UNCLE HO IN OUR MEMORABLE HEARTS
Colonel TRAN VU TRANG
Former Deputy Head of Political Department
President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum High Command
We got such bad news in the early morning of September 01, 1969. Uncle Ho was seriously ill, broadcasted by Voice of Vietnam, from the announcement of the Politburo. Meanwhile, our troop was garrisoned in Hai Hau District, Nam Dinh Province, on duty to prevent Van Ly - a coastal area from the US enemy attacks, and simultaneously on the additional training for a South mission which was called “heading to B”. All regimes must be strictly maintained as usual no matter where we were stationed, even at the local’s residence. We were about to march after the radio’s theme song was on. But it was not a common day, the tiny speaker in the middle of the house where I and two other soldiers stayed announced in a very slow voice: “President Ho is exhausted now, excellent doctors and health experts have been invited to take care of Uncle Ho by the Central Committee and Political Bureau". We were extremely shocked and worried, sitting together, keeping our eyes focused on the speaker, looking at each other and wondering what had happened to our Uncle. Since then, several updates about Uncle Ho's health have been made. After each piece of news compressed the tightening pain until nearly noon, the radio announcer's voice choked, interrupted: 'Uncle is very ill.' Oh! It wasn't until later that I learned the beloved Father's heart in the armed forces had stopped beating. Uncle passed away at 9:47 AM on September 02. Since that Independence Day in '69, we no longer saw Uncle on the podium with bright, kind eyes and a silver beard.
Official announcement: 'President Ho has passed away,' was broadcast around 8 AM the next day, not through the Voice of Vietnam but through a cryptographic communication channel. The battalion was ordered to mobilize, assemble at the mess hall, as well as the battalion's hall. The political officer deputy battalion stood in front of the troops holding the order, and read:
- Announcement from the Political Bureau - The Deputy Political Officer suddenly lost composure, then cried out - Comrades! Uncle Ho has passed away!
We fell silent, moved, the pain spreading through the ranks. Outside, the rain grew heavier, the sky darkened, and the rain poured down, flowing along the corrugated plastic roof. The deputy political officer of the battalion gradually calmed down, wiping away tears and encouraging the soldiers. He said he had served in a unit protecting Uncle Ho when he was still in the combat zone, and even in extremely difficult conditions, Uncle lived modestly, even during times of previous imprisonment, which affected his health. I heard the deputy political officer talk about Uncle as if talking about his beloved Father.
The days that followed were days of national mourning. Along with that shared grief, there was an atmosphere of anxiety, with some soldiers showing signs of confusion. As a reinforced training unit, every three months, a battalion set out for the battlefield, so officers at all levels had to tightly manage and supervise the troops.
Then the mood of the army underwent a significant change, in a positive direction. It was in the atmosphere of the state funeral for President Ho Chi Minh, where Comrade Le Duan read Uncle Ho's will. It seemed that when writing the will, Uncle foresaw what would happen in the hearts of every citizen, every soldier, when the war was at its most intense, especially after the General Offensive and Uprising of the Spring of Mau Than (1968), when we suffered significant losses. It seemed that Uncle knew what had to be emphasized first: 'The anti-American, nation-saving struggle of our people, despite having to endure more hardships and sacrifices, will surely be completely victorious”[2]
The sacred will conveyed to us Uncle Ho's indomitable will and unwavering faith, continuing the new battle until complete victory.
True to His predictions, the historic spring of 1975 arrived. Faced with the situation of the new revolutionary period, the Political Bureau and Central Military Commission decided to establish new units to enhance the combat capabilities of the combined arms units, carry out large-scale campaigns, eliminate and disintegrate large enemy forces, change the battlefield situation, and end the war.
After 5 years in the military, I became an officer in the Armored Battalion 202. After the Quang Tri Campaign in 1972, the entire Engineer Brigade withdrew to guerrilla warfare in western Ha Tinh in the context of 'To have lunch in the North, and to fight in the South.' In October 1973, the Engineer Brigade unexpectedly received orders to retreat deep into the rear, assembling in Tam Diep, becoming the Armored Regimen 202 under the Corps 1, the main mobile reserve strategic force of the Vietnam People's Army. At the end of 1974, I was 'transferred' to the Political Bureau of the Corps, had to bid farewell to the combat unit that I had been attached to in my early years as a soldier, parting with the modest tank soldiers who were very close comrades. Later, when I had the opportunity to visit the Corps, I 'ran quick' back to visit the Engineer Brigade with twice of the Hero of the People's Armed Forces, to visit Battalion 66, where Dinh Van Hoe and Hoang Tho Mac were two heroes of the People's Armed Forces. Mac was the tank platoon leader, a fellow countryman, the same age as me, who commanded the capture of Vinh Binh Bridge, paving the way for our forces to advance into Saigon, despite being injured, he bravely sacrificed himself before the final victory of the nation.
