May in Xieng Vang, remembering Uncle Ho.
(Baonghean.vn) - Nearly 90 years ago, thanks to the support and protection of Vietnamese expatriates and local Lao people, President Ho Chi Minh came to Xieng Vang village, Nong Bok district, Khammouane province, Lao People's Democratic Republic, to establish a base for revolutionary activities. That place has now become a significant historical site for many whenever they think of him - the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people.
A symbol of peace and fraternity.
In May, Xieng Vang village basks in the golden sunlight. The Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area is situated on beautiful land overlooking the Mekong River, which flows day and night. Across the river lies Nakhon Phanom province in northeastern Thailand – also the place where the man known as Thau Chin (Ho Chi Minh's pseudonym) was active in the revolution during 1928-1929. During this time, he frequently traveled by ferry across the Mekong River to Xieng Vang, Nong Bok district, south of Thakhek town, Khammouane province, to assess the situation.
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| President Ho Chi Minh and President Kaysone Phomvihane in Hanoi in 1966. (Archival photo) |
Here, he met with Vietnamese expatriates and local people, advising them to live in unity, help each other, and be determined to drive the French colonialists out of Laos and Vietnam. He also shared his experience in organizing patriotic and revolutionary organizations in Laos. Many cadres he enlightened and trained became leaders of the revolutionary movement in many provinces and cities of Laos…
Following Uncle Ho's words, the people of Xieng Vang wholeheartedly followed the revolution, rising up in rebellion to fight for independence and freedom, contributing their manpower and resources to the resistance. Mr. Dang Van Hong, an 86-year-old veteran revolutionary, recalled: “Nothing was more difficult than being enslaved. 95% of the people of Xieng Vang wholeheartedly followed the Party's guidelines and policies, rising up to liberate themselves. If we had gone to Thailand, the enemy would have captured us and we would have died. But here, we crossed mountains and forests, escorted cadres, acted as messengers, and contributed rice and food to support the resistance. We bought medicine and anything else we needed and brought it back. We lived with our wives, children, and villagers, and if we had to sacrifice, we would sacrifice for everyone.”.
Although these stories are only passed down from grandparents and parents, for the people of Xieng Vang, President Ho Chi Minh remains a national symbol. Thinking of him is thinking of their homeland, Vietnam. From the bottom of their hearts, the people donated 1.6 hectares of land to build the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area. Now, on every holiday or major anniversary, people of both Vietnamese and Lao ethnic groups, as well as tourists, come here to offer incense and flowers, expressing their gratitude to the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people, a close friend of the Lao people. Ms. Kongma Duongmani, a tour guide, said: “The people of Xieng Vang always support, love, and feel deeply moved when they come to the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area. Visitors will be given explanations and introductions in both Lao and Vietnamese. They will be introduced to documents and the years of President Ho Chi Minh's revolutionary activities here, helping everyone understand more about him.”.
Regarding the place where relics related to the Person are preserved.
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| Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area in Xieng Vang. Photo: Van Thieng |
The Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area in Xieng Vang village, Khammouane province, comprises many sections built in the architectural styles of both Vietnam and Laos. The memorial area displays numerous documentary images, books, and newspapers about President Ho Chi Minh; images of visits and working trips by high-ranking leaders of both countries in the past and present; and exhibits related to President Ho Chi Minh donated by Vietnamese expatriates in Xieng Vang village…
The memorial site is not only a symbol but also a destination representing the close solidarity between the people of Vietnam and Laos. Mr. Khanxay Phommavong, Head of the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site Management Board, stated: “During the time President Ho Chi Minh worked here, he left a deep impression on the local people. When this historical site was being built, the people donated many valuable artifacts related to President Ho Chi Minh. This demonstrates the special affection of the local people and Vietnamese expatriates living here for President Ho Chi Minh.”
Nestled in a tranquil countryside, beside the perpetually green Mekong River, and just over 20 km by road from the town center of Thakhek in Khammouane province, the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area in Xieng Vang village, Nong Bok district, has become a sacred place for the people of Vietnam and Laos to express their gratitude to the great President Ho Chi Minh, who, along with the beloved Lao revolutionary leaders such as President Souphanouvong and President Kaysone Phomvihane, brought independence and freedom to the people of both countries. These great architects built and nurtured the great friendship and special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, which will endure forever.
