For a peaceful sleep of Uncle Ho - IV. Preparation of Mausoleum construction

IV. PREPARATIONS OF THE MAUSOLEUM CONSTRUCTION

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After President Ho Chi Minh passed away, the construction of the Mausoleum became a pressing issue. People and soldiers nationwide desired a final resting place for him, reflecting his contributions and great achievements for the country, which allowed future generations to visit and learn from the pathway by the Party and President Ho Chi Minh. Visitors from various places had the opportunity to visit the Mausoleum to pay respects to President Ho Chi Minh – the outstanding revolutionary leader of the national liberation, the global communist movement, and the working class movement.

Immediately after the well-organized and solemn funeral ceremonies for President Ho Chi Minh, the Planning Committee A, consisting of comrades Nguyen Luong Bang, Tran Quoc Hoan, Phung The Tai, etc., studied the zoning plan for preserving President Ho Chi Minh’s body and building his Mausoleum.

In the meeting on the morning of November 29, 1969, the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee discussed and decided:

1971. With infinite love and eternal gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh, we must try our best to preserve his body and build his Mausoleum. All efforts must be made for timely completion of construction, allowing visitors to enter the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh in 1971.
1972. All activities related to President Ho Chi Minh’s body must comply with his style: purity and simplicity, and distance-free to the citizens.

Therefore, his pillow and mattress should be white, and the clothing made of khaki fabric, following the style he wore while alive. A thin blanket should cover him from the abdomen to the end of both feet, using either a fabric or light-colored wool blanket, with both hands placed on the blanket. Nothing else should be placed in the coffin. His shoes should be placed in a separate small glass case.

III. It is a must to comprehend and meet the following requirements when designing the Mausoleum:

1. Ensure the long-term preservation of President Ho Chi Minh’s body, protecting against harmful climate and weather changes, with anticipated plans for safety, defense against war and sabotage, etc.
2. Modernity and solemnity yet simplicity must go along with the national traditions.
3. Ensure convenience for people, officials, and foreign visitors, with a continuous and durable structure.
4. Place President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum in the historic area of Ba Dinh.
5. Promote negotiations with the Soviet Union for their assistance in the long-term preservation of President Ho Chi Minh’s body and the construction of his Mausoleum.

The Political Bureau also decided:

 The Planning Committee A would continue to monitor and take care of the assigned general tasks.

The Central Military Commission would be responsible for the long-term protection of President Ho Chi Minh’s body.

The Ministry of Architecture would play a primary role in the construction of the Mausoleum, ensuring a well-executed and prompt design process, urgently initiating tasks so that the Political Bureau can approve the design proposal, the Mausoleum model, and the construction plan early.

From January 09 to January 23, 1970, the Soviet Government sent a delegation to Vietnam to discuss the design of President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. The delegation, led by Comrade KZhukov, the economic liaison representative with foreign countries under the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union, consisted of seven members, including representatives from the Institute of Design Research of the Moscow Construction Organization, the Institute of Sanitary Engineering, the Institute of Refrigeration Engineering, etc.

The Vietnamese delegation, consisting of 12 comrades from the Ministry of Architecture and the Combat engineer headquarters, included four military officers:

• Senior Lieutenant Colonel Tran Ba Dang, Deputy Commander of the Engineer Corps.
• Lieutenant Colonel Luong Soan, Head of the Construction Department of the General Department of Engineers.
• Captain Nguyen Trong Quyen, Head of the Design Department of the Construction Division.
• Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Gia Quyen, military doctor, in charge of preserving President Ho Chi Minh’s body.

Our delegation informed the Soviet about the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee’s decision to construct President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi. The requirements for this project were outlined in the draft "design mission" prepared by Vietnam.

Soviet experts shared the decision of the Soviet Government to provide technical assistance in the design, construction, and equipment of President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. An agreement between the two governments on Soviet assistance to Vietnam in building the Mausoleum would be signed in Moscow, as agreed between the two countries.

During the discussions, Soviet experts meticulously studied the sketches and models of the Mausoleum, addressing each aspect outlined in the draft "design mission" prepared by Vietnam. The practical experiences gained through the construction and preservation of Lenin's Mausoleum in the Soviet Union were generously shared by Soviet experts with our officials, contributing valuable insights to enhance and complete the draft "design mission" for President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum.

In just a short week, Soviet and Vietnamese experts jointly drafted the "Draft Design Mission for President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum." On October 19, 1970, this draft was approved at a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee, marking the first historic milestone in the design preparation phase of the Mausoleum.

