APPRECIATION
(For the 2007 edition)
Major General DAO HUU NGHIA
Head of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Management Board, cum commander of
The President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum High Command.
On the morning of January 24, 2005, during the ceremony to receive the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces in the innovation era, representing the Party Committee and the High Command, I delivered a meticulously prepared and comprehensive report, highlighting the outstanding achievements of the unit in its development and self completion.The unit's remarkable and prestigious awards were achieved thanks to the special dedication and close leadership and guidance from the Party, the State, and the military, I addressed. Senior officials of the Government and the Ministry of National Defense often directly joined their hands in the journey.
Following the commendation and guidance from Vice President Truong My Hoa, in response, I expressed my profound gratitude for the special attention from Party, State, and military leaders, including Comrade Do Muoi - former General Secretary of the Party Central Committee, former Deputy Prime Minister, and Head of the Construction Steering Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Officers, workers, and soldiers at all levels working at Uncle Ho's Mausoleum had a great chance, witnessing his strategic yet specific command of Comrade Do Muoi, related to the Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, and the long-term preservation mission, ensuring the absolute safety of Uncle Ho's body. Despite his health concerns and age, Comrade Do Muoi's appearance at this solemn ceremony was truly inspiring. At the end of the ceremony, Comrade Do Muoi slowly walked to his vehicle, inquiring specifically about Uncle Ho's body condition, the results of experimental research, and the potential for collaboration with Russian experts. He emphasized the need to improve the reception of the visitors, ensuring convenience and thoughtful care for the lives of officials, soldiers, and workers, allowing their reassured and wholehearted dedication to their assigned tasks.
In 2006, business as usual, during his visit to pay respects to Uncle Ho on the occasion of his 116th birthday, Comrade Do Muoi attentively observed Uncle Ho. Upon leaving, he remarked that Uncle Ho's body still looked well, he jokingly asked, "Is Uncle Ho's mustache still intact?" Comrade Do Muoi listened carefully and expressed satisfaction when I reported on the unit's ability, being independent in the current time.
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The special attention and close leadership and guidance from Party, State, and Ministry of National Defense leaders regarding the unit's political tasks have been consistent and stop-free.
Comrade Nguyen Khanh, former Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers, under the assignment of government, had a period leading activities at the Mausoleum. With a detail-oriented and logical working style, Comrade Nguyen Khanh spent a considerable amount of time inspecting the work, listening to the opinions of subordinates and specialists, and providing important guidance and directives.
His time supervising workload at the Mausoleum is unforgettable. It spanned from late 1990 to mid-1991, marked by accumulating difficulties and an urgent situation.
In the Soviet Union, the state leadership of the Communist Party gradually weakened, falling into the hands of opposing forces. A severe economic and social crisis emerged, along with a unique political situation - a revolutionary counter situation. The risk of the Soviet Union being dissolved became imminent.
It was a difficult time for soldiers at the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum High Command. The non-repayable sponsors from the Soviet Union for the Mausoleum's activities, along with the regular expert regime, remained no longer in existence. The crucial and effective support from them was interrupted, the chance of complete loss was high.
On July 10, 1991, Comrade Nguyen Khanh presided over a crucial meeting, gaining unanimous comprehension, evaluating the situations and strategy, prioritizing tasks, and implementing necessary short-term and long-term measures. During and after the meeting, participants were well informed of the special significance of the conclusions made by Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers Nguyen Khanh. His conclusions demonstrated strong political resilience and a very high determination based on practical and scientific foundations for the long-term preservation and absolute safety of President Ho Chi Minh's body. Accordingly, in the new circumstances, the long-term preservation and security guard of President Ho Chi Minh's body remained the duty on the shoulders of the Ministry of National Defense. However, it required mobilizing the specialized capabilities of scientists both within and outside the military. The focus on researching and clarifying issues was quite effective, but was not yet fully satisfied the needs of theory and practice. Additionally, it necessitated the need for extra investment from related ministries in building personnel and research facilities, urging the immediate establishment of a National Scientific Council to advise the government and guide this significant task. Proactive preparation was essential to unlock the potential of self undertaking the task while still maintaining traditional relationships and seeking assistance as long as possible.
In the subsequent years, through dynamic and innovative efforts, the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum High Command has effectively interpreted its principles and directions into reality, overcoming challenges with resilience and maturing in the process.
In late September 1992, during the first session of the XI National Assembly, the Prime Minister, deputy prime ministers, and the approved list of members of the new government were elected. Deputy Prime Minister Phan Van Khai was directly assigned by the government to supervise activities at the Mausoleum. In early October, Comrade Khai participated directly and presided over the first meeting of the Scientific Council for the preservation of President Ho Chi Minh's body, a decision made just a few days earlier.
This scientific conference marked the beginning of a new and crucial phase, encouraging and leveraging internal resources, and facilitating the chance of self-undertaking the long-term preservation of Uncle Ho's body.
The conference, held at the 19-5 Guest House on Lieu Giai Street, was simple yet dignified and well-organized. The whole number of attendees arrived early. Deputy Prime Minister Phan Van Khai also showed up early in advance, getting in the meeting room with his familiar style: agile, easy-approach, and hilarious. Everyone stood up to greet him, and Comrade Khai responded with a firm handshake and a friendly pat on the shoulders.
