Love history from the story of an uncle
Coming to the small house in An Bien commune, An Giang province, we were able to admire the collection of 700 relics and artifacts from the war and were surprised that this was the "family" of a 12th grade student.
Taking us to see and tell us in detail about each item he owns, Mai Phu Hao is like a person who tells a true inspirational story, each attractive story, vividly through the voice and realistic image of the items.
Hao shared that since grade 4, he has started collecting items from the local area and close to life such as oil lamps, bamboo shoots, and farming tools.
Hao's rehabilitation began in early 2024. The items that I restore are damaged helmets, bags, military uniforms or make harmless plastic weapons for display.
"My biggest inspiration is you. He is a veteran. From the stories he told me about the resistance war, I am determined to collect and preserve them, Hao shared.
Inspiring young people with souvenirs
Hao is a member of group A509, including young people from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The group was contacted by agencies and museums to restore, display or conduct exhibition topics at schools. Hao alone has restored many artifacts to the museum and shrines of the province's Heroes and Martyrs.
Hao shared with pride: I own a collection of coats of the Vietnamese army during the anti-French period and the volunteer army participating in the resistance war in Laos. My favorite item is the military uniform of the soldiers who took over Hanoi in October 1954, along with the hat given to our army during the period of resistance against the French.
"The item I struggled to find was the large ball of the French army. The time I went to Hanoi, I went to Phu Tho, to the house of a veteran who owned a bottle. When I learned the job I was doing, I happily gave it to me, Hao recounted.
Ms. Le Thi Kim Loan - Math teacher and also the homeroom teacher of Hao said: Hao is a person with a good sense of learning, especially a self-conscious, hard-working and persistent spirit.
"My passion for collecting and restoring history is what impressed me and many other teachers. Hao is very serious and has depth in his research. This is a very vivid way of learning history. I think the school can encourage students like Hao to become storytelists, inspiring their friends. I believe that if students like Hao are properly oriented and given the right conditions, they will be the class of the younger generation to preserve and spread historical values in a good, vivid and lasting way, said Ms. Loan.
Dream of Mechanical Engineering Technology
At first, Hao had many difficulties in pursuing his passion because he was too young and lacked economic conditions. Finding documents and information about the artifacts is also very difficult. According to Hao, she used her savings to buy the first items. When participating in the restoration work and receiving remuneration, he used that money to continue collecting more artifacts.
In the coming time, Hao plans to cooperate and organize exhibition topics. I want to spread the passion for collecting and restoring history, helping people understand and love history more.
"My plan is to take the entrance exam for Mechanical Engineering Technology. I think this industry will also support me with useful knowledge and experience in restoring and repairing historical objects, Hao confided.