The content of the "design mission" met the requirements set by the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee: The Mausoleum, the Square, and the Memorial Area for President Ho Chi Minh within the Presidential Palace compound constitute a unified historical architectural ensemble, with the Mausoleum being the centerpiece. The architectural sketch of the Mausoleum reflected national characteristics, modernity, solemnity, and simplicity.

The grandeur, solemnity, and eternity of the project would somewhat fulfill the aspirations of the people and friends for the contributions and great career of President Ho Chi Minh.

However, with the desire for President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum to be a perfect work, expressing reverence for him and the enduring friendship between the Vietnamese and Soviet peoples, both sides agreed that the relevant Soviet design agencies could make necessary additions to the "design mission." Subsequently, they would communicate and reach an agreement with the Vietnamese side. Original data necessary for the design from Vietnam would be promptly collected and sent to Moscow within two weeks after the Soviet delegation left Hanoi. Vietnam would also send some architects and engineers from key technical sectors to the Soviet Union to participate in technical design.

Both sides agreed to undertake the construction of President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum using the combined efforts of Vietnamese technical officials and workers, with technical support from Soviet experts in construction, installation, and adjustment, tasks that Vietnam was not fully equipped to handle.

Vietnam would provide the liberated and cleared construction site, electricity and water supply, construction machinery, transportation, and domestically available materials.

The first meeting and collaboration between the two delegations left a positive impression, fostering a deep sense of camaraderie between the two Parties and the peoples of both nations towards the beloved President Ho Chi Minh. This initial outcome also provided favorable conditions for future collaboration.

Before the Soviet delegation departed, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong met and conversed with them. The Prime Minister inquired about the health of the delegation leader and its members, emphasizing the great significance of preserving President Ho Chi Minh’s body and constructing his Mausoleum. He expressed gratitude for the readiness of the Soviet Party, State, and people to assist Vietnam in realizing these aspirations, welcoming the positive results achieved during their collaboration.

On January 23, 1970, the working minutes between the two delegations were signed.

Following the directive of Comrade Do Muoi, the Ministry of Architecture was tasked with continuing the study and improvement of the Mausoleum's design, the layout plan, searching for and determining domestically available construction materials, and preparing for the organization of exploitation to meet the construction schedule. The military was assigned to participate in the architectural design, especially proposing technical requirements to ensure the absolute safety of the body in all situations.

Through extraordinary efforts from architects, engineers, technical officials, and close guidance from leaders at all levels, just over a month later, the "comprehensive design" plan for the Mausoleum was completed and approved by the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee.

From March 19 to May 06, 1970, a delegation of three architects from Vietnam was sent to the Soviet Union to continue working with their counterparts. The delegation was allowed to bring the preliminary approved design plan.

Upon arrival in Moscow, they were informed that five alternative plans for the overall arrangement of the Mausoleum had been prepared. These plans closely resembled the one brought by the Vietnamese delegation. The tremendous amount of work done by the Soviet side not only demonstrated a serious and advanced scientific and technical approach but also reflected the special sentiments of the Soviet people towards the beloved Ho Chi Minh.

Based on the existing plans from both delegations, a joint plan was developed, enhancing technical solutions suitable for Vietnam's tropical climate. According to this plan, the central air conditioning system's room size increased from 400m² to 750m². The main machinery within the Mausoleum had a reserve capacity of over 100%, ensuring continuous operation 24/7 under any circumstances.

The "preliminary design" of the "Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum" project was given the code name "Construction Site 75808." This document would be printed for approval by the Party Central Committee and the Vietnamese Government.

From May 15 to May 28, 1970, a presentation and defense of the "preliminary design" plan by the authors took place in Hanoi. The Soviet delegation, led by Comrade Xa Mo-din, the representative of the Economic Liaison Committee, the Soviet Union's foreign representative in Vietnam, headed the delegation. The delegation also included Comrade Lxacovich, chief architect of the project, and Baco, chief engineer of the project.

Comrade Bui Quang Tao, a Central Committee member, Minister of Architecture responsible for reviewing and evaluating the design plans, is to report to the Political Bureau and the Council of Ministers.

The military delegation participating in the discussions includes comrades:

• Phung The Tai, Deputy Chief of General Staff.
• Kinh Chi, representing the General Political Department.
• Tran Ba Dang, Combat engineer headquarters and other assisting officers.

The working minutes of the two delegations clearly state that the "preliminary design" has been presented with high professional competence, quality, and alignment with the "design mission" approved on January 19, 1970. Particularly, Vietnam supports option 4 as the best choice.

This assessment is a significant reward for the collective efforts of Soviet and Vietnamese authors after many nights of diligent, intelligent, and serious labor. People are eagerly awaiting the approval of the Central Committee of our Party.

