V. A TYPICAL DAY ON BA DINH SQUARE
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On January 28, 1973, the news of the signing of the Paris Agreement was announced on the Voice of Vietnam radio. In the evacuation area, the officers and soldiers of the Ba Dinh Unit could not hold up from being touched. Some jumped for joy, some rushed to hug their comrades, some held the transistor radio, listening repeatedly to the announcer's words, choked with tears... Alongside the national good news of the nation, the comrades also had their own wordless emotions. After countless sleepless nights, looking at Hanoi with scenes of bombs exploding, fires burning, the roar of enemy planes, everyone's hearts seemed to tighten, and everyone wanted to share the fire with their compatriots and comrades. Everyone wanted to return to Hanoi soon to continue their unfinished work. Wishes have been finally satisfied.
At exactly 10AM, the unit received orders to urgently return to the capital. Along the way, on trees, rooftops, lamp posts... the national flags, in half-green and half-red fluttered, numerous flags were hung on cars and bicycles along the road.
The committee in charge of the Mausoleum’s construction held an emergency meeting on the evening of January 29, 1973. Comrade Do Muoi, after conveying the directives of Comrade Truong Chinh, reminded the construction forces: "No rest and no delays are allowed." The preparation of forces was extremely urgent. In addition to the workforce from the Ministry of Construction, the state would mobilize additional personnel from various sectors and localities. The installation of machinery and equipment would be undertaken by the Combat engineer headquarters, and if there was a shortage of personnel, they could be mobilized from other sectors and localities. The state would send a letter requesting the Soviet Union to resume all construction work on the Mausoleum as previously agreed.
In the atmosphere of outstanding victory, the whole system was restarted in a hurry. Everyone started working with their best, aiming at high productivity to compensate for the previous time.
The first deployment of the Ba Dinh Unit was to participate in maintaining Uncle Ho's stilt house. Despite the enemy's repeated bombing of Hanoi, the stilt house was in safe hands. Uncle Ton, comrades Truong Chinh, Hoang Quoc Viet, Vo Nguyen Giap... visited the construction site and encouraged the unit's officers and soldiers. With a relaxed demeanor and a radiant smile, Comrade Truong Chinh said: "This meaningful task you are performing truly adds a 'landmark' in your life." Officers and soldiers felt touched by the dedication of the leaders.
The selection of personnel from various military branches was elevated. The Combat engineer headquarters assigned targets to each military branch, ensuring that selection adhered to the specified standards.
Those comrades selected to participate in building Uncle Ho's Mausoleum were indeed the pride of the unit. They were deeply touched by the dedication of the unit's officers and soldiers. The farewell parties, the words of advice and guidance from commanding officers and leaders, the camaraderie... were truly memorable and encouraging moments for them, embarking on the new struggle they were honored to participate in. Until now, many officers and soldiers still recall those unforgettable and sacred moments. Soldiers of 4th Military zone will never forget the incense-offering ceremony at Uncle Ho's residence before heading to Hanoi. Viet Bac Military zone organized a trip to the local revolutionary museum as a reminder of a place once called the "cradle of the revolution." Countless touching moments were still untold!
For our military, the signing of the Paris Agreement did not eliminate the burden on the shoulders of the armed forces. The armed forces in the North still had to maintain high vigilance and firmly hold their weapons. The task of liberating the South, achieving independence, national reunification, and territorial integrity for the homeland remained the top political priority of the military. Therefore, despite consistent efforts, the military still was unable to provide the required number of skilled workers. With the agreement of the state, a significant number of technical workers from various civilian sectors were "detached" to the military to participate in the construction and assembly of the Mausoleum project. 90 highly skilled technical workers from sectors such as Electricity, Coal, Metallurgy, Light Industry, Transportation, Food Industry, Supplies, Chemicals, Fisheries, and cities like Hanoi, Hai Phong... were carefully selected to supplement the Ba Dinh Unit. By the end of 1973, the workforce for assembling equipment at the Mausoleum had reached 484 people.
