Meaningful birthday moments in President Ho Chi Minh's life

(Baonghean.vn) - Following the success of the August 1945 Revolution, on September 2nd, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Since that day, a large number of people in Vietnam and international friends have come to know Ho Chi Minh – the beloved leader of the Vietnamese nation – and recognize May 19th as his birthday. And from then on, on his birthdays, compatriots, comrades, and international friends send him bouquets of fresh flowers and the best wishes.

Commemorating President Ho Chi Minh's birthday for the first time.

1946 marked the first anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birthday. On the morning of May 19, 1946, at the Presidential Palace in Northern Vietnam, representatives of Hanoi's children, self-defense forces, scouts, and over 50 delegates from Southern Vietnam came to congratulate President Ho Chi Minh on his birthday.
Deeply moved by the affection of his compatriots and comrades, Uncle Ho said:

"I am not yet worthy of the care of my compatriots, for I am still a young man, 56 years old, not old enough to be celebrated by my compatriots. It is only because some journalist knows my birthday that they have caused such a commotion among my compatriots. From the beginning, I have been one of my compatriots, and from now on, I will remain one of them. I am determined to remain loyal to the Fatherland. I promise my compatriots that I will work diligently, but I hope for their close cooperation. The affairs of the nation are great; no one can accomplish them alone. I hope that by this time next year, my compatriots will make the Democratic Republic of Vietnam even stronger and more prosperous."
"Today, my fellow countrymen have given me many flowers and cakes. These things are worth a lot. But please think of our poorer compatriots, rather than wasting your money on me."

President Ho Chi Minh meeting with the people of Hanoi. Photo: Archival material.

Also on May 19, 1946, President Ho Chi Minh received several delegations who came to congratulate him on his birthday. Upon hearing that the Committee for New Life had come to offer their best wishes, he immediately asked the committee's representatives:
- Who are the people of the new life?
- Uncle, can you tell me how the New Life Movement is progressing?
Writer Nguyen Huy Tuong, on behalf of the delegation, said to Uncle Ho: "We have begun by dividing into research and organizational committees... But the main task is to clearly define the direction for the new way of life. We find that the slogans 'diligence, frugality, integrity, and righteousness' are both insufficient and outdated..."
"That's strange! So, the rice our ancestors ate back then, is it considered old-fashioned now?" the old man argued.

The atmosphere at the birthday celebration for President Ho Chi Minh became lively and joyful.

The writer Nguyen Huy Tuong then said: "The Committee for the New Life Movement has clearly defined three principles for the new life: Nationalism, democracy, and science." Uncle Ho then said:

- That's great, but we need to consider what our people need now. How many people in the countryside understand what democracy and science are? I ask you, when you're campaigning for a new way of life, what do you do first?

Everyone looked at each other, confused by the question from Uncle Ho. He then patted his stomach and said:

- First of all, this is what people need first; they need to eat. If you don't eat anything, how can you go around spreading propaganda? And what do you need to do to eat? You have to work, you have to be diligent. That's what you "need."

Uncle Ho also reminded: For the campaign to be carried out thoroughly and effectively, the slogans must be practical, and those mobilizing the masses must set an example.

On the same day, May 19, 1946, the Capital's Youth Force organized a demonstration march to celebrate President Ho Chi Minh's birthday.
Celebrating the anniversary of the resistance movement.

Uncle Ho visits the people of Pac Bo (Cao Bang).

Shortly after the success of the August Revolution, the French colonialists plotted to invade our country once again. On December 19, 1946, President Ho Chi Minh issued a call for nationwide resistance. He, along with the Central Committee of the Party and the Government, returned to the Viet Bac base to continue leading the people's resistance against the French colonialists. The long and arduous journey of resistance left its mark on Uncle Ho's travels through Ha Dong, Son Tay, Phu Tho, Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen... He shared in the hardships, difficulties, and sacrifices of his compatriots and comrades in this protracted war. The celebrations of President Ho Chi Minh's birthday in the Viet Bac war zone were simple yet warm and meaningful, filled with congratulations from his compatriots and comrades and bouquets of wildflowers from his attendants.