During this time, news of the Central Committee's decision to build the Mausoleum for President Ho Chi Minh has quickly spread to all layers of the population across the country. Every Vietnamese person wishes to have the opportunity to physically visit the resting place of Uncle Ho. Many letters from different regions, from both North and South Vietnam, and even from countless overseas Vietnamese express their willingness to contribute in any small way to fulfill this noble purpose.

In response to the people's wishes, the Central Committee decided to delay the approval of the "preliminary design" for four to five months to organize a creative session for designing different models of the Mausoleum and display these models for public input. Option 4, approved by the Central Committee, is displayed along with other options for the public to choose.

The campaign to create designs for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum received widespread support from all layers of the domestic population and the Vietnamese diaspora, overseas students, and Vietnamese officials working abroad. In just three months, from late May 1970 to the end of August 1970, the organizing committee received over 200 different design proposals from 16 units, sectors, and many individuals. The organizing committee formed a preliminary selection council and chose 24 designs with the most advantages to be displayed for public input.

To facilitate the public, officials, and soldiers in visiting the exhibition and providing feedback, the organizing committee simultaneously held displays in five locations in the North: Hanoi, Hai Phong, Thai Nguyen, Son La, and Nghe An.

In Hanoi, the exhibition hall at Trang Tien Information House opened on September 02, 1970, marking the 25^th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh reading the Declaration of Independence and the end of October 30, 1970. Despite continuous opening for two months, the exhibition was crowded with visitors until the last days.

By the closing moment, the number of visitors reached 462,499, with 22,518 people providing feedback. People from different professions, educational backgrounds, and ages all showed great respect and attentiveness, eagerly listening to the presentations of each design. Everyone hoped to contribute some ideas to make the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum more beautiful and better.

In Nghe An, President Ho Chi Minh's hometown, the exhibition opened from September 03 to October 30, 1970, attracting 23,766 visitors and receiving 1,526 opinions. The atmosphere in Sen Village during those days was unusually lively, with people from all over coming to visit. Even elderly people with silver hair, who were once members of the "Red Scarf" youth organization, walked with canes to the exhibition hall. Some military units, before heading to the front line, considered the opportunity to visit the Mausoleum a reward for crossing the "heaven's gate," traversing the Truong Son to fulfill Uncle Ho's command "Fight to shut down Americans, fight to collapse the puppet South government."

In Thai Nguyen, from October 01 to November 05, 1970, the exhibition welcomed 66,084 visitors from various ethnic groups in the autonomous region of Viet Bac, with 2,864 opinions.

The exhibition in Son La opened from October 01 to November 01, 1970, attracting 26,623 visitors from the Northwestern ethnic groups, with 1,069 people providing feedback. People from the Northwest expressed their sincere and emotional feelings. Many people entering the exhibition hall burst into tears. They spoke briefly: "The Thai, Meo people are looking forward to fulfilling the wishes, seeing a timely and wonderful construction of the Mausoleum"

The exhibition in the city of Hai Phong opened the latest (on October 02, 1970) and closed the latest (on November 08, 1970). In the days of opening, it welcomed 164,565 visitors, officials, and soldiers from the Port City and the Coastal Region who came to visit. There were 6,035 opinions contributing.

The exhibition and selection of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum model achieved excellent results. It attracted 745,487 visitors, and 34,022 people provided feedback. Among them were 5,477 opinions from officers and soldiers of the People's Army. This also reflects a special sentiment of our officers, soldiers, and people towards Uncle Ho - the beloved Father of our armed forces.

During the design selection phase for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, our military only participated with two design models. These were among the top five designs with the highest votes in the exhibitions: option 1 from the Civil Design Institute under the Ministry of Architecture (preliminarily approved by the leadership); option 10 from the Planning Design Institute of Urban and Rural Areas under the Ministry of Architecture; option 13 by some officials from the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Metallurgy, and the University of Construction as "co-authors"; and options 15 and 16 from the military.

Every nation has its unique way of commemorating its heroes and generals, reflected in distinctive memorial architectural structures that symbolize the historical figure's role and position in society. For nearly 5,000 years, people still marvel at the Egyptian Pyramids - the tombs of the Pharaohs' dynasty. The Great Pyramid of Khufu was built with over two million stones, each weighing over two tons. The pyramid is 148 meters tall and remains the tallest structure in the world. It was not until 1889 that the Eiffel Tower of France broke this record.

At the beginning of the 20^th century, in Rome, a monument commemorating the first emperor of unified Italy was inaugurated after 25 years of construction. It had large dimensions, featuring a huge colonnade with 60 columns and a wide staircase leading up. A few years later, in Washington, D.C, a monument honoring Abraham Lincoln was built in the form of an ancient Greek temple, surrounded by 36 large columns.

