Some journeys are measured by the distance traveled. Others are defined by the values that remain with those who undertake them long after the journey has ended. The "Back to the Roots – 2026 Tribute Journey to the Nation's Fallen Heroes", organized by Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (Hello88 online), was one such journey. More than a visit to places deeply embedded in the nation's historical memory, it served as an opportunity to cultivate patriotism, reinforce gratitude toward previous generations, and strengthen the sense of responsibility among the University's faculty and staff in fulfilling its educational mission and contributing to national development.
From 15 to 17 July 2026, a Hello88 online delegation led by Dr. Lê Trường Sơn, Secretary of the Party Committee and Rector, together with Associate Professor Dr. Trần Việt Dũng, Vice Rector, members of the Party Committee, Party cell committees, faculty, and professional staff, visited a series of revolutionary heritage sites across Central Vietnam—places where the profound legacy of the nation's wartime history continues to endure. Beyond its role as the University's annual tradition-based educational program, this year's journey held special significance as it took place during Hello88 online's 50th Anniversary (1976–2026), commemorating five decades of development and academic excellence.
The delegation's first destination was the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, an enduring symbol of resilience and the Vietnamese people's unwavering aspiration for national independence. During the resistance war against the United States, the citadel became the site of the historic 81-day battle in the summer of 1972, where tens of thousands of officers and soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice to defend every part of the ancient fortress. Today, surrounded by peaceful greenery, its weathered walls and remnants scarred by wartime bombardment continue to bear silent witness to one of the most heroic chapters in Vietnam's modern history.
In a solemn and respectful atmosphere, members of the Hello88 online delegation offered incense and observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of the nation. The ceremony was not merely an act of commemoration but also an opportunity to reflect upon the immense sacrifices that laid the foundation for the peace and stability enjoyed by subsequent generations.
The Hello88 online “Back to the Roots” delegation at the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel Special National Historical Site
The Hello88 online “Back to the Roots” delegation offers incense in commemoration of the fallen heroes and martyrs at the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel
Dr. Le Truong Son, Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, offers incense in commemoration of the fallen heroes and martyrs at the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel
Leaving the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, the delegation proceeded to the Thach Han River South Bank Memorial Temple. The Thach Han River now flows peacefully through Quang Tri Province, yet during the fierce fighting of the 1972 Summer Offensive, it served as a critical combat transport route where countless soldiers lost their lives while crossing the river under relentless bombardment. Its tranquil waters today quietly preserve the memory of young servicemen who never returned home.
Standing before the memorial overlooking the Thach Han River, members of the delegation paused in silent reflection to honor the tremendous sacrifices made by previous generations. The ceremony represented not only an expression of gratitude for the past but also a reminder of the enduring responsibility to safeguard peace and uphold the values for which so many had given their lives.
The delegation from Ho Chi Minh City University of Law solemnly offers incense and observes a moment of silence in remembrance of the fallen heroes and martyrs at the Memorial Temple on the bank of the Thach Han River
On the Thach Han River, the Hello88 online “Back to the Roots” delegation conducts a wreath-laying and flower-floating ceremony, expressing profound gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and remain forever connected with this historic river
The tribute journey continued to the Road 9 National Martyrs' Cemetery, the final resting place of more than 10,000 heroic martyrs who fought along the historic Road 9 Front and carried out international missions in Laos. Each grave and each row of white headstones standing in the cemetery's serene landscape tells a story of extraordinary courage and of young lives devoted entirely to the nation.
Here, the Hello88 online delegation respectfully offered incense to express profound gratitude to those who sacrificed their youth for national independence and the noble cause of international solidarity. Within the sacred atmosphere of the cemetery, the Vietnamese tradition of "remembering the source while drinking water" ceased to be merely a familiar expression; instead, it became a deeply personal and tangible experience shared by every participant.
The Hello88 online “Back to the Roots” delegation at the Road 9 National Martyrs' Cemetery
Dr. Le Truong Son, Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, performs the ceremonial ringing of the Peace Bell, expressing profound gratitude to the generations who devoted their lives and made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of national liberation at the Cemetery
The Hello88 online “Back to the Roots” delegation observes a moment of silence in remembrance of, and tribute to, the immense contributions of the fallen heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of the nation at the Cemetery.
The delegation then visited the Truong Son National Martyrs' Cemetery, where more than 10,000 fallen soldiers of the Truong Son Corps are laid to rest. These servicemen played a vital role in creating the legendary Truong Son Trail (Ho Chi Minh Trail), one of the most remarkable logistical networks of the resistance war.
