phomvihane, and cultivated by generations of leaders of the two Parties, two States and peoples, becoming a priceless common asset of the two countries. Today, the friendly relationship and mutual cooperation between Son La province and the northern provinces of Laos have been constantly expanded, achieving encouraging results in many fields. Up to now, Son La province has signed comprehensive cooperation documents with 9 provinces of Laos.

Passion fruit growing model of Lao Kho 1 village people, Phieng Khoai commune.

Implementing the signed documents, Son La province has mobilized many resources to support Lao provinces in building infrastructure; office equipment, fruit tree varieties; supporting training of Lao officials and students to study in Son La province. Many irrigation works, schools, cultural houses, and headquarters have been built; many successful experiences in agricultural development have been shared; coordination has been strengthened to promptly handle arising issues related to political security, order, social safety, especially the fight against transnational drugs... Contributing to bringing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, two States and people of Vietnam - Laos, Laos - Vietnam in general and the relationship between Son La province and Lao provinces in particular, to increasingly develop, bear fruit, forever green, forever sustainable.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/xa-hoi/giu-gin-phat-huy-gia-tri-khu-di-tich-lich-su-cach-mang-viet-nam-lao-Y02fJHeHg.html