Honoring the past
Thousands of domestic and international visitors gathered at the historic site to take part in the festival. Among them was war veteran Ho Ngoc Dai, aged 75, a former commando of Regiment 270 under Military Region 4, who reflected on the sacrifices of thousands of soldiers who crossed the Ben Hai River to support the Southern theater during the war.
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An art program at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Festival for Peace |
He expressed hope that today’s and future generations would continue to cherish peace, honor those who gave their lives, and contribute to Vietnam's continued development.
Once the temporary military demarcation line dividing North and South Vietnam, the Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River have become enduring symbols of reconciliation and aspiration for national reunification. Other historic sites in Quang Tri, including the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, Route 9, Khe Sanh, and Determined to Win Road 20, Tam Co cave, Long Dai and Gianh wharves stand as reminders of the country's resilience and enduring aspiration for peace.
Today, following the merger of Quang Binh and Quang Tri provinces into the new Quang Tri province, the locality is entering a new phase of development with growing potential in socio-economic growth, tourism, defense, security, and international integration.
British visitor William Davis praised the hospitality of local people and described Quang Tri's transformation from a war-torn region into a thriving province as a remarkable example of resilience and commitment to peace.
Promoting message of peace
Building on the success of its first edition in 2024, this year's Festival for Peace is jointly organized by the Quang Tri provincial People's Committee and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a national event with international aspirations.
The festival features major events, including a cycling event for peace, a concert honoring composer Trinh Cong Son, the opening ceremony, a province-wide candle-lighting tribute marking the 79th anniversary of Wounded Soldiers and Martyrs' Day, a lantern-releasing ceremony on the Thach Han River, a hot-air balloon festival, a national concert, and several accompanying cultural and sporting activities.
At the opening ceremony, the "Bell of Peace" resonated across the historic Ben Hai River, symbolically linking Vietnam's wartime past with its peaceful future.
Addressing the event, Le Hong Vinh, Chairman of the Quang Tri provincial People's Committee, said that amidst ongoing global instability and conflict, the festival's message is more meaningful than ever.
"There is no victory greater than the victory of peace; no legacy more valuable than reconciliation; and no future more sustainable than one built on dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect, and humanity," the official emphasized.
On behalf of the Party and State leadership, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang commended Quang Tri province's initiative to develop the Festival for Peace into a national cultural event with growing international influence.
The government leader noted that Quang Tri province has transformed from one of Vietnam's most war-ravaged provinces into a symbol of peace, friendship, and aspiration for development, showcasing a peace-loving Vietnam that closes the past and looks toward the future with the international community.
The opening ceremony concluded with a three-part artistic performance, namely "Flow of Memory," "Light of Peace," and "A Harmonious World"—followed by a fireworks display over the historic Ben Hai River, sending a powerful message of a bright future.
Translated by Chung Anh