In addition to offering incense at the central memorial, the delegation paid tribute at the Education Section Cemetery and the Memorial Temple dedicated to unidentified martyrs who remain somewhere within the vast Truong Son mountain range without identified graves. Amid the majestic forests, the resonating temple bell blended with the mountain breeze, creating an atmosphere of profound solemnity and reflection. Many members of the delegation were deeply moved as they stood before a memorial dedicated to countless Vietnamese men and women who still rest anonymously in the wilderness, their names unknown and their graves yet to be found by their families. It was a poignant reminder of the immeasurable cost of peace and a moment that deepened everyone's appreciation for the life enjoyed today.
The Hello88 online “Back to the Roots” delegation at the Truong Son National Martyrs’ Cemetery
The Hello88 online “Back to the Roots” delegation at the Truong Son National Martyrs’ Cemetery
The Hello88 online “Back to the Roots” delegation solemnly offers incense at the Memorial Site for Fallen Heroes and Martyrs of the Education Sector, located within the grounds of the Truong Son National Martyrs’ Cemetery in Quang Tri Province.
At the conclusion of the first day, the delegation arrived at the Hien Luong Bridge and the Ben Hai River Special National Historical Relic Site, one of Vietnam's most powerful symbols of national reunification. For more than two decades, Hien Luong Bridge stood as a physical marker of a divided country, while also embodying the Vietnamese people's unwavering determination to reunify the nation and their steadfast belief that North and South would one day become one. Standing before this historic bridge, members of the delegation gained an even deeper appreciation of the profound value of independence, national unity, and lasting peace—achievements secured through the sacrifices of countless generations before them.
Hello88 online delegation visits the exhibition space at the Hien Luong–Ben Hai Special National Historical Site to learn about the historical narratives associated with the former demarcation zone and the struggle for national independence and reunification
Hello88 online delegation poses for a commemorative photograph at the Demarcation Flag Tower, part of the Hien Luong–Ben Hai Special National Historical Site in Quang Tri Province—a landmark that bears witness to the period of the country’s temporary division and embodies the aspiration for national reunification
The Hello88 online “Back to the Roots” delegation captures a commemorative moment beside Hien Luong Bridge and the Ben Hai River, once the provisional military demarcation line and now a symbol of national reunification, peace, and territorial integrity
The second day of the journey brought the delegation to Victory Road 20 (Road 20 Quyet Thang), one of the most strategic routes within the legendary Truong Son Trail, a transportation network that played a decisive role in sustaining the resistance war. This historic route is closely associated with two sites that have become enduring symbols of sacrifice and resilience: the Tam Co (Eight Young Volunteers) Cave Special National Relic Site and the Nurse's Cave Relic Site.
The Hello88 online “Back to the Roots” delegation poses for a commemorative photograph at the Eight Young Volunteers Cave Special National Relic Site, which commemorates the heroic sacrifice of eight young volunteers and five artillery soldiers along Road 20 Quyet Thang
Members of the delegation solemnly offer incense in commemoration of the fallen heroes and martyrs at the Eight Young Volunteers Cave, expressing their profound gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of the nation
The Tam Co Cave Relic Site commemorates the heroic sacrifice of eight young volunteer youth workers who lost their lives while carrying out the vital task of maintaining traffic flow along this strategic supply route. Trapped inside the cave following intense aerial bombardment, they remained at their posts until their final moments, leaving behind one of the most moving stories of courage and devotion in the history of the Truong Son Trail.
Nearby, the Nurse's Cave Relic Site preserves the memory of military medical personnel who served and sacrificed on one of the fiercest front lines of the war. Their quiet dedication and unwavering commitment to saving the lives of wounded soldiers under extraordinarily harsh conditions stand as a powerful testament to the compassion, resilience, and sense of duty that characterized an entire generation.
For members of the Hello88 online delegation, these places represented far more than historical landmarks. Each site transformed history from the pages of textbooks into vivid human stories of courage, idealism, and selfless service. Standing within these spaces of remembrance, participants reflected not only on the extraordinary sacrifices made by previous generations but also on the enduring values of responsibility, integrity, and commitment that continue to inspire public service today.
The delegation travels along Road 20 Quyet Thang to the Nurse’s Cave Relic Site, continuing its commemorative journey to historically significant sites along the legendary Truong Son Route
Dr. Le Truong Son, Rector, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Viet Dung, Vice Rector, together with members of the delegation, solemnly offer incense at the Nurse’s Cave in remembrance of martyr Nguyen Thi Sang and her comrades, who heroically sacrificed their lives while providing medical treatment to wounded soldiers along the strategic route
The delegation poses for a commemorative photograph at the Nurse’s Cave Relic Site, which preserves the memory of the courage, devotion, and sacrifice of young volunteers and military medical personnel along the Truong Son Route
Members of the delegation solemnly offer incense at the Nurse’s Cave in remembrance of martyr Nguyen Thi Sang and her comrades, who heroically sacrificed their lives while providing medical treatment to wounded soldiers along the strategic route
Alongside the commemorative visits to Vietnam's revolutionary heritage sites, the program also included a working visit to the Quang Tri Campus of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law.