I still remember around mid-March, the unit received orders to deploy Task Force 1, consisting of several regiments and battalions ready for combat, to participate in the liberation of Hue and Da Nang. From that moment, the entire unit was always ready, awaiting orders to engage. Although the atmosphere in the army corps seemed urgent, the officers of the unit acted as if nothing was happening, engaging in sports activities, improving volleyball and table tennis. Most of the senior officers had experienced many campaigns in various divisions and corps, so going into combat was a routine matter for them. They mentioned that this campaign was 'going far, advancing deep,' and if victorious, it would be a significant triumph, but if defeated, who knows when they would return to the North. Therefore, the Command also allowed officers a few days of relaxation. I took a military transport truck back to Hanoi to visit my wife and small child for two days, without mentioning my preparation for combat. It turned out to be a good move, sparing my wife and child unnecessary worry.
In early April, we, following the basic command of the Corps, set out from Tam Diep, and after two days, temporarily halted in Dong Ha, Quang Tri. Quang Tri had been liberated but still revealed the complete failure of those who relied on iron and steel. From Dong Ha, we switched to vehicles of the Truong Son High Command through Route 9, Khe Sanh, towards Laos. Passing through the primeval forest of Laos, reaching the crossroads station, we stopped and felt truly fascinated. Resting in a small tent made of military camouflage, looking up, I saw gentle swaying coconut leaves falling from trees tens of meters high, and a few rays of sunlight piercing through the fresh foliage. After marching through the Southern Laos, we directly enjoyed the Laotian sun and wind. The red lateritic soil was crushed into fine dust. In some places, the dust was so thick that it covered the wheels, and the following vehicles looked like they were steering through water. The Western Truong Son Road had many stretches winding along mountain slopes, some parts meandering through ancient tree roots. The convoy was on the road, and beyond it was a dense forest; only the skilled drivers of Truong Son could handle the steering wheel. Yet, in many curved sections, looking down into the deep and alluring valley, dozens of crushed and twisted vehicles lay in the mist. At that moment, it was certain that there was no way to rescue those brave drivers. The heroic martyrs lay on the majestic Truong Son divine road - the road named after Uncle Ho.
After passing the Dong Duong intersection, the combat formation of the Corps continued to advance towards the Central Highlands, recently liberated to the north of Saigon. Many infantry units had cleared mines ahead, planting rows of warning signs with the words 'mines' written on them. Following the guidance, the trailing vehicles moved forward, only one direction ahead, but inevitably several vehicles from the Division 320 got hit by anti-tank mines and tossed into the forest.
The marching formation continued to stretch, no longer needing any camouflage, although enemy reconnaissance planes continued to fly and release smoke rounds. Passing under the Song Be tunnel, the sound of artillery explosions became very close as if the final battle was imminent, and Saigon seemed so close.
As a platoon-level officer, I did not have a comprehensive understanding of the unit's overall situation, receiving only concise orders from the direct commanding officer. Later, I learned that at this point, the wartime situation was extremely critical, with forces from all directions acting like a gigantic clamp, tightening the encirclement and pushing the enemy into desperation. The enemy forces stubbornly held Xuan Loc and the gateways to Saigon.
At that decisive moment, the Political Bureau and Central Military Commission decided to name the campaign to liberate Saigon, a strategically historic campaign, as the Ho Chi Minh Campaign.
We often say that President Ho Chi Minh is the immortal spirit of the Vietnamese people. This was true even in these circumstances when the campaign had reached its decisive point, and His name became an invincible spiritual force resonating throughout the front lines. His name was a trumpet call to battle. Following His shining example, we were determined to fight, unafraid of hardships, difficulties, and sacrifice.
I believe that in everyone's life, it's the same. In the face of difficulties, challenges, losses, and suffering, if there is a warm hand to hold, a timely word of encouragement can change one's destiny.
That evening, we were sitting around a transistor radio to monitor the situation when we received news that this campaign was named after Uncle Ho. All of us felt like we were given additional motivation, an encouragement for the journey into the enemy's last stronghold. After that night, Mr. Ha (team leader), Mr. Lung, and I were ordered to go with Division 312 as political front officers for the Corps Political Department. Returning our short guns, each of us received an AK rifle, closely attached to the unit, and directly participated in the liberation of Phu Loi - Binh Duong.
I can never forget that special moment - the moment we declared the complete liberation of the South, forcing the pseudo-army and Saigon's pseudo-authority to surrender unconditionally. On that day, everyone with a gun pointed it towards the sky, firing rounds continuously for hours, resonating with the explosions from the enemy's ammunition depot, causing the sky and ground to shake, ears ringing, and only seeing the triumphant faces.
Oh! In that first moment, our hearts earnestly remembered Him. Ho Chi Minh, the silver-haired Father who lit a fire for us on cold nights, now the nation shines free from the enemy that He had gone far to vanquish. Everyone said, that if Uncle Ho were still alive at this moment, He would be very pleased. Oh, Uncle! The flag of a hundred victories that You handed over has been brought to the pinnacle of glory by successive generations of Vietnamese, especially those directly under Your command who brought victory.