Lenin's Mausoleum attracted the attention of designers. The main part of the Mausoleum is a symbolic square representing eternity. On top of the Mausoleum is a three-tiered pyramid. The overall form is still a stepped pyramid. The top is arranged in the form of a coffin placed on black wooden columns. The layout completes the main block, expressing the idea of eternal remembrance.

Option 1, with its distinctive features, has been chosen for the construction of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. The main structure of the Mausoleum is placed on a three-step stair, which is familiar in Vietnamese architectural style. The body of the Mausoleum resembles a simple five-sided house. The three-step stairs are reiterated in the roof of the Mausoleum. The sloping roof suggests the familiarity of the village communal house or the shrines of national heroes.

In option 10, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is conceived as an architectural complex, serving as a gate and also as a ceremonial platform for major events. Visitors coming to pay respects to Ho Chi Minh will enter through the gate, passing through a garden, a lake, and scenic trees before reaching the resting place of Ho Chi Minh. According to the author's argument, this option would add more solemnity to the Mausoleum, aligning with the customs and traditions of Vietnam. Overall, the architectural lines reflect the characteristics of East Asia, with many ornate decorations removed to stay true to the ancestral heritage.

Option 13 draws inspiration from a folk verse: "Thap Muoi is the most picturesque lotus flower fields" connecting Ho Chi Minh's birthplace in Sen Village, Nghe An Province.

The Mausoleum is depicted as a stylized lotus flower in the middle of a lotus pond. Some argue against this option, stating that using the lotus as a symbol for Ho Chi Minh's life might not be entirely accurate, as the lotus has strong associations with Buddhism. The abstract and decorative nature of the lotus is not immediately recognizable to many.

Option 15, proposed by the Military Commanders' group, includes the architectural ensemble of the Mausoleum, the gate, and the garden. The main part of the Mausoleum, where Ho Chi Minh rests, takes the form of a three-sectioned house with a three-tiered pedestal. In particular, the military designers have created two sloping paths for the entrance to facilitate comrades and veterans using wheelchairs to visit Ho Chi Minh.

Option 16, from the Basic Design Bureau of the General Department of Logistics, presents a unique idea. In the area of Ba Dinh, a man-made mountain (about 1,000,000 m³ of soil) is built to construct Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum on top. The design resembles a traditional tower on the mountain. Surrounding the Mausoleum are a lake and trees. Many people agree with this option, believing it aligns with the ancestral temples (like the Temple of the Hung Kings) in our country. Every year, people will come here to plant trees in remembrance of Ho Chi Minh. From a distance, people can already see Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. The tower design evokes the scenery of Ho Chi Minh at work and in life. Some dissenting opinions argue that the tower looks like the "Constellation of Literature pavilion," and the delicate lines do not match the modernity of the structure below. Perhaps when Ho Chi Minh was alive, composing poetry in a simple and natural environment, it was more appropriate.

"Moonlight in the window, where’s the poem? Soldiers are on tasks, poems will be added soon”

On the other hand, creating a mountain in the heart of the capital is challenging which minimizes the chance of visiting for the elderly, young children, and handicaps."

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In addition to specific contributions to the presented options, there are also 6,627 general opinions. Some individuals are not satisfied with any of the displayed options, believing that further research is needed, and the design competition for Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum should continue. There are diverse opinions regarding the location of the Mausoleum. Some suggest placing it in the Presidential Garden near the stilt house, while others propose positioning it in front of the Presidential Palace, close to the former military academy. Some opinions suggest building the Mausoleum near Tam Dao, close to the Hung Temple, or in Ho Chi Minh's hometown. Several voices advocate preserving the old Ba Dinh Square as a commemorative site. Others propose separating the main block of the Mausoleum from the square to enhance its solemnity. Some recommend orienting the Mausoleum to the south, in line with Vietnamese house-building customs and reflecting Ho Chi Minh's affection for the people in the southern part of the country.

Letters from compatriots, soldiers from various armed forces, and overseas Vietnamese – those who did not have the opportunity to view the Mausoleum models – have been sent to the Exhibition Organizing Committee, providing diverse perspectives:

Comrade Nguyen Trong Hiep, a military officer with postal address 47-170-OR, suggests constructing the "Uncle Ho’s Mountain." He writes, "Uncle Ho's life is intertwined with the nation's history and the struggle of those oppressed worldwide. Propose creating the “Uncle Ho’s Mountain” as a unique work of our nation and a unique work globally."

