QUẢNG TRỊ — Over 20 sculptors nationwide are joining a stone sculpture workshop at the Quảng Trị Citadel, a national relic site, in the central province.

The workshop, which opened on Tuesday, offers 22 granite sculptures on the topic, ‘Quảng Trị, Immortal and Revive’ in celebration of Martyr’s Day (July 27th).

Sculpture works depict the spirit, indomitable will in fierce battles against enemies and noble sacrifice of military units and people during 81 days fighting against enemy troops during the American War (June 28- September 16, 1972).

Stone carvings also outlined the beauty of mothers, women and local people in commemoration of martyrs and people who died in the war.

As scheduled, 22 stone sculptures will be on out-door display next Friday (July 22nd) at the citadel and donated to the relic.

The citadel has gone down into national history as a symbol of bravery. In 1972, for 81 days, the Việt Nam People’s Army (North Việt Nam) fought against the US-backed Sài Gòn troops in the 19th century citadel (built in 1837).

It is recorded that Quang Tri had to bear the brunt of the heaviest bombing campaign ever with over 328,000 tonnes of bombs and ammunition – the amount is seven times tronger than the atomic bombs that the US dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 - were dropped during the fighting.

The ruins of the citadel were recognised as a national historical relic in 1992, and it is the most visited site in the central province in summer when the country commemorates the War Martyrs and Invalids on July 27, and the anniversary of the famous battles. — VNS