If you ever have the opportunity to visit Quang Binh, you should definitely make a point to see the Monument of Me Suot.

Address: Quach Xuan Ky Street, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Province.

The monument is located in Dong Hoi City, right in the center and close to other popular attractions such as Ho Chi Minh Square and Quang Binh Gate. It's situated about 1km from Nhat Le Bridge and Dong Hoi market.

Me Suot, whose real name was Nguyen Thi Suot (1908-1968), was a female Labor Hero during the Vietnam War. She was known for her service in driving a boat that carried soldiers, wounded soldiers, and ammunition across the Nhat Le River between 1964 and 1967. In the 1966 National Emulation Congress of Heroes and Soldiers held in the North, Suot's mother was invited to attend. On January 1, 1967, Mother Suot was awarded the title of Hero of the Transport Industry for her service in fighting against America and saving the country.

The Story of Me Suot

In 1964, following the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, the United States started sending troops to attack the North of Vietnam. Quang Binh province was among the main targets of US air and naval raids, with the aim of preventing the North from providing assistance to the southern revolutionary forces. At that time, despite being 60 years old, mother volunteered to ferry officers, wounded soldiers, and weapons across the river, keeping communication alive between the two banks. From 1964 to 1966, my mother carried out her mission, rowing hundreds of times, even when American planes bombed fiercely. Officials and relatives referred to her as "Me Suot." It is estimated that Me Suot made approximately 1,400 trips back and forth each year.

During the Vietnam War, Mother played a significant role by transporting food and weapons from the shore to the warships, despite the constant threat of bombs and bullets. Her bravery and determination were recognized when she was awarded the title "Hero of the People's Armed Forces" by the State in 1967. However, her life was tragically cut short when she lost it during an American aircraft bombardment in 1968. The Monument of Me Suot in Quang Binh has been built in her honor and is an important historical site in Dong Hoi, symbolizing resistance against the American invasion.

In 1980, the People's Committee of Dong Hoi Town erected the Mother Suot stele in the center of the wharf. Sculptor Phan Dinh Tien skillfully sketched the Me Suot Monument in Quang Binh. The statue, including the pedestal, stands 7 meters tall and depicts Me Suot holding an oar, proudly ferrying soldiers across the river. On the base of the statue, there are different depictions on both sides. One side shows images of revolutionary soldiers, soldiers, citizens, and young volunteers, while the other side depicts the rain of bombs and bullets from the enemy. The Me Suot Monument was inaugurated in 2003 and has become one of the impressive historical relics of this land. The statue's face is carved facing the Nhat Le river, expressing her worry and desire to contribute more to the country. Me Suot Monument in Quang Binh, like the Tomb of General Vo Nguyen Giap, brings many special emotions to those who visit and commemorate the merits of the national heroes.

Mother Nguyen Thi Suot, from Quang Binh is known as a touching and generous subject for many literary and artistic works. She was a common woman, but her patriotic spirit and determination, armed with only an oar, made her famous. Despite living comfortably with the enemy, she left behind an eternal reputation. In November 1965, poet To Huu, who was then the Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee's Propaganda Department, visited Dong Hoi in Quang Binh. During his visit, he talked with Mother Suot on November 4th, and was inspired to compose a famous poem called "Me Suot".

“Gan chi gan rứa mẹ nờ?
Mẹ rằng: Cứu nước mình chờ chi ai
Chẳng bằng con gái con trai
Sáu mươi còn một chút tài đò đưa
Tàu bay hắn bắn sớm trưa"

The place where the mother used to row a boat in the past, located on the left bank of the Nhat Le River, is still protected and preserved by the people. It can be said that the image of Me Suot has been etched in the hearts of every person born and raised in Quang Binh. Although the war has ended and peace has returned, the difficult, heroic, and glorious years of history still remain. The image of Me Suot standing proudly beside the Nhat Le River is forever engraved as the most beautiful and precious image in the hearts of every Vietnamese person.

Besides this tourist destination, you can visit nearby tourist attractions such as Ho Chi Minh Square, Dong Hoi Market, Quang Binh Gate, Museum of Quang Binh, Nhat Le Bridge, Nhat Le River,...

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