The concept involves carving a mountain into a sculpture of Ho Chi Minh using calculated explosions. The design features simple lines to represent Bac's style, creating a unique sculpture that turns the area into a scenic spot in Vietnam, incorporating various artworks with political and historical significance, reflecting the Party's struggle, the nation's history, and the international communist movement.

Mr. Kim Cuc, a retired official in Hamlet I, Lao Cai town, despite facing serious illness, suggests his idea in an emotionally touching letter: "The South is forever in Uncle Ho’s heart, so the facade of the Mausoleum should look toward the South. Uncle Ho set out to travel across the five continents and four oceans, seeking ways of salvaging the nation. Therefore, the Mausoleum of Uncle Ho should be designed as a global home, gathering colored bricks forming a world map. The Mausoleum's entrance should be adorned with various types of flowers, it’s essential to plant flowers of “life plant” symbolizing the everlasting career of Uncle Ho."

Mr. Dinh Lenh, 40 years old, a member of the Rang Dong handicraft cooperative in Quang Yen town, after being informed about the Mausoleum model exhibition in Hai Phong, reflected on the suggestions made by local residents. On November 10, 1970, he wrote a letter to the Central Executive Committee and the Government Council. In his letter, he questioned, "What can we do to appreciate the dedication of Uncle Ho and the Party, fullfilling our little wishes?" After a month of contemplation, he sketched several models of houses, carefully selecting trees suitable for Bac's character. He wanted to submit this proposal to the Central Party and the Government for consideration. He said, "If it is not accepted, I will keep it at home as a form of worship. Uncle Ho will forever be in our family's soul."

Mr. Tran Nhat Thong, an official at the Directorate of Fisheries, sent his Mausoleum design to the office of the first Secretary of the Central Executive Committee on October 20, 1970. According to him, the models in the exhibition need to reflect the deep national and solemn characteristics, which are the two main requirements for Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. The author suggested supplementing the Mausoleum's construction philosophy with historical significance.

He analyzed Uncle’s life and proposed modeling the Mausoleum after the Pac Bo cave to build it with a simple but profound design. He referred to four meaningful lines from Uncle Ho's poetry:

"Mountains distant, waters wide,

Vastness defines this scenic pride.

Lenin's stream, and Mac's grand height,

Two hands unite, a majestic sight."

He emphasized the need to incorporate this compact landscape into the Mausoleum to enrich its meaning and enhance its majestic solemnity.

In his proposal, there is a group of statues with the significance that Bac Ho is always close to and leads all layers of the population – "Unity - Combat - Production - Learning." These statues encourage all generations of Vietnamese people to continue striving for the revolutionary cause that Uncle Ho outlined.

Mrs. Phung Thi Cuc, a Vietnamese expatriate in Paris, sent a letter and a model of the Mausoleum for the organizing committee's review. In her model, a sword without a blade is placed above all. On the left side, a child hugs a coffin, and on the right side, another child rests their head on a pile of books. The model represents the idea that President Ho Chi Minh favored peace and loved children.

Mr. Dang Dau, a student in the architecture department in Sofia (Bulgaria), wrote a letter from abroad, providing detailed descriptions of the Dimitrov Mausoleum for reference at home.

International fellows have shown considerable interest in the exhibition of Mausoleum models. The director of the Novosti News Agency (Soviet Union) in Hanoi wrote a letter requesting a meeting with the exhibition's leadership to gather information.

The Mausoleum model exhibition has been remarkably successful. The decision to mobilize the public to participate in designing and displaying to gather people's opinions is both appropriate and insightful. The multitude of opinions and suggestions reflects the immense, diverse, and rich wisdom of the people. A significant number of opinions favor the selection of design option 1, with 1,326 suggestions proposing to incorporate the essence of other options to complement and modify this design. The Political Bureau has instructed designers to seriously study and incorporate these public opinions to improve the preliminary design. However, the time for collecting public opinions is limited for a project of such historical significance, not fully satisfying everyone's expectations. Many proposals and alternative designs are still emerging, requiring additional investment and time for development. Yet, the desire to complete the Mausoleum project promptly is a significant demand from the public. Time cannot be prolonged further.

On August 14, 1970, the Government Council convened and issued a resolution establishing the Committee in charge of constructing Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, with Comrade Do Muoi, Deputy Prime Minister, directly overseeing all necessary tasks.

Just ten days after the Mausoleum model exhibition ended, a Vietnamese delegation, carrying the "preliminary design," synthesized with public opinions, traveled to the Soviet Union to work with their counterparts. The delegation, led by Comrade Nguyen Ngoc Chan, the Head of the Civil Design Institute at the Ministry of Architecture, included Captain Nguyen Trong Quyen, a military design officer and one of the authors of the "preliminary design."