The construction team, closely linked to the machinery installation, also quickly established. The Architecture Department identified Construction Site 57 as the core. Localities were eager to contribute to the construction of Uncle Ho's Mausoleum. To meet this desire, the Construction Committee sent a letter to provinces, cities, and centrally governed municipalities, mobilizing 1,200 construction workers. Just a month later, all localities had dispatched their outstanding citizens to take on the mission. Hanoi and Hai Phong had the honor and responsibility of contributing the most, each sending 100 people; Vinh Phu, the homeland of Hung Kings, contributed 50 people; Nghe An, Uncle Ho's hometown, contributed 90 people; and Vinh Linh, a land of fire, also sent skilled workers to participate in the construction of the Mausoleum.
With the sacred aspirations and unanimous determination of the Vietnamese people during these days, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong decided to commence construction on September 02, 1973. The completion date for the project was set for September 02, 1975.
The decision also stated, "Alongside completing the construction of the Mausoleum, the renovation of Ba Dinh Square and the flower garden adjacent to the Mausoleum must be completed before September 02, 1975."
Simultaneously with domestic preparations, the Construction Committee urgently sent a delegation of officials to the Soviet Union to discuss with relevant Soviet agencies regarding the design and construction of the Mausoleum, the adjacent flower garden, and Ba Dinh Square according to the planned commencement and completion dates. To facilitate the working delegation, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Nghi wrote a letter to Comrade Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union Novikov, requesting continued assistance from the Soviet Union in the construction of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. However, the process faced considerable difficulties. Previously, we informed the Soviet to temporarily suspend construction without a specified timeframe. The Soviet plan in 1973 did not include this work, so adjusting the plan encountered many challenges, especially in terms of materials and equipment.
To mobilize the highest efforts from both sides for the project, Comrade Vuong Quoc My, the envoy of the Construction Committee, was sent to the Soviet Union to convey the committee's opinions and work further with Soviet counterparts. Deputy Prime Minister Do Muoi telegraphed Ambassador Vo Thuc Dong to sign a memorandum between the two countries.
The memorandum explicitly stated, "Considering the need for urgent construction of the Mausoleum, if necessary, Vietnam will use certain materials and equipment supplied by the Soviet Union in 1973 to commence construction..." "The Soviet Union will return these materials and equipment to Vietnam soon."
The most challenging issue was the installation equipment inside the Mausoleum. Regardless of the difficulties, efforts would be made to overcome them. However, for some advanced types of equipment that the Soviet Union were manufacturing in certain countries, the completion time will depend on the producers in these countries.
The memorandum dated June 07, 1973, once again demonstrated the profound friendship and sincere comradeship between the two parties and the peoples of Vietnam and the Soviet Union. The Soviet people deeply embraced the international proletarian spirit of the great Lenin, surpassing all difficulties, and creating favorable conditions for our people to fulfill our sacred aspirations that had been disrupted by the enemy over a year ago. This memorandum laid a solid foundation for the Mausoleum project to commence on schedule.
The entire Construction Site 75808 was vibrant with the slogan "All for the groundbreaking day." Despite the hectic schedule, Party and State leaders provided constant guidance to the construction site, directly addressing issues that exceeded the capabilities of the Construction Committee. On May 11, 1973, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Nghi sent a telegram to Ambassador Vo Thuc Dong, urgently requesting the swift delivery of steel pile foundations by proposing that Soviet comrades include a transit plan through China. Discussions would also be initiated with China on this matter within the country.
Comrade Do Muoi also telegraphed Comrade Vo Thuc Dong, requesting the urgent dispatch of specialists for pile driving and the construction design for pile driving no later than the beginning of July 1973. This was to ensure early construction, taking advantage of pouring the foundation concrete before the upcoming rainy season. Comrade Do Muoi also telegraphed the Acting Embassy of Vietnam in the Soviet Union, urging them to transport water pumps for pit drainage by rail and to expedite the transportation of steel pile foundations from the Odessa port to the construction site. The dedicated guidance and attention of Party and State leaders truly helped overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
June 18, 1973, was an unforgettable day to the soldiers and workers on the construction site. At 8 AM that day, Comrades Truong Chinh, Pham Van Dong, Hoang Quoc Viet, Vo Nguyen Giap, along with representatives of officers, soldiers, and construction workers, carried out the dismantling of the old Ba Dinh Square podium. Comrade Truong Chinh, moved by the memories of President Ho Chi Minh's immense contributions, emphasized the significance of building the Mausoleum and reminded all those involved to be worthy of the trust and aspirations of the entire nation. In a solemn atmosphere, the Party and State leaders, loyal disciples and close associates of Uncle Ho, removed pieces of concrete where Uncle Ho had presided over significant national events.
