Inauguration of the Monument "President Ho Chi Minh with the Ethnic Groups of the Central Highlands"
The monument "Uncle Ho with the Ethnic Groups of the Central Highlands" is a work of significant cultural, historical, and humanitarian importance for the people of the five Central Highlands provinces and the entire country.
On the evening of December 9th, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong attended the inauguration ceremony of the "President Ho Chi Minh with the Ethnic Groups of the Central Highlands" monument located in Pleiku city, Gia Lai province. Also present were former General Secretary Nong Duc Manh; Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc; and leaders from many ministries, central agencies, the Central Highlands Steering Committee, and provinces in the Central Highlands region.
Stemming from the aspirations, sentiments, and hopes of the people of the Central Highlands ethnic groups, in 2008, the Central Party Secretariat agreed to build the monument "Uncle Ho with the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands" in Pleiku – the site of the 1946 Congress of Southern Ethnic Minorities.
The monument "Uncle Ho with the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands" at Dai Doan Ket Square.
Construction began in October 2010, and after two years of work, the project has just been completed. The statue of President Ho Chi Minh, designed by sculptor Pham Van Dua, is cast in bronze, stands 10.8 meters tall on a 4.5-meter-high pedestal, weighs 16 tons, and is located in the Dai Doan Ket Square, which covers an area of 12.5 hectares.
The image of President Ho Chi Minh is depicted standing, interacting with the people of the Central Highlands. Behind and on either side of the statue are bas-reliefs made of natural stone, 58 meters long and 11 meters high, running in an arc shape with many lotus petals. These bas-reliefs vividly depict the daily life, struggles, construction, and development of the ethnic groups in the Central Highlands, showcasing stylized traditional cultural features such as communal houses, rice wine, gongs, and patterns.
Speaking at the ceremony, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong stated: The inauguration of the monument "Uncle Ho with the Ethnic Groups of the Central Highlands" is an event of great political and cultural significance. This is a project with outstanding historical, cultural, and humanitarian significance for the people of the five Central Highlands provinces and a shared joy for the whole country.
The General Secretary reiterated that, during his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh did not have the opportunity to visit the Central Highlands, but from the depths of his heart, he always harbored a deep affection and love for the people of the Central Highlands.
In 1946, when the newly established Democratic Republic of Vietnam faced countless difficulties, with the nation's destiny hanging by a thread, amidst the overwhelming worries of fighting both internal and external enemies, President Ho Chi Minh still found time and affection to write a letter to the Congress of Ethnic Minorities in Southern Vietnam, held in Pleiku on April 19, 1946.
In his letter, Uncle Ho wrote: “Today, our compatriots are holding a reunion, a truly joyful occasion. It is a pity that due to the long distance, I could not attend the Congress. Although I am far away, my heart and the Government's remain close to our compatriots… Whether Kinh or Tho, Muong or Man, Jrai or Ede, Sedang or Bana, and other ethnic minorities, we are all brothers and sisters… We live and die together, share joy and sorrow together… Rivers may dry up, mountains may wear away, but our solidarity will never diminish. We are determined to pool our strength to safeguard our freedom and independence.”
The General Secretary emphasized that, bearing in mind Uncle Ho's teachings, the people of the Central Highlands always carry in their hearts the image of Uncle Ho as a spiritual anchor, overcoming all difficulties and hardships to complete the cause of liberating the South and unifying the country. Today, they are carrying out the renovation process towards socialism, contributing to gradually making the Central Highlands increasingly prosperous and the lives of the people constantly improving…
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong expressed his confidence that, with their tradition of unity, self-reliance, and self-strength, Gia Lai province and the Central Highlands provinces in general will continue to move forward steadily, achieving many more accomplishments and making even greater contributions to the revolutionary cause of the entire Party and the entire nation.
The General Secretary expressed his hope that the Party Committee, government, and people of Gia Lai would effectively manage, preserve, and utilize the monument dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, contributing to the education of the revolutionary traditions of the Party and the nation, and the great example of President Ho Chi Minh, especially for the younger generations. This would foster patriotism and promote the revolutionary traditions of the indomitable Central Highlands and of a civilized and heroic Vietnam.
The General Secretary affirmed: "We pledge to forever follow Uncle Ho's example, follow his words, walk the path he has charted, and strive to build a Vietnam that is 'prosperous, strong, democratic, just, and civilized, standing shoulder to shoulder with friendly countries around the world'."
Immediately following the ceremony was an artistic program titled "Welcoming Uncle Ho to the Central Highlands." The program consisted of four parts: "The Sun on the H'rong Peak," "Immense Gratitude," "The Kơnia Tree Drinks from Only One Spring," and "Uncle Ho Leads the Song of Unity," highlighting Uncle Ho's affection for the people of the Central Highlands as well as the people of the Central Highlands' affection for Uncle Ho; the spirit of great national unity in fighting as well as in building and defending the Fatherland today…/.
(According to VOV) - LH