After three weeks of lively and urgent discussions between the two sides, the "preliminary design" proposed by the Vietnamese delegation was accepted. However, with professional experience and economic senses, the Soviet side suggested various improvements: making the Mausoleum's roof lighter and more elegant, balancing the proportions of the main block, and separating the two secondary platforms to enhance the Mausoleum's solemnity. In Moscow, the delegation received a telegram from Vietnam informing them that the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee had agreed to your proposed improvements.

The military suggested the need for an additional power source for the Mausoleum and reinforced security measures through technical means. They recommended placing the staircase to the medicine room in the rear hall more discreetly. The delegation reported this, and your approval was obtained to include the creation of a "special chamber" in the design task. This special chamber ensures that, in wartime situations, the body remain intact, withstand various types of bombs, and resist vibrations caused by explosions on the ground. The delegation requested equipment that has been tropicalized and standardized for ease of maintenance and replacement. They also asked you to ensure clear visibility of the body, with the coffin glass capable of withstanding high mechanical stresses, preventing any unforeseen circumstances while ensuring absolute safety.

All the delegation's requests and additions were agreed upon by you. The results of these discussions were reported to the governments of Vietnam and the Soviet Union. This paved the way for both countries to sign a legally binding agreement aimed at expediting the preparation and construction of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum.

On February 09, 1971, in Moscow, the "Agreement between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Soviet Socialist Republics in Soviet Technical Assistance to Vietnam in Preserving the body of President Ho Chi Minh and Building His Mausoleum" was officially signed by Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Nghi and Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Novikov.

The agreement stated, "Through relevant Soviet organizations, the Government of the Soviet Union, the signatory party, will provide dedicated priceless technical assistance to the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in preserving the body of President Ho Chi Minh and constructing his Mausoleum in Hanoi, with the specified mass and time limits detailed in the attached appendix to this Agreement."

"Through relevant Vietnamese organizations, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam will ensure the implementation of the construction of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, with the technical assistance of Soviet experts."

From then until the official release of the preliminary and technical design, it was an elaborate, enduring, and highly responsible process for both the Vietnamese and Soviet delegations. Each time the Vietnamese delegation went to the Soviet Union for further work, they found their counterparts deeply immersed in their tasks, and the unexpected and touching achievements were visible. Every document, no matter how small, was meticulously discussed. The Soviet Party, Government, and people devoted their intellect and talents to this work, assigning leading officials and talented experts, such as architect Isaakovich Gavron, a renowned architect who had received a national award, to lead the design team. The Soviet Construction Company in Moscow took charge of design organization, construction, and assigned experts to assist the Vietnamese. A reputable specialized institute took responsibility for the design of the fire protection system. The Soviet Engineer Corps undertook special protective measures. The Space Research Institute designed and manufactured the coffin equipment, and so on.

With utmost respect and gratitude towards President Ho Chi Minh, the Party, Government, and people of Vietnam selected outstanding officials, soldiers, and workers for the monumental task of building the Mausoleum.

On November 03, 1971, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong signed an official decision to establish the Steering Committee for the construction of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. The committee consisted of:

• Comrade Do Muoi, Deputy Prime Minister: Head of the Committee.
• Comrade Bui Quang Tao, Minister of Architecture: Deputy Head of the Committee.
• Comrade Phung The Tai, Deputy Chief of General Staff: Member.

On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Do Muoi signed a decision establishing the Commanding Committee for the construction of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (with the code name Construction Site 75808), led by architect Vuong Quoc My, Deputy Minister of Architecture. According to this decision, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Tran Ba Dang, Combat engineer, was appointed as the first deputy commander of the construction site, and Lieutenant Colonel Luong Soan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Engineer Corps, was appointed as the deputy commander of the construction site.

From December 03, 1971, to December 31, 1971, in Hanoi, an official review of the technical design of the Mausoleum took place. The Soviet delegation, led by comrade Vodochinhin, the authorized representative of the General Technical Directorate and the Economic and Foreign Relations Liaison Committee of the Soviet Union, headed the review. The Vietnamese delegation, consisting of 14 comrades led by Comrade Nguyen Ngoc Chan, with Comrades Luong Soan (deputy head), Nguyen Tu So, Nguyen Trong Quyen, Bui Danh Chieu, Nguyen Trung Thanh, Tran Quoc Dan as military officers participating. The delegation's task was to review the technical design presented, provide additional comments before submitting it to the Political Bureau.

Both sides confirmed that the technical design was based on the previously approved design tasks and preliminary designs by the Communist Party and the Government of Vietnam. They also agreed to make specific amendments to ensure appropriateness.

