Forging revolutionary tradition from the red address "Khanh Khe Underground Bridge"

In the historical flow of the struggle to defend the Fatherland, Lang Son has witnessed many resounding victories, becoming a sacred land preserving the heroic vestiges of our army and people. One of those typical red addresses is Khanh Khe underground bridge and the 337th Division Victory Monument - an immortal symbol of the steadfast and indomitable spirit in the battle to protect the northern border in the spring of 1979.

Victory Monument of Division 337 in Khanh Khe commune, Lang Son province

The 337th Infantry Division was established on July 28, 1978 in Hung Loc commune, Vinh city, Nghe Tinh province, on the basis of merging many units, with the mission of being ready to carry out international missions in Laos and protect the Fatherland when situations arise. During the period from January 1979, the Division urgently organized recruitment, training, received weapons and equipment, and thoroughly disseminated the campaign "Promoting good nature, enhancing the fighting strength of the people's armed forces".

As soon as the war broke out on February 17, 1979, along the entire northern border, the 337th Division was immediately ordered to march to Lang Son. Despite the arduous marching conditions, the number of troops was constantly replenished along the way, and weapons and equipment were urgently received, the Division still promptly moved through many provinces and cities, covering hundreds of kilometers in a short time to participate in combat. Notably, the Division's formation changed its mission and direction of march three times, demonstrating discipline, determination and high mobility.

With the mission of blocking the enemy's encirclement in the direction of Highway 1B, the 337th Division bravely defended the key defensive line at Khanh Khe Underground Bridge. This is a strategic position connecting the two banks of the Ky Cung River, which is extremely important in protecting Lang Son. Here, Company 10 fought tenaciously for 12 days and nights, smashing enemy attacks, holding the position, forcing the enemy to retreat after collapsing the underground bridge to prevent our troops from pursuing. That heroic feat contributed to defeating the enemy's evil plot, firmly protecting every inch of the Fatherland's border.

To commemorate the resounding victory, the 337th Division Victory Monument was built right next to Khanh Khe Underground Bridge, inscribing the names of hundreds of martyrs who heroically fell. Every year, on July 27, veterans, young generations and tourists from all over the world come here to offer incense, pay their respects, and further foster the nation's tradition of "remembering the source of the water we drink".

Victory Monument of Division 337 (Photo courtesy)

Today, the Khanh Khe Underground Bridge relic and the 337th Division Victory Monument are not only a "red address" for educating revolutionary traditions for cadres, party members, union members, and students, but also a meaningful destination, combining a journey back to the source with historical, cultural, and ecological tourism of the Lang border region.

To promote that sacred value, all levels, sectors, authorities and local people need to continue to preserve, embellish and associate relics with historical education and visual learning activities, thereby cultivating patriotism and national pride for present and future generations.

The heroic tradition of the past will forever be the guiding light for the journey to build a strong and sustainable Lang Son, worthy of the blood and bones of the soldiers of Division 337 who devoted their youth to the immortal "Lang Son Steel Door"./.

Nong Thi Van Anh - Department Office

Source: https://sovhtt.langson.gov.vn/tin-tuc-su-kien/linh-vuc-van-hoa/hun-duc-truyen-thong-cach-mang-tu-dia-chi-do-cau-ngam-khanh-khe-.html