Independence Day, remembering Uncle Ho
From early morning September 2nd, the road leading to the Temple of President Ho Chi Minh in Ba Chang A hamlet, Chau Thoi commune, Ca Mau province was brilliantly decorated with flags and flowers. People from many places returned, bringing flowers, fruits and local products, respectfully offering to Uncle Ho on National Day.
In a solemn atmosphere, cadres, party members and local people organized flower and incense offerings to commemorate President Ho Chi Minh. This year, National Day September 2 coincides with the 57th anniversary of his death (September 2, 1969 - September 2, 2026).
Village meals are carefully prepared with rustic dishes, imbued with the flavor of the Mekong Delta. People come to visit not only to light incense but also to meet, review traditions and express their gratitude to Uncle Ho.
Mr. Tran Chi Linh - Chairman of the Veterans Association of Chau Thoi commune - said that the Uncle Ho's death anniversary at the Temple has become an activity associated with Independence Day. Previously, communes, towns, agencies, departments, branches, and unions in the old Vinh Loi district prepared trays of rice or dishes imbued with the flavor of the homeland to offer to Uncle Ho. This year, the activity continues to be maintained by people on September 2nd.
For the people of Chau Thoi, Uncle Ho's death anniversary is not only an annual ritual but has become a deeply ingrained feeling in life.
The Women's Union of Chau Thoi commune mobilized officials and members to wrap 1,000 banh tet cakes to offer to Uncle Ho. About 350kg of sticky rice and 160kg of beans were contributed by people and members. From more than 4 am, 20 members were present at Ms. Nguyen Thi Truc's house in Bao Sen hamlet to prepare ingredients and wrap cakes.
When I heard about the campaign to wrap banh chung for Uncle Ho, I was very happy and participated immediately. Everyone contributed whatever they had, working together to make it in time," Ms. Truc shared.
Ms. Nguyen Mong Thu, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Chau Thoi commune, Chairwoman of the Commune Women's Union, said that this is the first year the association has mobilized to wrap banh tet on Uncle Ho's death anniversary and received the consensus and support of a large number of people.
Keep the fire at the red address
The temple to President Ho Chi Minh in Chau Thoi was built during the war years, when local people heard the news of Uncle Ho's death. In April 1972, the temple was completed in the revolutionary base area. The enemy raided and burned it many times, the temple collapsed, then the people rebuilt it.
Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa, 76 years old, former Team Leader of the Ho Chi Minh Temple Protection Team, is one of the 7 soldiers directly involved in protecting the temple construction. He said that despite the enemy's continuous attacks, guerrilla forces, local forces and the Temple Protection Team are still determined to keep this place at all costs.
“Five months of fighting the enemy, hardships, losses and sacrifices to keep this temple to this day. Now that there is peace, if we still have strength, we must take care of Uncle Ho's temple very thoughtfully,” Mr. Khoa said.
Along with Mr. Khoa, more than 70 members of the incense-lighting club at the Temple of President Ho Chi Minh take turns taking care of the campus, offering incense, changing flowers, and preparing tea and fruit. Ms. Nguyen Thi Nghin, 84 years old, still regularly comes to the temple: "As long as I have strength, I will continue to burn incense for Uncle Ho".
According to Ms. Truong Ngoc Thao, Secretary of the Party Committee of Chau Thoi commune, the respect for Uncle Ho is concretized by the locality by being close to the people, close to the people, listening to and accompanying the people.
Today's temple is not only a place of remembrance but also a "red address" for traditional education. Every year, thousands of union members, students, and officials come here to offer incense, report achievements, and organize traditional education activities.