The Soviet Union would provide construction drawings for the project within 12 months and supply equipment and materials within 27 months from the date the Communist Party and Government of Vietnam approved this technical design.

Vietnam affirmed that the preparation for construction would be completed by August 1972, and construction would commence in September 1972.

On December 31, 1971, approved by the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee, the Standing Committee of the Council of Ministers signed a decision endorsing the aforementioned technical design.

After two years of preparation, the intelligence of the leadership, the serious and enthusiastic spirit of the collective of Vietnamese-Soviet scientists and engineers, along with the profound contributions of the general public, resulted in a fundamental technical document for Uncle Ho's Mausoleum. It set the direction for all future work.

The construction management board of the Mausoleum also affirmed its determination to inaugurate the Mausoleum on September 02, 1973. The Combat engineer headquarters was assigned the task of being the "A" party of the project (the managing party after completion) and responsible for assembling all interior equipment. This was a high level of trust and a significant task assigned by the Party and the State to the military.

The Combat engineer headquarters assigned the Combat engineer headquarters to organize the construction force, coordinate with the Ministry's agencies to select outstanding officers, soldiers, and technical workers from various services and branches across the military.

With the approval of the General Staff, the Combat engineer headquarters decided to immediately establish a medium-sized framework battalion for the assembly unit, named Engineer Brigade 259B. The initial officers of the unit came from Engineer Brigade 259 - a reliable construction engineer battalion of the engineering branch - which had previously built top-secret projects for the Party, Government, and the military during the war. Comrades Nguyen Van Ty, battalion commander; Van Dinh Khanh, political commissar; Ngo Van Hien, Political Committee chairman; Nguyen Trong Quyen, Chief of Staff; and comrades Nguyen Duc Nghi, Ma Van Loc, Nguyen Trung Thanh, Bui Danh Chieu, Tran Quoc Dan were among the first officers of Engineer Brigade 259B.

The most urgent and challenging task was to coordinate with the Ministry's agencies such as the Personnel Department and the Security Department to immediately select officers (especially technical officers) from various services and branches to supplement the unit. The selection process was extremely strict, considering the political background, integrity, qualities, and capabilities of the candidates for this new, heavy, and sacred task.

Initially, the organizers had to meet with the prospective applicants in person. Meeting in person took a significant amount of time. From December 1971 to April 1972, an additional eight officials for the Department of Intelligence and the Air Defense - Air Force were chosen. A handful of non-commissioned officers and soldiers were also recruited to serve in the agency.

On February 28, 1972, Engineer Brigade 259B - the unit responsible for assembling the Mausoleum's machinery - was officially established, also known as the Ba Dinh Unit because it was established to carry out a sacred mission on Ba Dinh Square.

The selected officers here were fully aware of their responsibilities and honors. Many comrades, before coming to the new unit, only knew they were assigned to a special mission. The total number of officers at this time was only 20 comrades. Although few in number, their workload was extensive and unprecedented. They researched the technical design sent by the Soviet Union, calculated the workload, discussed construction solutions, planned the necessary construction equipment, estimated the labor force, organized the workforce, and repaired the barracks. These first officers worked with enthusiasm and excitement, preparing the necessary conditions for themselves and future comrades to complete the upcoming mission.

On February 05, 1972, the Prime Minister issued an official decision assigning tasks to officers, departments, and localities participating in the construction of Project 75808, with the key forces being the Ministry of Architecture and the Ministry of National Defense.

The assigned forces quickly arrived at the square to arrange all tasks according to their functions. Ba Dinh Square was unusually lively. From postal workers and park employees to architectural engineers with white caps, and engineers in military uniforms, everyone enthusiastically met, mingled, and cooperated to create the most favorable conditions for each other to complete the mission.

At Engineer Brigade 259B, even during meals and breaks, discussions about work were ongoing. Night after night, heads gathered for calculations and worries. News of victorious battles from the South poured in, inspiring officers and soldiers, urging them to use every available moment to ensure that the people of the South could visit Uncle Ho.

However, amid these events, an unexpected incident occurred that left them stunned and angry. Despite suffering a devastating defeat in the war, facing strong condemnation from the progressive forces worldwide, and deep internal divisions, the United States imperialists sought to find a way out through bombing in Vietnam. On April 16, 1972, Nixon ordered the resumption of bombing in the North, causing severe damage to Hai Phong and Hanoi. Subsequently, they blockaded the ports of Hai Phong and other northern seaports.

