Uncle Ho with International Labor Day May 1st

(Baonghean.vn)-During his career, President Ho Chi Minh paid great attention to the working class as a strong driving force of the progressive national liberation movement. On the occasion of the 130th anniversary of International Labor Day (May 1, 1886 - May 1, 2016) - a day that represents the solidarity and friendship between the working class and working people around the world, fighting together for the victory of peace, freedom, democracy and social progress, let's look back at the mark of President Ho Chi Minh during his lifetime through the events that took place on May 1.

President Ho Chi Minh at a rally to celebrate International Labor Day, May 1, 1965. Photo: Internet

May 1, 1920,The secret police report recorded Nguyen Ai Quoc attending a rally to celebrate International Labor Day with the French Socialist Party Group and speaking at a forum demanding to stop sending people to the colonies.

May 1, 1924,At the invitation of the Moscow City Party Committee and the Secretariat of the Communist International, Nguyen Ai Quoc participated and spoke at the rally celebrating International Labor Day on May 1 at Red Square.

May 1, 1925,Together with Chinese revolutionaries, Nguyen Ai Quoc participated in organizing the First Congress of Farmers in Guangdong Province, leading to the establishment of the Farmers' Association.

May 1, 1943,In the Vietnam Independent Newspaper published in Cao Bang, Uncle Ho's article "Remembering Tran Hung Dao" was published with the conclusion: "The story of Tran Hung Dao leaves us a lesson: To fight invaders, we need two things: One is the unity of the entire people, two is the skillful use of guerrilla tactics".

In Vietnam, the first International Labor Day was celebrated in 1930. On May 1, 1930, for the first time in the history of the workers' movement in Indochina, the working class of our country, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, demonstrated in the streets to demonstrate revolutionary solidarity with international workers, and at the same time directly fought against the French colonial imperialists, demanding that they improve working conditions, increase wages and implement the 8-hour labor law. The newspaper Nguoi Lao Kho - of Vinh - Ben Thuy Zone, wrote a few days later: "For the first time, the laborers and farmers held hands in the middle of the battle." That was the starting point for the entire 1930 - 1931 climax, culminating in the Soviet - Nghe Tinh movement.

Immediately after the August Revolution succeeded, the country gained independence, President Ho Chi Minh signed Decree No. 22c NV/CC dated February 18, 1946 on Tet holidays, historical anniversaries and religious holidays, in which he announced: May 1 is one of the official holidays and workers and laborers nationwide are entitled to one day off with pay. From then on, May 1 is considered one of the official annual holidays of our State.

May 1, 1946,For the first time in the history of our country, May 1st International Labor Day was solemnly celebrated in Hanoi, with the participation of 200,000 workers. On this occasion, President Ho Chi Minh read the appeal: “To the people of the whole country! To the working people! May 1st is a common holiday for all countries in the world. It is a very profound meaning of solidarity. In our country, this is the first time our people, our working people are free to celebrate May 1st. Therefore, it has a special and even deeper meaning. For us, it is a day to let the world know that: This day is not only a Labor Day, but also a day of people's solidarity. Unity to maintain freedom and democracy. Unity to build the country. Unity to build a new life”.

Decree No. 22c NV/CC dated February 18, 1946 stipulates that May 1 is one of the official holidays of our country. Photo: Internet

May 1, 1948, Uncle Ho issued a "Call for Patriotic Emulation", which included the following passage: "Our country's economy is backward, but our patriotism and indomitable spirit are second to none. Now, if we want to be self-sufficient, self-sufficient, and keep up with others, we must move quickly. Therefore, scholars, farmers, workers, merchants, soldiers, men and women, old and young, all our people, regardless of their position or job, must strive to participate in the Patriotic Emulation, that is, increase production."

President Ho Chi Minh's handwritten "Call for patriotic emulation" on May 1, 1948. Photo from the Internet

May 1, 1951,In his appeal for International Labor Day, Uncle Ho identified “The focus of emulation is: The army competes in killing enemies and making achievements. Workers compete in increasing production. Farmers compete in producing food. Intellectuals compete in creating and inventing. Cadres compete in being diligent, frugal, honest, and upright. The entire population competes in actively participating in the resistance war.”

On the same day, the "Nhan Dan" newspaper published an article "The Vietnamese Labor Party and Intellectual Workers" by Uncle Ho under the pen name CB. Uncle Ho clearly stated: "Intellectual workers need to be encouraged and helped to develop their talents... our intellectuals need to reform their thinking and change their working style."

May 1, 1954,Nhan Dan Newspaper published Uncle Ho's article "Some shortcomings of our press", concluding: "In short, to fulfill the tasks of propaganda, organization, and guidance, our press needs to be closer to the masses, go deeper into practical work, and the way the press works must be improved further."

May 1, 1958,Uncle Ho issued the "Appeal on International Labor Day" affirming: "Today, together with working people around the world, we warmly celebrate May 1st with full confidence and excitement, determined to overcome all difficulties, move forward to fulfill new tasks... May 1st this year is a day of solidarity, struggle, confidence and excitement".

May 1, 1964,On International Labor Day, Uncle Ho sent a telegram to praise the youth at the Thanh Hoa - Vinh railway restoration site, including the rebuilding of Ham Rong Bridge.

On May 1, 1952, Uncle Ho and delegates attended the National Congress of Emulation Fighters and Exemplary Cadres.

Evening of May 1, 1966,After watching the Quang Binh Province Art Troupe perform at the Presidential Palace from the front line, Uncle Ho expressed his feelings: “Our people are truly heroic. Fighting so fiercely, suffering so much, but still singing optimistically. No brutal force can subdue a nation like that.”

Since 1975, the celebration of International Labor Day on May 1st in Vietnam has become increasingly meaningful as the entire Party, people and army celebrate the Victory Day on April 30th. This is an occasion for the working class and laborers nationwide to review the tradition of fighting against foreign invaders; enthusiastically respond to patriotic emulation movements to express their remembrance and deep gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh - the great leader of our nation. He made great contributions to helping our people realize the historical significance and impact of celebrating International Labor Day on May 1st, thereby increasing their determination to follow the revolutionary path chosen by the Party and beloved Uncle Ho, to build and firmly defend the socialist Vietnamese Fatherland./.

Peace(Synthetic)