At the same time, everyone was with the same thought about the bygone years when Uncle Ho's figure gracefully stood on the square, waving and smiling to the people and comrades. In this place, on the podium, Uncle Ho's footprints seemed to retain warmth, his words echoed across mountains and rivers, inspiring our military and people to overcome numerous challenges in the resistance war for national salvation and the construction of socialism. Uncle Ho's dream of a "national reunification, the people of North and South reunited under the same roof" came true.
The concrete block where Uncle Ho often stood on the podium, this precious relic, was preserved for future generations and would contribute to capturing an era of the nation - the era of Ho Chi Minh.
At exactly 10 PM. that night, the entire construction site area was securely enclosed with protective fences. Hundreds of military officers, soldiers, and construction workers had completed the first mobilization maneuver at dawn, to the surprise and delight of the people. The news spread quickly, and the inhabitants of Hanoi and visitors to the capital happily shared the information. Ba Dinh Square was driving public attention with a sense of anticipation and deep trust.
It can be said that June 18, 1973, marked the end of a preparatory period and the beginning of phase one - the construction phase of the Mausoleum.
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From September 1973, the organizational model of the military machinery installation force stabilized and became effective. The Party Committee and the Head of the Command of the Engineer Corps decided to establish the "Machinery Installation Command" consisting of comrades Tran Ba Dang, Luong Soan, Nguyen Van Ty.
A specialized agency was set up, which not only aided the Machinery Installation Command but also assisted the Construction Committee and Construction Site 75808. The military deployed 32 officers to participate in the professional agencies under the Construction Committee, with many comrades appointed to lead planning, political, technical, and supply departments. Additionally, 31 military officers joined the agencies supporting the Construction Committee, such as the expert departments, quality supervision department, and the office of the Construction Committee.
At its peak, the specialized agency was reinforced with 90 officers, with Comrade Luong Soan assigned to lead the agency.
The Engineer Brigade 259B - Ba Dinh Brigade - the force directly responsible for assembling the Mausoleum's equipment, had now stabilized its organizational operation. The Command Committee included comrades Nguyen Van Ty, the Battalion Commander, and Dinh Van Khanh, the Political Commissar. Engineering officers such as Nguyen Van Tuong, Nguyen Que, Le Han... served as deputy commanders, supervising aspects like strategy, engineering, and logistics.
Agencies of the battalion have established various committees for consultation, politics, equipment, and administrative management, creating a multitude of public opinion and management board across all sectors.
The direct construction team comprises machine installation teams (C7), installation teams (C8), construction teams (C9), machining teams (C10), and transportation teams (C11).
On behalf of the Party committee, Standing Party Committee of the Army Corps of Engineers has decided to form a Party Steering Committee, with comrades Tran Ba Dang, Luru Cong Tien, Luong Soan, Van Dinh Khanh, and Nguyen Van Ty, to comprehensively lead all aspects of the committee's work at Uncle Ho's Mausoleum.
Short-term expenses for officers, soldiers, and workers are meticulously managed, with the elite tablet effectively coordinating efforts. Hundreds of officers from various professions, generals, and soldiers swiftly overcame challenges, fostering collaboration not only in mission but also in friendship, influencing work methods and lifestyles.
Officers from all branches within the unit undergo rotations to enhance their qualifications in factories, assembly centers, and scientific research departments.
A significant upgrade in the leadership and professional skill, and technical management allows the easy access to advanced construction methods. The skills of 22 majors, honed through field training, have rapidly matured, proving effective in the construction and assembly of Mausoleum equipment.