After April 30, for a few days, we went down to grasp the situation of the units, and I, along with Nguyen Duc Son - Deputy Political Commissar of the Engineer Brigade, a young and energetic officer (now Lieutenant General - Head of the Political Department of the General Staff), was 'given' a Jeep and a captured pseudo prisoner to drive along Route 13 still cluttered with abandoned enemy vehicles, guns, uniforms, and hats towards the faux Military Officers School, where the Corps was stationed. A month later, we again hurriedly marched along Highway 1 to Tam Diep, ready to defend the capital.
The South was completely liberated, the country no longer had the shadow of invasion forces, and the entire nation joyfully celebrated in unity. Amidst the shared joy, there are the sorrows of many families who lost their dearest ones. They are the valiant martyrs who laid down on the liberating road full of "blood and flowers".
These days, on various media platforms, in newspapers, and in the hearts of every Vietnamese, the name of Uncle Ho is always mentioned. A great joy is spreading: Uncle Ho's Mausoleum is about to be inaugurated. Our Party and State have made the right decision, in line with the wishes of the entire Party, people, and armed forces: to preserve Uncle Ho’s body for a long time and build His Mausoleum in the historical center of Ba Dinh, where He delivered the Declaration of Independence. The determination and efforts of those who built Uncle Ho's Mausoleum were immense, completing a magnificent work right on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of National Day on September 02. In that military parade, through television broadcasts, we saw Uncle Ho's Mausoleum for the first time. It was truly a beautiful architectural work! The entire mausoleum was outlined against the high sky, with sturdy columns supporting the graceful mausoleum roof. The construction left an unforgettable impression of the lofty beauty and simplicity, the skillful selection of the essence of both Eastern and Western ancient architecture, which resonates with the sensibilities of the Vietnamese people. From here, Uncle Ho rests eternally in the Mausoleum, His noble spirit forever guiding our nation.
During that time, when I returned to work in Hanoi, I immediately arranged everything to visit Uncle Ho's Mausoleum. In the beginning, the reception of the people was very limited. I remember I was given priority in line for being a military officer. After presenting my officer's ID, we had to maneuver through a covered gate made of canvas to enter the room to watch a plastic film. The film screening room resembled a military tent completely covered to prevent light from entering, so it was very hot. We attentively watched images of Uncle Ho's revolutionary activities, and the excitement mounted as we thought about visiting Uncle Ho in just a few minutes.
And that awaited moment arrived. Stepping into the room where Uncle Ho lay, I suddenly felt enveloped in a sacred space. I don't know how I walked; I just focused on looking at Uncle Ho, with deep and profound emotions surging within me. Oh! Has He truly departed? He lay there, with a high forehead, sparse hair, and beard, fair skin, with some sunspots near the temple, his two hands with slender and beautiful fingers placed on the abdomen, his eyes closed as if resting peacefully. Perhaps the waves have calmed, the sea is tranquil, and the great captain has guided the Motherland's boat to the shore of glory. Now, He peacefully rests in peace.
Later, when assigned to work at the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum High Command, in the course of my duties and responsibilities, I had many opportunities to inspect the preparations to welcome our fellow citizens and international guests to visit Uncle Ho. I had the privilege to see Uncle Ho up close on many occasions. Every time was like the first time, and in my heart, I felt overwhelmed with emotion, sensing that His spirit was guiding and comforting my thoughts and soul. Along with many comrades, we pledged a lifelong commitment to the Fatherland, to the Party, wholeheartedly loyal by His side.
General Secretary Nong Duc Manh presents the first prize to Senior Lieutenant Phan Thi Dong-
a member of the Political Department – Mausoleum High Command,
at the National Storytelling Competition on the shining moral examples of President Ho Chi Minh,
in October 2008
General Phung Quang Thanh - Member of the Political Bureau, Minister of National Defense, is attaching the Ho Chi Minh Medal to the Victory Flag of Institute 69, in September 2009
The daily flag-raising ceremony at President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The first doctor team takes pictures with Soviet experts at Lenin Mausoleum Research Institute in 1967
Acceptance of conference on scientific research topics
between the Mausoleum Management Board and the Moscow Biomedical Research Center
Lieutenant General Truong Quang Khanh - Deputy Minister of National Defense, takes a photo with Vietnamese and Russian medical scientists at the
"Conference summarizing 40 Years of long-term preservation and absolute safety of President Ho Chi Minh's body (1969-2009)''
The Specialized Technical Team (Technical Department) is on duty to ensure the parameters for serving the visit to President Ho Chi Minh
The inauguration ceremony of the restoration and upgrade of the air conditioning and ventilation system at President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, in August 2009
President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Management Board organizes a ceremony to present a statue of Uncle Ho to the Party Committee and the people of Quang Binh province
The show "Ho Chi Minh - A Lifetime for the Country and the People"
organized by the Mausoleum High Command, People's Public Security Newspaper, and Ho Chi Minh City Television to celebrate the 64th Anniversary of the August Revolution and Independence Day on September 02, 2009
The President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum High Command organized a seminar to promote the campaign “Studying and Following the shinning Moral Example of President Ho Chi Minh” on March 28, 2008
The performance by the Mausoleum High Command won the excellent prize at the Festival of Arts of the Armed Forces and Youth, Students, and Pupils for the 7th time in October 2009