At the opening hour, after the statement of reasons and the introduction of delegates, the establishment of the Scientific Council for the preservation of President Ho Chi Minh's remains was officially announced. The Council's task was to advise on issues and scientific solutions for the long-term preservation of Uncle Ho's body. The Council's composition included Major General Nguyen Hung Phuc, Professor, Ph.D., Deputy Director of the Military Medical Academy, as the Chairman; and members: Professor, Ph.D. Do Trung Phan (Ministry of Health); Professor, Ph.D. Hoang Thuy Nguyen (Ministry of Health); Professor, Ph.D. Pham Ngoc Dang (Ministry of Education and Training); Ph.D. Nguyen Hong Vu (Ministry of National Defense); Ph.D. Nguyen Quang Tan (Ministry of National Defense); Specialist Doctor Do Van Dai (Ministry of National Defense); and two secretaries: Ph.D. Vu Van Binh (Ministry of National Defense); Ph.D. Dao Huu Nghia (Ministry of National Defense). The decision to establish the Scientific Council also included provisions on responsibilities and authorities of the Head of the Management Board of the Mausoleum and related ministers, ensuring the Council's effective operation and collaboration.
Comrade Phan Van Khai, on behalf of the government, delivered a speech assigning tasks and directing the activities of the Scientific Council. He briefly addressed the unfavorable international situation, emphasizing the significance and requirements of the mission. He affirmed the determination of the Party, State, and our people to preserve and ensure absolute safety of Uncle Ho’s body no matter what happened —a special task entrusted to the military with absolute trust: "Conquer every mission, overcome every challenge, defeat every adversary.” He praised the results achieved in taking the lead in certain technical and medical areas, considering them as the initial foundation for formulating programs, plans, content, and the next steps. The Scientific Council was established not only to meet the current challenging mission but also to determine a long-term strategy. The Deputy Prime Minister explicitly stated the Council's dual role of providing advice and endless support within its assigned expertise, especially supporting collaborators, providing research equipment, and training personnel. In terms of state management, he requested relevant ministries such as the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Science and Technology, and Environment, and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology to coordinate and create conditions for the effective operation of the Council.
Right after receiving and complying the assigned tasks of the guidance from the Deputy Prime Minister, on behalf of the members of the Scientific Council, the Chairman expressed determination, and gratitude for the trust and attention, promising worthy contributions going forward. Also, during this first meeting, the Council spent time discussing the report from the Management Board of the Mausoleum on the self-reliance plan and the priority research areas, while working on regulations of the Council.
As time flew, the establishment of the Scientific Council for the preservation of President Ho Chi Minh's body marked a significant milestone, showcasing the timely and effective care from our Party and State. This marks a major advantage and a crucial factor, signifying the beginning of a new phase, leveraging internal strength, conquering challenges, and continuing to excellently fulfill the special political mission of the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum High Command in this new period.
From the early years of the renewal era, while focusing on leading and directing the organizational and personnel adjustments, improving the overall quality and discipline of the military. The Central Military Party Committee (now the Central Military Commission) and the Ministry of National Defense still continued to pay special and timely attention to the unit's tasks, exemplified by Resolution 50 (February 1988). This resolution focused on leadership in carrying out the mission of preserving the President Ho Chi Minh’s body in the new situation. In executing the resolution, Lieutenant General Tran Hanh, serving as Deputy Chief of the General Staff, played a crucial role by providing leadership and direct oversight to the unit.
Assigned by the Ministry, with a hands-on approach, Lieutenant General Tran Hanh spent considerable time inspecting the work, participating in Party committee meetings, scientific conferences, and quarterly, six-monthly, and annual reviews of the unit. When discussing tasks, he calmly listened to diverse opinions, filtered and carefully considered, then provided profound analysis, suggestions, or directives. In striving to fulfill the mission in the period before, during, and after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, when assessing the situation, discussing strategies and mechanisms for continued cooperation, plans, and priority tasks for upgrading Institute 69... General Tran Hanh made practical and specific contributions.
One event, closely associated with the guidance of General Tran Hanh – Deputy Chief of the General Staff, was at the beginning of 1992. When the medical expert group from the Soviet Union could not come to assist us in making a regular preservative solution for President Ho Chi Minh's remains, we not only took on the responsibility ourselves but also calculated to be able to receive and manage the special solution independently. General Tran Hanh spent a lot of time working with the leadership and command of the General Staff, discussing intentions, determination, and approaches, down to the specific organization and implementation. Besides the shared concerns of those directly involved, there was the careful consideration of an experienced elder brother. He advised everyone to be cautious when working with the Soviet representatives, emphasizing the need for exploration steps, alongside legal foundations, persuading through emotions, and, most importantly, being urgent but not hasty.
The organization and implementation of the transfer of the special solution from the Soviet Union to us matched our prediction. After the Soviet Union agreed to transfer, we received the solution in a full and thoughtful way, ensuring its absolute safety. This event marked the beginning of a new period – a period of comprehensive mastery of the mission to preserve the long-term and ensuring absolute safety of President Ho Chi Minh’s body.
This event marks the beginning of a new era – a period that accelerates the comprehensive mastery and steadfast fulfillment of the long-term mission to safeguard and absolutely ensure the safety of President Ho Chi Minh's remains.
It’s not common that the scheduled maintenance at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum this year was conducted earlier than usual, ensuring completion prior to the APEC-14 Summit. Ha Noi is bestowed with beautiful decorations, with the Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square adorned in the vibrant colors of red flags and flowers.
When inspecting the process of preparing for the Mausoleum reopening after the routine maintenance. Everything was flawlessly completed, making me feel worry free. All tasks were meticulously carried out, including medicine, technology, security, ceremonies, and reception, including propaganda to ensure hygiene and landscape. The quality and progress of the work was a commitment of excellence, comprehensive and solid capabilities of the service forces at the Mausoleum.
After the final inspection by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung, who has been directly assigned by the Prime Minister to supervise the work at the Mausoleum.
Everything was ready for the next day, welcoming visitors to the Mausoleum,
Looking at the Mausoleum, its dignified yet inherently familiar stature, enhanced by the newly highlighted features, I felt a sense of complete trust: Uncle Ho is everlasting, he always keeps the eyes on the renewal, integration, and development of our country.