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After the war left roads and bridges in ruins, ferry bridges faced imminent danger. The loading capacity of Hai Phong port remained incomplete, leading to ships waiting for months to enter. Despite these challenges, officers and soldiers involved in supplying and repairing materials refused to succumb to difficulties, consistently collaborating to fulfill their tasks.
Thousands of cargos accumulated at airports, train stations, and makeshift stretchers were swiftly transported to the construction site using various means, ranging from rudimentary to modern. The supply source for the project, including weapons and materials, was efficiently managed, ensuring timely delivery, proper preservation, and readiness for use in accordance with the construction progress. Acknowledgment is due to the enthusiastic assistance from relevant sectors and localities. Hai Phong Port prioritized unloading ships carrying cargoes for Uncle Ho's Mausoleum promptly. The railway industry reserved the best train carriages, strictly safeguarding goods for construction along the route.
Despite the army's best efforts in securing supplies, only 40% of the needs could be met. While the country was still grappling with poverty and the aftermath of war, localities and industries willingly invested all they had in the Uncle Ho's Mausoleum project. An example of this commitment was the Ninh Binh Administrative Committee withdrawing a machine from a provincial factory to store impregnated steel for the Mausoleum project. Construction site at Gia Sang steel-rolling factory joined their hands in processing the entire aluminum shell for insulating water pipes and provided loaned equipment such as pulleys, winches, rust removers, and pipe benders. The Air Defense-Air Force Command loaned various types of electronic measuring devices. The Tu Son factory, the electric and mechanical cinema factory, and the X10 military workshop manufactured tens of thousands of high-quality bolts and screws to connect the steam and water pipes of the project.
The process of driving the steel piles to form the steel wall around the foundation pit of the construction is complete. However, the steel piles provided by the Soviet Union have not arrived on time. Understanding the Soviet Union’s difficulties, the construction site temporarily borrowed 200 steel piles from Hai Phong port. Officials from the construction site, along with officials from the Ministries of Transport and Materials, traveled to various locations (Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Ha Bac, Hanoi, etc.) to collect and transport 1,237 tons of steel piles to the construction site before your shipment arrived at Hai Phong port. The water hammer from the Hai Phong Port Authority was also urgently dispatched to Ba Dinh.
On August 09, 1973, the first steel pile was driven into the ground. The steam hammer from the Construction Machinery Company of the Ministry of Construction was also brought for additional support. Both hammers had weathered rain and shine on various construction sites. Though old and well-used, at this moment, they seemed to rejuvenate, like a young man waking up with extraordinary strength. Day and night, whether in pouring rain or under the scorching midday sun, the sound of pile-driving hammers continued diligently and consistently. A new productivity record for pile-driving was set at this location. On average, each hammer drove 18 piles per day. There were exceptional days with the steam hammer driving 34 piles and the diesel hammer driving 21 piles. Despite the high productivity, quality was still ensured, confirming the stability of the construction.
On October 20, 1973, the 1,200th steel pile - the last pile for the construction - was driven into place, completing the steel wall around the foundation prior to the due dates.
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In August, heavy rainstorms remained regularly. The incessant downpours turned the Hanoi sky into a dark gray haze. The wet ground formed puddles in many places. Those present at the construction site truly experienced the hardships and toils of the officers, soldiers, and workers during these days. The rain persisted, yet the sound of the pile-driving hammers continued. Wet clothes, wet faces, water streaming on hair, and around the eyes showing signs of fatigue and lack of sleep. During these times, the leaders of the Construction Management Board for the Mausoleum, the Construction Command Committee, took turns being present at the site, enduring the rain and wading through water like true manual laborers.
The overarching concern was the sources of construction materials. Failing to complete the underground concrete section before the upcoming rainy season might lead to the disruption of the planned inauguration of the Mausoleum. The Construction Management Committee decided to urgently send two comrades from the Ministry of Construction and one military officer to the Soviet Union to expedite the design and construction process. Not entirely reassured, the committee also sent another comrade, the deputy in charge of materials from the Ba Dinh Brigade, along with an interpreter, to "guard" in Moscow, monitoring and urging the shipment of equipment from the Soviet Union to Vietnam.
