May – In Remembrance of Uncle Ho – Commemorating the 135th Birthday of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 – May 19, 2025)

Date: 2025.05.17

A Historic Journey that Began at Nha Rong Wharf (Bến Nhà Rồng)

On June 5, 1911, at Nha Rong Wharf (Saigon), a 21-year-old young man named Nguyen Tat Thanh quietly boarded the ship Amiral Latouche-Tréville to begin a journey in search of a path to national salvation. That journey, which spanned 30 years, would ultimately change the destiny of the entire Vietnamese nation. That young man was our beloved President Ho Chi Minh.

Uncle Ho, whose birth name was Nguyen Sinh Cung, later known as Nguyen Tat Thanh during his school years, and Nguyen Ai Quoc throughout many years of revolutionary activity, also used various aliases and pen names. He was born on May 19, 1890, in Kim Lien Commune, Nam Dan District, Nghe An Province. May 19, 2025, marks the 135th anniversary of his birth. (He passed away on September 2, 1969.)

Born into a patriotic Confucian family in a land known for its heroic tradition of resisting foreign invaders, he from a young age witnessed his homeland suffer under French colonial rule. Deeply moved by the hardship of his fellow countrymen and the people’s unwavering determination for independence, he nurtured a lifelong aspiration:
“I have only one desire, the most earnest desire — to see our country fully independent, our people completely free, and everyone having food to eat, clothes to wear, and access to education.”

What is the origin of the name “Ho Chi Minh”?

・He had begun using the name Ho Chi Minh from 1942, and continued to use it until he wrote his will and passed away.

・The name Ho Chi Minh carries the same meaning as “Bodhisattva” in Buddhist philosophy. According to the venerable monk Onisi, abbot of the famous Thanh Thuy Tu Temple in Kyoto, Japan:
“Ho Chi Minh” corresponds to “Bodhisattva” in Japanese. “Ho” signifies Bodhisattva. “Chi Minh” means ‘Wisdom of the People’ — ‘Chi’ being intellect and wisdom, and ‘Minh’ being the people. He is a modern-day Bodhisattva, a wise and enlightened soul of the people.”

・General Secretary Truong Chinh was the first to affectionately refer to President Ho Chi Minh as “Bác” (Uncle), symbolizing the elder brother figure in the Central Committee — a term that later became a beloved title embraced by the entire nation.

* Key Milestones on Uncle Ho’s Path to National Liberation:

– Period 1911 – 1920:

From patriotic ideals to communism and the search for Vietnam’s path to freedom. During this time, he traveled extensively — to France, the U.S., the U.K., and many colonial territories across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas — gaining firsthand insight into the injustices of colonialism. In July 1920, upon reading Lenin’s Preliminary Theses on the National and Colonial Questions, he realized he had found the path to liberation.

– Period 1921 – 1930:

Spreading Marxism–Leninism and revolutionary thought, he laid the groundwork for the Vietnamese Communist Party, resolving the ideological crisis on how to save the nation.

– Period 1930 – 1941:

Refining the revolutionary strategy for national liberation, he returned to Vietnam, determined to realize the dream of independence and freedom. This led to the August Revolution of 1945, marking the beginning of a new era — “an era of national independence and the path to socialism in our country”.

President Ho Chi Minh – A Life of Revolutionary Greatness

1. Youth and the Journey for National Salvation

– Born on May 19, 1890, in Kim Lien, Nam Dan, Nghe An, into a patriotic Confucian family.
– In 1911, he departed from Nha Rong Wharf, traveling to over 30 countries, doing various jobs to earn a living and expand his knowledge.
– In 1920, in France, he was introduced to Marxism–Leninism and affirmed the proletarian revolution as the path to Vietnam’s liberation.

2. Leading the Revolution and Founding the Democratic Republic of Vietnam

– In 1930, he founded the Communist Party of Vietnam.
– On September 2, 1945, he declared independence at Ba Dinh Square, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

3. War of Resistance and Nation-Building

– Led the resistance against French colonialists and later American imperialists.
– Focused on building a new government, improving people’s livelihoods, especially in education, healthcare, and fostering national unity.

4. Ho Chi Minh’s Thought and Ethics

– Seamlessly integrated Marxist–Leninist ideology with Vietnam’s practical realities.
– Championed the values of diligence, thrift, integrity, righteousness, and selfless devotion.
– Lived modestly and remained close to the people, serving as a moral example for all.

5. His Legacy

– Revered as the “Father of the Nation,” a symbol of Vietnam’s quest for independence and peace.
– In 1987, UNESCO honored him as a “Hero of National Liberation and Great Man of Culture of Vietnam”.

Celebrating the 135th Birthday of Uncle Ho

This May, the nation joyfully commemorates his legacy through a wide range of meaningful and profound activities:

🔶 National-Level Highlights:

・Sen Village Festival 2025 (May 10–19 in Nghệ An)
・Inauguration of the Nine-Tier Waterfall at the grave of Madame Hoang Thi Loan
・“Journey in Uncle Hồ’s Footsteps” Running Race
・Meet-and-greet with filmmakers and artists involved in movies about Uncle Ho

🎬 135th Birthday Film Week in Nghe An (May 12–15):
・Screenings of: The Childhood Moon, A Flower for Uncle, President Ho Chi Minh and the Millennial Capital, etc.

Notable Local Activities:

📍 Hanoi:

・Offering incense at the Mausoleum, organizing seminars and tribute reports
・Restoration of historical sites and honoring exemplary individuals who follow Hồ Chí Minh’s teachings

📍Ho Chi Minh City:

・Free museum admission on May 19
・Photo exhibition: President Hồ Chí Minh – Life and Revolutionary Career
・Special display: The South Forever Grateful to Uncle Hồ

📍 Hue, Hai Phong, Ca Mau and other provinces:

・Floral tributes, festivals, fireworks, photo exhibitions, and other meaningful celebrations.

Diverse communication and outreach efforts include:
・Publication of materials, documentaries, and animated films
・Academic seminars, artistic programs, and archival exhibitions
・Extensive media coverage via press, social media, and traditional platforms