The birthday of 1948 was an unforgettable one for Uncle Ho. A few days before his birthday, Comrade Loc (real name Nguyen Van Ty) – who served as his cook but was also his close comrade and friend, having worked with him in Thailand and China before returning to Vietnam to participate in revolutionary activities – had just passed away from a severe case of malaria. Therefore, Uncle Ho's birthday was celebrated quietly.

Early in the morning of May 19, 1948, the comrades serving him brought a bouquet of wildflowers to congratulate Uncle Ho on his birthday, wishing him good health and a long life. Receiving the wildflowers and the birthday wishes from his comrades, Uncle Ho was deeply moved and his eyes welled up with tears.

- Thank you, gentlemen. I suggest we take this bouquet of flowers with us to visit Comrade Loc's grave.

So, at President Ho Chi Minh's birthday celebration that year, he dedicated his time to speaking about an exemplary figure who was loyal to the Party, who worked for the Party throughout his life, without personal gain or the pursuit of status.

Celebrating the anniversary of liberation

After nine years of arduous resistance and sacrifice, our army and people achieved great victories, culminating in the Dien Bien Phu victory in early May 1954, successfully ending the resistance war against French colonial aggression. The victory at Dien Bien Phu coincided with the birthday of our beloved President Ho Chi Minh, a priceless and most special gift from our army and people to him on his birthday. Perhaps this was the happiest and most joyful birthday in President Ho Chi Minh's life. Sharing in the joy of our army and people in the Dien Bien Phu victory, President Ho Chi Minh wrote a letter to the officers and soldiers at the Dien Bien Phu front:

"To all officers and soldiers at the Dien Bien Phu front."
First of all, Uncle Ho sends his warmest regards to all the wounded soldiers. All of you, as well as cadres and soldiers nationwide, have been determined to achieve great victories to celebrate Uncle Ho's birthday. Uncle Ho has decided to treat you all to a feast. The amount of the feast will depend on our circumstances, but we will definitely treat you.

So, we're all happy together. Happy to strive for new achievements, to overcome new difficulties, and to win new victories. The government and I intend to award all of you the "Dien Bien Phu" Warrior badge. Do you all agree?

Uncle Ho reminded them once again: Do not become arrogant because of victory, do not be complacent and underestimate the enemy, and always be ready to fulfill the tasks assigned to you by the Party and the Government.
Uncle kisses you all!
Uncle
Ho Chi Minh.

The Dien Bien Phu soldiers celebrate President Ho Chi Minh's birthday (May 19, 1954).

On the occasion of his birthday, President Ho Chi Minh hosted a reception for outstanding soldiers from the Dien Bien Phu campaign. On the morning of May 19, 1954, a delegation of five outstanding soldiers who had made the greatest contributions to the Dien Bien Phu campaign came to report their achievements to President Ho Chi Minh and attend his birthday celebration. Having the honor of meeting President Ho Chi Minh, the soldiers were all nervous and moved. President Ho Chi Minh praised them and inquired about their lives and fighting experiences in Dien Bien Phu, as well as their family circumstances. He was moved when he heard about the soldiers' difficult situations and encouraged them, saying: "The country will eventually be independent, and surely the people will have enough to eat."

Uncle Ho instructed the soldiers: "You must take advantage of every opportunity to study as much as possible and raise your cultural level. Only with education can you serve the people and the revolution."

To celebrate his birthday, Uncle Ho wrote a document titled "Absolutely Secret".

After the victory in the resistance war against French colonialism, President Ho Chi Minh, along with the Central Committee of the Party and the Government, returned to Hanoi from the Viet Bac resistance zone. He rejoiced at the peace achieved in the North but was also troubled and worried that the South had not yet been liberated, the country was not yet unified, and the people of the South were still suffering and making sacrifices. On birthday celebrations, he often declined to allow elaborate events to avoid expense and wasting the time of his compatriots and comrades, or he would often arrange to travel far away to avoid being bothered by birthday greetings. His birthday in 1965 was a particularly special occasion: President Ho Chi Minh turned 75. It seems he foresaw the harsh realities of life that any person must face. Therefore, President Ho Chi Minh began writing his Last Will and Testament for the entire Party, army, and people of Vietnam.