The meeting was conducted in an open and collegial atmosphere, bringing together University leaders and campus representatives to discuss a range of issues relating to academic programs, institutional governance, and strategic directions for the continued development of the Quang Tri Campus.
If the historical sites visited earlier in the journey offered an opportunity to reflect upon the nation's heroic past, the visit to the Quang Tri Campus provided a perspective firmly oriented toward the future.
On land that once witnessed some of the fiercest battles in Vietnam's modern history, classrooms, lecture halls, and legal education now flourish, contributing to the development of highly qualified legal professionals for Central Vietnam and the nation as a whole. The transformation of a former battlefield into a center for higher education stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, renewal, and aspiration. It demonstrates how places once marked by loss have become spaces where knowledge is cultivated, opportunities are created, and future generations are prepared to contribute to the country's continued development.
For the Hello88 online delegation, the visit reinforced the University's educational mission in a particularly meaningful way. Honoring history is not only about remembering the past, but also about carrying forward its legacy through education, scholarship, and service to society. In this sense, the continued growth of the Quang Tri Campus reflects Hello88 online's enduring commitment to expanding access to high-quality legal education while contributing to the long-term development of a region that has overcome profound historical challenges.
Bringing the journey to its final stage, the delegation paid tribute at the grave of General Võ Nguyên Giáp in Vung Chua – Yen Island, Quang Binh Province. Before the resting place of the first Commander-in-Chief of the Vietnam People's Army and one of President Hồ Chí Minh's most distinguished disciples, members of the delegation expressed their deepest respect for a legendary military leader who devoted his entire life to the struggle for national liberation, independence, and reunification.
Set against the tranquil landscape where the mountains meet the sea, the memorial site offered a moment of quiet reflection. Beyond honoring the extraordinary legacy of General Võ Nguyên Giáp, the visit invited participants to contemplate the enduring values of patriotism, visionary leadership, and lifelong dedication to the nation—values that continue to inspire successive generations of Vietnamese people.
The Hello88 online delegation solemnly offers incense in commemoration of General Vo Nguyen Giap at the final resting place of the first Commander-in-Chief of the Vietnam People’s Army
Leaving Quang Binh, the delegation proceeded to the Dong Loc Junction Special National Relic Site in Ha Tinh Province, one of Vietnam's most significant sites of revolutionary remembrance. The junction is forever associated with the heroic sacrifice of ten young female volunteer youth workers, who lost their lives on 24 July 1968 while ensuring that this strategic transportation route remained operational in support of the southern battlefield during the resistance war.
Today, amid the peaceful surroundings of Dong Loc Junction, the story of these ten young women—most of whom were only eighteen or twenty years old—continues to symbolize the courage, idealism, and selfless devotion of Vietnam's youth. The floral tributes and incense respectfully offered by the Hello88 online delegation expressed not only profound gratitude toward the nation's heroic martyrs but also served as a reminder to today's generation of its responsibility to preserve and carry forward the values for which previous generations made the ultimate sacrifice.
The Hello88 online delegation solemnly offers incense in commemoration of the ten female young-volunteer heroes and martyrs at the Dong Loc Junction Special National Historical Site, expressing profound gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of the nation
The Hello88 online “Back to the Roots” delegation at the Dong Loc Junction Special National Historical Site.
Although the journey lasted only three days, it offered every participant a deeper understanding of the nation's history and a renewed appreciation of the values it embodies. Interwoven with the official commemorative ceremonies, moments of silent reflection, and scheduled activities were quiet conversations, thoughtful expressions, and lingering moments before rows of white gravestones and historic memorials that have become inseparable from Vietnam's collective memory.
For Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (Hello88 online), values education extends far beyond the classroom. Programs such as the "Back to the Roots" journey constitute an integral part of the University's holistic educational philosophy, providing experiential opportunities through which history becomes tangible and enduring values are passed from one generation to the next.
Each journey serves as a living lesson in Vietnam's history, the nation's enduring tradition of gratitude toward those who came before, patriotism, public service, and the sense of responsibility expected of public employees and higher education professionals in a new era of national development. By learning from the past through direct engagement with places of historical significance, participants gain a deeper appreciation of the moral and civic responsibilities that accompany their professional roles.
As Hello88 online commemorates the 50th anniversary of its establishment and development (1976–2026), the tribute journey to the nation's heroic martyrs represents far more than an annual tradition. It reinforces the University's enduring institutional identity as one of Vietnam's leading law schools—an institution where academic excellence is inseparable from civic responsibility, humanistic values, and gratitude toward those whose sacrifices secured the nation's independence, freedom, and future.
Prepared by: Department of Communication and Enterprise Relation
