GLORIFYING OUR

  BRILLIANT NATIONAL STARS

 

 

Black April arouses our infinite resentment:
Our Country has been in mourning since that endgame;
But it revives our memories of our immortal heroes -
Nam, Phu, Vy, Hung, Hai, Can -- What fame!

At the execution stake, he kept his words firm:
"I want to behold my Motherland before departing Her!"
He refused the blindfold; the three-head striped Tiger
Ho Ngoc Can's eminent glory nothing can ever blur.

As Ranger Commander, Training Chief, Staff Officer,
Then Combat Leader, Tran Van Hai evaded shame.
He chose death since the Great Cause had declined,
But for his integrity and valor History retains his name.

Let us bow farewell to gallant Nguyen Khoa Nam:
The Lion of the West killed himself as his bulwark fell.
The fired shots resounded in place of warriors' oath
Shaking the ground, frightening the foes as well.
                              
Binh Long and An Loc, the two Le family Victors
Set to their men encouraging examples of resistance:
Nguyen Vy, Van Hung, the renowned of the century
Had their sagas noted for their monumental existence.

How we regret Pham Van Phu of Kontum, Pleiku,
Strong-minded through so many an impossible mission;
Not to let himself get captured again by the brigands
He took a dose of poison to voice his steady position.

May the Sacred Spirit of our Homeland welcome
These and other heroes' noble souls to the Holy Hall.
Let us with millions in Black April, the deep mourning,
Light our heart's incense to commemorate them all.

 

 

                      Vietnamese poem by PHẠM HOÀI VIỆT

                      English translation by THANH-THANH