Flower Releasing Pier on the Banks of Thạch Hãn River: Tribute to Heroic Martyrs

Thạch Hãn River is about 155 km long, originating from the Trường Sơn mountain range, flowing through many districts of Quảng Trị before emptying into the East Sea via Cửa Việt. During the war, especially the Spring - Summer Campaign of 1972, the river became a “red flower river” – witnessing countless heroic sacrifices.

The climax was the 81 days and nights defending Quảng Trị Ancient Citadel (from June 28, 1972 to September 16, 1972). The town and the Quảng Trị Ancient Citadel  located right on the riverbank became a fierce “bomb pocket”. Our army and people faced a terrible density of bombs and bullets (hundreds of thousands of tons of ammunition), yet remained resilient in holding onto the position, clinging to the river and bridges to resupply and maintain this strategic location.

Thousands of soldiers, mostly in their twenties, fell while crossing the river under a hail of bombs and bullets. Many rest forever at the bottom of the Thạch Hãn River. Veteran Lê Bá Dương (a journalist and photographer) composed an immortal poem when releasing flowers in memory of his comrades:

Rowing up Thạch Hãn... please paddle gently

Deep in the river bed my comrades lie

Their youthful twenties turned to rolling waves

Soothe the peaceful shore for thousands of years

The poem is not only a farewell to fallen comrades, but has also become a sacred symbol of patriotism, courage, and the unerasable memory of a generation that dedicated their entire youth to national independence.

The flower releasing pier on the South bank of Thạch Hãn River is located on Ngô Quyền Street, opposite the West gate of Quảng Trị Ancient Citadel. The project was built in 2007 (inaugurated and gradually completed thereafter), including a traditional architectural Ritual House (3-bay wooden frame, shrine dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh and heroic martyrs), the flower releasing pier, and a memorial space.

On the North bank, there is a Memorial Monument nearly 30m high along with a row of 81 royal poinciana trees, symbolizing the 81 historical days and nights.

Here, tribute activities take place regularly:

• The 15th day of the lunar month every month.
• Major holidays: July 27 (War Invalids and Martyrs' Day), April 30, Quảng Trị Liberation Anniversary...
• Lantern festival nights sparkling on the river, creating a mystical and sacred landscape. Thousands of flower lanterns and floral rafts are released, acting as a bridge connecting the present to the past, sending silent yet profound gratitude.

Every flower and candle drifting along the water carries remembrance and gratitude for the outstanding individuals who sacrificed their lives so the nation could be unified.

The flower lantern releasing ceremony on the Thạch Hãn River is an activity of deep spiritual significance, demonstrating the Vietnamese tradition of “when drinking water, remember the source”. Each candle, each flower released into the river is not only a prayer for the souls of the martyrs to rest in peace, but also a way for the living to express gratitude and promise to preserve peace and build the country.

Every year around July 27th, thousands of people from all over flock to the flower releasing pier to join the ritual. The meticulously prepared flower lanterns carry the names and hometowns of the martyrs, serving as a way to call out the names of heroes who fell anonymously. Under the sparkling light of the flower lanterns, the Thạch Hãn River seems lit up by the spirits of the martyrs, creating a legendary atmosphere where past and present blend together.

In addition to its spiritual significance, the Thạch Hãn flower releasing pier is also a cultural tourism destination, attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors. Coming here, tourists can not only admire the gentle beauty of the river but also have the opportunity to learn about the heroic history of the nation through stories recounted by veterans and living witnesses of the war.

Schools and organizations regularly bring students and youth union members to the flower releasing pier to organize educational activities on patriotism and responsibility toward the homeland. Vivid history lessons here help the younger generation better understand the value of peace and the noble sacrifices of previous generations.

If you wish to participate in the flower lantern releasing ceremony at Thạch Hãn pier, here is some useful information:

• Time: The lantern releasing ceremony is usually held on July 27 (War Invalids and Martyrs' Day) or the 14th day of the lunar month each month. Other major holidays such as Lunar New Year may also feature this activity.
• Location: South bank flower releasing pier (near Quảng Trị Ancient Citadel) and North bank pier (near the Memorial Temple).
• Preparation: Visitors can bring fresh flowers, candles, or flower lanterns to release into the river. Some local organizations provide pre-prepared lanterns, often marked with martyrs' information for remembrance.
• Note: Maintain environmental cleanliness and use eco-friendly flower lanterns to protect the Thạch Hãn River.

The flower releasing pier on the banks of Thạch Hãn is not merely a location, but also a symbol of gratitude and the connection between the past and present. Every candle, every flower released into the river is a reminder of the value of peace and the silent sacrifices made so that today's generation can live in freedom. Coming to Thạch Hãn, you not only participate in a solemn ceremony but also deeply feel the losses and heroism of previous generations who shaped the nation.

To better understand these emotional historical events, take the time to visit Quảng Trị Ancient Citadel during your journey with Sovaba Travel. Joining the Ancient Citadel tour, you will listen to heroic stories and witness firsthand the remaining relics of a fierce war era. Light a candle and release a flower on the Thạch Hãn River at least once, letting your heart merge into the endless flow of history, remembering the heroes and deeply sensing the Vietnamese nation's longing for peace.