On Monday morning, May 10, 1965, in his office in the stilt house within the Presidential Palace complex, at 9 o'clock – the most auspicious hour of the day – President Ho Chi Minh put pen to paper and wrote the first lines of the document "Absolutely Secret." Beginning his Last Will and Testament, he wrote: "On the occasion of my 75th birthday," "...This year, I am 75 years old. My mind is still clear, my body is still strong. However, I am also among the 'rare' generation of people."

As with many other birthday celebrations of President Ho Chi Minh, in 1965, he was away on official business. Knowing this beforehand, on May 14, 1965, members of the Politburo and some members of the Central Committee of the Party took the opportunity to visit and wish him a happy birthday.

Upon receiving the bouquet of fresh flowers and congratulations from his comrades in the Politburo, Uncle Ho immediately asked:

- I'd like to know who organized today's meeting?

Comrade Truong Chinh, on behalf of the Politburo, addressed Uncle Ho:

- Dear Uncle Ho! On the occasion of your 75th birthday, on behalf of the Central Committee of the Party, the National Assembly, the Government, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front, we would like to wish you good health and a long life.

The old man said, visibly moved:

- Thank you for your kindness, but while our entire nation is engaged in a difficult resistance struggle and all tasks are extremely urgent, organizing a birthday celebration for an individual is inappropriate.
The old man cheerfully raised his hand, inviting everyone to eat candy and cakes, and reminded them, "Remember to save some for the aunts and nieces at home too."

Everyone burst into laughter in a warm, friendly, and harmonious atmosphere.

On May 15, 1965, Uncle Ho left Hanoi to visit China.

Front page of the special issue of the newspaper "All People's Resistance".

On May 18th, upon learning that his Chinese friends were preparing to celebrate his birthday, President Ho Chi Minh told Chinese Marshal Ye Jianying and the staff in charge of the guesthouse: "I came here at this time to avoid birthday celebrations in my country. Therefore, I request that you also refrain from organizing birthday celebrations..."

On May 19th, President Ho Chi Minh left Beijing to visit Confucius's birthplace. That afternoon, he visited the Confucius Mansion, Confucius Temple, and Confucius Forest, speaking extensively about Confucius and Mencius's concept of "putting the people first." On his way back, he composed a poem in Chinese characters, "Visiting Qufu," to record his feelings about his visit to Confucius's birthplace.

"Visiting Qufu on the nineteenth of May"
Ancient pines, ancient temples, two garments, rare
Where is the power of the Kong family now?
Only the setting sun shines on the ancient monument."

Translate the poem:

"Visiting Qufu on the nineteenth of May"
The ancient shrine still stands beneath the shade of the old pine trees.
Where is the authority of the Confucian dynasty now?
"The ancient tombstone gleams in the twilight."

Commemorating President Ho Chi Minh's last birthday.

Entering 1969, President Ho Chi Minh's health had deteriorated considerably. On his birthday that year, he did not travel for work as in previous years. And unlike previous occasions when he revised his will on his birthdays, for the first time in four years (1965-1969), President Ho Chi Minh wrote and revised his will later, between 9:30 and 10:30 AM on May 10, 1969. He wrote: "This year I am 79 years old, a rare age indeed. But my spirit and mind remain sharp, although my health is not as good as it was a few years ago. When a person is over 70, the older they get, the weaker their health becomes. That is nothing unusual… Therefore, I have prepared these words in advance, in case I have to go to meet Karl Marx, Lenin, and other revolutionary elders, so that the people of the whole country, comrades in the Party, and friends everywhere will not be taken by surprise."