Comrade Do Muoi continuously telegraphed our embassy in Moscow, requesting all necessary conditions be created to expedite the shipment of equipment. He suggested organizing a train in September 1973 to transport the cargo to Hanoi, using specially designated trains. Comrade Do Muoi also recommended increasing the number of construction experts for the project. The firm and closely monitored guidance of Comrade Truong, the head of the Construction Management Board, acted as a driving force, keeping the workflow on track.
The rainy season and floods showed no signs of abating.
The Construction Management Committee decided to carry out simultaneous construction, excavating the foundation pit while proceeding with the steel pile-driving process. It was a bold decision. Sudden rain storms could nullify the efforts of thousands of people, turning the foundation pit into a water hole. However, there were no choices; the completion of the project within the set time frame was the driving force. Sixty thousand cubic meters of soil needed to be excavated and moved to other locations, a substantial amount. If manual labor were used, 300 people would need eight months to complete the task. The task was assigned to the Construction Machinery Company of the Ministry of Construction. Military forces and some other units were assigned to support manual laborers.
On September 02, 1973, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Mausoleum took place at the construction site. The night before, a heavy rainstorm lingered ominously. On the morning of the ceremony, the rain temporarily subsided. All eyes were on Comrades Truong Chinh, Nguyen Luong Bang, Vo Nguyen Giap, and Do Muoi - the leaders presiding over the event. The rain stopped, and the Ba Dinh Square sky suddenly lifted, revealing pure early morning sunshine that reflected on the excited faces of the crowd. A sea of flags fluttered in the sunshine, brightening the eager eyes awaiting the ceremony. A convoy of people and 20 "buffalo carts" adorned with red flags lined up next to the area where the foundation pit would be dug. At exactly 8 AM, the E.652 excavator received the command, clenching its bucket into the first mound of soil. The skilled driver, renowned for productivity and labor safety, had the honor of accepting the first bucket of soil. The soil spilled out of the excavator's bucket, filling up the truck beds. The trucks, in succession, moved into place. The convoy of loaded trucks drove towards Giang Vo, turning onto a small road. Here, the soil was dumped into a pond, a marshy area in the Lang Trung region. The Construction Management Committee decided to allocate the entire 60,000 cubic meters of soil in this area for a meaningful project: raising the foundation for the future "Vietnam-Sweden Children's Hospital."
During lunchtime, a storm swept in. The wind howled, and rain blanketed the sky. Despite the weather, excavators were business as usual, and trucks kept moving the soils. The ground turned into a watery expanse, making transportation routes slippery. The labor force struggled against the storm to ensure the construction progress, and they emerged victorious. In the following days, they not only worked one shift but often doubled it even without weekends off. Their collective effort contributed to the creation of a home for peaceful sleep for President Ho Chi Minh, without minding what they had been suffering.
The Construction Management Committee spearheaded efforts to mobilize various organizations, enterprises, schools, and armed forces units in Hanoi to volunteer during holidays, pushing the construction progress forward. Almost every segment of the population eagerly awaited this. Many senior leaders from Party, State, and military forces, despite their heavy workloads, joined the labor force. Professors and students from universities, vocational schools, and high schools enthusiastically participated in socialist labor. Officers and soldiers from the Combat engineer headquarters and various military branches, as well as personnel from ministries, departments, and factories, took turns contributing their labor to the construction site.
The construction site had limited space, unable to accommodate too many people simultaneously. Many organizations arranged for their staff to participate in labor during regular working hours.
For nearly 60 consecutive days and nights, with resilient and innovative labor from thousands of workers, soldiers, and support from various sectors of society, the foundation excavation phase of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was excellently completed.
On October 29, 1973, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong visited the construction site and personally operated the last scoop of soil, concluding the foundation excavation phase 16 days ahead of schedule.
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During these days, Ba Dinh Square had been driving the public attention. Everyone wished for the completion of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum as soon as possible. