La Vang and Long Hung churches, DMZ

These two churches were both destroyed during the terrible battles of Easter 1972. The La Vang church has deeper significance since Vietnamese Catholics believe Mary appeared here to persecuted Catholics in the late 18th century.

Construction of the current now bombed out structure was completed at the beginning of the 20th century. The bell tower and some of the facade is all that remains.

Long Hung church, built in 1955 was taken up as a position by North Vietnamese forces during the siege of Quang Tri. The sign outside the church reads -

"In 1972, the resilient fight of our soldiers and people took place against the counter-attacks by American and South Army to reoccupy Quang Tri town. Long Hung church was one of important positions to protect the town at this place, we fought against hundreds of counter-attacks by the enemy and helped to protect Quang Tri Old Citadel for 81 days and nights of history.

"Long Hung Church a relic of the war. This place is the memorial of the bravery of our soldiers and people".