May comes to Dong Tranh

Many people from all over the country visited the tomb of Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan during these meaningful days of May. Photo: TG

Following the long, winding stairs under the tree canopy, not only me but also visitors from all over the world who have the opportunity to come here during the meaningful days of May, all feel their hearts are so peaceful, as if returning to their mother's arms, their souls soothed, embraced and caressed by the cool breezes, the sparkling rays of sunlight and the chirping of cicadas signaling summer.

About 130 meters from the foot of the mountain is the tomb of Ha Thi Hy - President Ho Chi Minh's grandmother, about 300 meters more is the tomb of Nguyen Sinh Xin - President Ho Chi Minh's younger brother, and not far from there is the resting place of Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan - his mother.

From the foot of the mountain, visitors are guided on the tour route, light incense sticks to show their respect at the resting place of Uncle Ho's family members on Dong Tranh mountain in Dai Hue range. Photo: TG

During that solemn and respectful spiritual journey, I accidentally met, talked to, and got to know many visitors from all over the world, each from a different hometown, different circumstances, of all ages, occupations, etc. But in the end, we all loved the land of Nghe An, were respectful and grateful to Uncle Ho's family members, especially his hard-working mother, who embodied the qualities and virtues of Vietnamese women for generations - industrious, hard-working, taking care of the family, living with love for the homeland and neighbors...

Regardless of the long distance or limited weekend time, Mr. Pham Hung and his wife, who currently live in Da Nang city and both work in the education sector, decided to organize a trip back to their roots for the whole family.

The portrait of Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan - President Ho Chi Minh's mother is placed solemnly in the Additional Exhibition Room, next to other valuable document display corners. Photo: TG

The eldest daughter, Pham Tuong Phuc Nguyen, is in 4th grade this year. She is active, smart, and eager to visit the Kim Lien relic site, especially the tomb of Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan. The trip is a reward from her parents for Nguyen, who has just achieved good results in a storytelling contest about Uncle Ho.

Mr. Hung shared: “I am from Quang Nam, my wife is from Ha Tinh, but when we visit Hoang Thi Loan's tomb, we feel very close and dear. My children have been to Ba Dinh to visit Uncle Ho's mausoleum, but this is the first time they have been to Uncle Ho's hometown, to visit Uncle Ho's family members. This will be a memorable trip, a reward to encourage them to continue studying hard, to become useful people in the future."

The elderly and youth union members listened to the presentation about the life of President Ho Chi Minh's mother, and everyone was filled with emotion. Photo: TG

Looking at the small back of the little girl skipping in front of them, the elderly people nearby also had to laugh and nod in praise when they heard the story of the little girl and student who was passionate about the history of their homeland. When asked, they learned that the group of about 30 people, belonging to the Elderly Association of Nghia Hoi Commune, Nghia Dan District, were all happy and excited to participate in the meaningful trip to the red addresses, historical and cultural relics on the occasion of the anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birthday.

The old ladies still had toothless, gentle smiles, sharing their tearful emotions when visiting the Mother of Sen Village, listening to the tour guide in a charming pink ao dai slowly recount the life of Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan, with all the hardships and sacrifices, from her childhood in Hoang Tru village, Chung Cu commune, to the time she married the poor but ambitious Confucian scholar Nguyen Sinh Sac, or the years living in Hue, weaving to support her husband's education, passing the Phó bảng exam, raising her children to adulthood, being excellent examples contributing to the great victory of the Vietnamese revolution.

The tomb of Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan from many angles and the whole view of the prosperous and rich homeland of Nam Giang is captured by tourists when standing on Dong Tranh mountain. Photo: TG

As for teacher Bui Van Chuong - Secretary of the Youth Union of Nam Yen Thanh High School (Bao Thanh, Yen Thanh), the tomb of Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan is one of the destinations that cannot be missed in the journey back to the source that the school with 24 classes and more than 900 students organizes every year for outstanding youth union members.

“This year, we selected 98 students who are Youth Union officials and members with the best academic and training achievements and who actively participated in Youth Union activities and youth movements to join the trip. Starting from Yen Thanh, we went to Truong Bon fire coordinates, visited Hoang Thi Loan's tomb, then went to Uncle Ho's paternal and maternal hometowns, visited Chung Son Temple, and the last stop before returning was Emperor Quang Trung Temple,” said Mr. Chuong.

Visitors bring fragrant lotus flowers to pay their respects to the spirit of Mother of Sen Village. Photo: TG

As one of the students honored to participate in this trip to visit the relics, Nguyen Thi Hong - class 10C1, Nam Yen Thanh High School excitedly shared that being able to set foot here, learning with her own eyes through the historical steles, through the explanations of the relic site staff, she loves it even more, and wants to learn more about local history.

Unable to hide her joy and excitement, Hong said that when she returns to her hometown Yen Thanh, she and her friends will write a good report, so as not to waste the experiences they have just had, spreading positive emotions to everyone.

Repairing and refurbishing the entrance to Hoang Thi Loan's tomb. In the atmosphere of the Sen Village Festival taking place on the occasion of Uncle Ho's birthday, Nghe An province will start construction of a 9-storey waterfall at his mother's tomb, adding to the solemnity and sacred atmosphere of this relic. Photo: TG

Busy all morning welcoming groups of visitors, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen - tour guide at the tomb of Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan still said that, compared to that little bit of fatigue, she felt happier and warmer.

Along with other cadres who are on duty every day, taking care of the grave of Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan, taking care of every tree, every blade of grass, every flower bed, and every bonsai in the relic site, their simple joy is to see long lines of people from all over the country, pouring here, like children returning to their Mother, paying their respects to the spirit of the mother of the entire nation.

“Today, I was able to participate in explaining and introducing to the delegation of the Central Women's Union and the Hung Yen Provincial Police Department; the day before, there were also delegations from Ho Chi Minh City, and even from far away Kien Giang and Phu Quoc... It was very touching and affectionate!” - she said softly.

At noon, when the visiting groups had gradually dispersed, Ms. Huyen still tried to stay longer, so that if there were any guests who arrived late due to the long distance, they could still listen and fully understand this sacred place. Her diligence and thoughtfulness towards others made me smile on the way home. The rays of May sunlight penetrated through the leaves, as if warming a heart filled with many feelings...