After reviewing all aspects, the Political Bureau decided to temporarily halt the construction of the Mausoleum according to the schedule. Our government also informed the Soviet government of this decision, bringing all ongoing work to a halt. Our country once again faced new challenges: the war spreading across the country. The people of the North concentrated their efforts to defeat the destructive air and naval warfare by the United States, increasing human and material support for the battlefield. The Southern troops and people continued launching significant campaigns against the escalating enemy offensive.

The extremely brave fight of the troops and people of both North and South to fulfill the sacred call of Uncle Ho - "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom... Hanoi, Hai Phong... may be destroyed... but our people are determined not to be afraid. On the day of victory, our people will build our country more dignified and beautiful."

The officers and soldiers of the unit constructing Uncle Ho's Mausoleum during these days were restless and uneasy. What to do, while the entire nation was boiling with excitement? How long should they wait? Some suggested disbanding the unit. Some requested to go to the front line, and others wanted to return to their previous units. Faced with this situation, the Central Military Commission still decided to maintain this core force, continuing preparations so that when the time came, there would be a force to act immediately. This was a very wise and visionary directive. The reality, about eight months later, proved the correctness of this decision. Without this "cushion" force, it would have been impossible to smoothly continue the construction of the Mausoleum after the signing of the Paris Agreement.

The work after the decision to postpone the construction of the Mausoleum was also urgent and complex. The unit initiated a brief political activity, defined tasks, and stabilized the ideology for all officers and soldiers. Subsequently, there were days of urgently digging trenches, practicing firefighting, and ensuring the safety of the camp. The unit continued to study the technical design, discussing construction options right inside the tunnels. The alarm sirens of the city mingled with the roar of enemy planes, the sounds of gunfire from both sides, urging the determination to complete the unit's mission. During 12 intensive days of "Dien Bien Phu in the air" campaign in Hanoi, the unit faced fierce battles. To ensure the absolute safety of the troops, the higher-ups ordered the unit to evacuate. However, in the evacuation area, officers and soldiers continued to work diligently.

The second U.S attack on the North was just a temporary disruption of the schedule for building the Mausoleum, but it was impossible to interrupt the preparation efforts of the officers and soldiers of the Ba Dinh Unit. Their motto during this time was: "Difficulties are ways to upgrade," preparing thoroughly to shorten the construction time.

On October 25, 1972, Comrade Le Quang Dao, representing the Central Military Commission and the General Political Department, met with the officials in charge of building the Mausoleum. After recalling the tasks assigned to our military in constructing President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Comrade Le Quang Dao emphasized: The military must, together with the Ministry of Construction, propose issues in the design, making it suitable for our construction conditions, usage, and storage. Combine this with the construction task to train a team of skilled officers, technical workers to serve in the long run within the military. Comrade Le Quang Dao stressed: "President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is a special project, so the organization must be special. Officers, workers, and technical personnel involved in building the Mausoleum must have high political quality, excellent technical skills, health, and cultural qualifications to quickly absorb scientific knowledge and serve for the long term." Comrade Le Quang Dao's encouragement made everyone excited, understanding the heavy responsibility ahead but also the glory. Their determination was reinforced to overcome the challenges and obstacles.

During the first bombing raid in April 1972 in Hanoi, the U.S. air force indiscriminately bombed both military and civilian targets. A missile hit the Presidential Palace, causing some damage. This made the leaders think about protecting President Ho Chi Minh's stilt house. On April 18, 1972, comrades Hoang Van Thai, Kinh Chi, Tran Ba Dang assigned the Engineer Brigade 259B the task of implementing measures to ensure the safety of Uncle Ho's stilt house. On April 20, 1972, the unit began construction, and they performed this task with deep respect for Uncle Ho, completing it excellently.

During the B-52 bombings in Hanoi at the end of 1972, the traffic situation in the capital was extremely tense. Many roads into the city were bombed, making them impassable. There were bomb craters scattered around, remnants of delayed-action bombs from the enemy. Military officers and soldiers proficient in bomb disposal from the Engineer Brigade 259B were mobilized to participate in the campaign to clear traffic, ready to rescue and clear the road, defuse delayed-action bombs. The hardworking, intelligent, and brave labor of these soldiers gained the admiration of the people in the capital and especially the officers and workers of the railway.

The officers and soldiers assigned to the Engineer Brigade 259B for the construction of the Mausoleum during this time faced a period of many fluctuations and obstacles. However, it was precisely through this that their courage was tested and tempered. In every situation and place, they proved to be firm and reliable, deserving to be the "core" force, the "support" for the preparation and construction of the Mausoleum later on. A strength had been formed in them to seize the most favorable opportunity that would come to them, to the whole people, and the entire army throughout the country. It was at the time when our enemies had exhausted all their cunning and most brutal schemes but still couldn't find a way out, forcing them to sign the Paris Agreement.