May return to the homeland

Tearful feelings

The roads to Kim Lien are filled with flags and banners celebrating the 130th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh. People from all over the country are returning in a common joy, the joy of reunion in the homeland of beloved Uncle Ho, the Father of the nation.

A corner of Sen Village, Kim Lien Commune (Nam Dan) - the hometown of President Ho Chi Minh. Photo: Nguyen Sach

Children from all over the world come to visit their paternal hometown Lang Sen, where many traces of Uncle Ho's childhood and the family members of Nguyen Sinh Sac are still preserved. In front of the simple artifacts connecting the past and the present, a moment of silence and deep feelings suddenly come to everyone's mind. In the crowded crowd, many people are silent and moved...

There was a woman, about 70 years old, with a petite figure, carrying a plate with a coconut, some mangoes, and mangosteens, respectfully walking up to the altar. That woman's name was Nguyen Thi Thuong, from the far away Hau Giang province - a place famous for "white rice, clear water" and fruit-filled gardens.

When visiting Uncle Ho's hometown, people from all over the country are often moved and emotional. Photo: Nguyen Sach

Mrs. Thuong confided: "When visiting Uncle Ho's hometown, I want to personally offer to his altar the typical flowers and fruits of the Southern river region, where Uncle Ho always loved and wished to visit during his lifetime...".

“When I was a child, the country was still at war, the two regions were still divided, in my hometown everyone planted trees and saved delicious fruits waiting for Uncle Ho to visit. But then, Uncle Ho passed away when the two regions were not yet unified, leaving behind so much regret and longing... Now that I have the opportunity to visit Uncle Ho's hometown, the neighbors all sent fruits and flowers to offer Uncle Ho the taste of their homeland and their sincere hearts and gratitude...”.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuong, a resident of Hau Giang province

Walking around Uncle Ho's garden, admiring the trees and artifacts in Uncle Ho's thatched house, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Trung - a veteran from Thai Nguyen province could not hide his emotions.

Pilgrims walk amidst the lotus scent of Uncle Ho's hometown. Photo courtesy: Nguyen Book

He confided: “Returning to Uncle Ho’s hometown, I really feel very close and familiar, as if it were my hometown, my home. Although I have seen and known the vegetable garden, hibiscus fence, and simple thatched roof of Uncle Ho’s hometown through TV, books, and newspapers, when setting foot on this land, my heart cannot help but be moved and moved. It feels like our Uncle Ho is still around here, watching the pilgrimage footsteps of his descendants from all over the country.”

A group of pilgrims from the port city of Hai Phong visited Hoang Tru's maternal home. Listening to the female cadre explain about Uncle Ho's maternal family background, everyone listened attentively as if remembering every word.

Many pilgrims were moved by the thatched roof and artifacts associated with Uncle Ho's childhood. Photo: Huy Thu

When talking about the loom where Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan used to weave and the simple jute hammock in the thatched house, a woman about 50 years old confided: (She spoke before wiping away her tears): "I could not believe that from here, Uncle Ho went to every corner of the country, traveled all over the world to find a way to save the country and save the people... Coming here, I was able to touch the hammock of his childhood, so that when I return home, I will tell the children about Uncle Ho's house and simple hammock."

Close and intimate

Coming to Kim Lien, many visitors from far away have spent time visiting the Chung Mountain relic - the mountain associated with Uncle Ho's childhood years. In his childhood, he used to play and pretend to fight with his friends. Here, there are cool forests, rustling wind, chirping birds, all of which bring us back to memories.

Tourists attentively listen to the explanation about Uncle Ho's childhood and hometown. Photo: Huy Thu

A temple is being built to commemorate the contributions of the family members of Vice-Chancellor Nguyen Sinh Sac. Pilgrims come with a stick of incense, expressing their respect to the souls of those who have joined the source of the country, for the destiny of the sacred Fatherland. Coming from the capital Hanoi, Mr. Phan Xuan Diep said: "It has been a long time since I have had the opportunity to return to Chung mountain, the scenery still retains its pristine beauty, the temple has added a sacred touch to Uncle Ho's homeland".

On this occasion, many tourists do not forget to go up to Dai Hue mountain range - where Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan, Uncle Ho's mother, rests to offer incense. The steps leading up to the mountainside, in front of his mother's grave is the symbol of a loom, showing the diligence, hard work and perseverance of the mother of Lang Sen.

The rows of green areca trees in Uncle Ho's hometown evoke a feeling of closeness and intimacy. Photo: Huy Thu

From here, the view is of vast rice fields, the Lam River as clear as a silk strip, the Thien Nhan range stretching out, and the rich, prosperous countryside. The fields and alluvial plains are still the source of life for the people of Uncle Ho's hometown, shining with the colors of a bountiful harvest all year round. And somewhere echoing the rustic, affectionate, and soulful folk songs of Vi and Giam.

Ms. Tran Thi Mai - a daughter of Dak Lak plateau shared: "Having returned to Uncle Ho's hometown, no matter how tired and far it is, I still have to visit his mother's grave. Because that mother gave birth to a great man, a national liberation hero...".

Coming to Uncle Ho's hometown, pilgrims learn more about his childhood, family and homeland. On this occasion, visitors can also listen to songs about him with sweet, passionate melodies filled with love and admiration. Then, tomorrow, returning to their families, their homeland and their daily work, the melodies, sounds and scents of his homeland still linger and spread.

Chung Son Temple on Chung Mountain - a place to worship the family members of Nguyen Sinh Sac - those who have joined the fate of the country. Photo: Cong Kien

And to be forever proud of having followed the pilgrims to Uncle Ho's hometown, offering him songs, respect, love and undying faith in his achievements and career...

“These days, many delegations from all over the country come to offer flowers, incense and visit Uncle Ho’s hometown. On the occasion of Uncle Ho’s birthday, at the relic site there will be a live TV program “Ho Chi Minh - Vietnam’s Will”; an exhibition of paintings and photos with the theme “Ho Chi Minh - Portrait Sketches”; an exhibition “President Ho Chi Minh - National Liberation Hero, Outstanding Cultural Celebrity...”. The system of artifacts and activities at the relic site will help people from all over the country understand more about his contributions and feelings.”

Mr. Nguyen Bao Tuan - Director of Kim Lien National Special Historical Site.