On the afternoon of May 11, 1969, President Ho Chi Minh visited and spoke with delegates attending the All-Army Senior Officers' Conference. The entire hall erupted in joyful applause, filled with excitement at welcoming him. Major General Vuong Thua Vu, on behalf of all officers and soldiers of the army, brought flowers to congratulate President Ho Chi Minh on his birthday. He expressed his emotion:

- Dear Uncle Ho! On the occasion of your 79th birthday, on behalf of all officers and soldiers of the entire army, we wish you good health and a long life. The entire People's Armed Forces have absolute trust in and profound gratitude for the leadership, education, and loving care of the Party and of you, Uncle Ho.

As soon as Comrade Vuong Thua Vu finished speaking, Uncle Ho happily took out the most beautiful flower and gave it to him.
On May 18, 1969, officials from the Presidential Palace organized a celebration for President Ho Chi Minh's birthday. Everyone excitedly reported to him on the victories that the army and people of South Vietnam had achieved, offering them as a tribute on his birthday. Comrade Vu Ky, President Ho Chi Minh's private secretary, on behalf of the office staff and assistants, stood up and emotionally said: "Dear President, our heartfelt wish is to do our utmost to ensure you eat well and sleep soundly. We wish you good health, a long life, and that you will lead the entire nation to victory in the resistance war."

On the afternoon of May 18, 1969, members of the Politburo and some Central Committee members visited President Ho Chi Minh at the Politburo meeting house near the stilt house in the Presidential Palace complex to offer their best wishes for his 79th birthday. The celebration was simple and warm. Everyone stood around President Ho Chi Minh. Comrade To Huu presented flowers, and Comrade Le Duan read a birthday greeting. President Ho Chi Minh smiled warmly and cordially offered everyone sweets and cakes, reminding them to "remember to take some home for the ladies and children."

On the early morning of May 19, 1969, President Ho Chi Minh woke up early as usual and tried to do the simplest exercises. He diligently and persistently practiced throwing a ball into a basket of paper placed a few meters away under the stilt house. He was calmly preparing to depart to the eternal realm, but patiently wished for more time and strength to stay with his compatriots and comrades, because the revolutionary cause was not yet complete, the South had not yet been liberated, and the country had not yet been unified.

Early in the morning of May 19, 1969, Uncle Ho received the children of the comrades who served him, who came to wish him a happy birthday.

Children celebrate President Ho Chi Minh's 70th birthday (photo taken in 1960 in the lobby of the Presidential Palace).

At 9 a.m. on his 79th birthday, Uncle Ho sat down at his desk again, reviewing, editing, and supplementing his Last Will and Testament. He changed three words on the first page:

Uncle Ho added the word "very" instead of "as usual" in the sentence "But his spirit and mind were still as clear as usual" to make it "But his spirit and mind were still very clear."

In the sentence "When people are over 70 years old," Uncle Ho replaced the word "age" with the word "spring."

Uncle Ho used the word "will" instead of "must" in the sentence "in case I have to go meet Karl Marx, Lenin, and other senior revolutionary figures."

At 10:30, Uncle Ho received Ms. Phan Thi Quyen (wife of martyr Nguyen Van Troi) and Ms. Nguyen Thi Chau (member of the Executive Committee of the Saigon-Chợ Lớn-Gia Định Liberation Youth and Student Union) who came to wish him a happy birthday.

At 2 PM, the doctors arrived to check on Uncle Ho's health.

At 2:30 PM, the person went up to the stilt house to write a letter of commendation to the young members of the Phu Man village's Young Saplings Cooperative, Ham Son commune, Yen Phong district, Ha Bac province, for their many achievements in caring for buffaloes and cows.

On that day, Uncle Ho sent a portrait of himself to the officials and people of Nghe An province. Below the photo, he wrote: "Cadres and Party members must be exemplary in their work and must wholeheartedly and diligently serve the people."

President Ho Chi Minh visited his hometown of Nghe An in 1961.

President Ho Chi Minh's birthday in 1969 unfolded normally, like any other working day for him, and no one thought it would be the last time they would celebrate his birthday.

Peace(Synthetic)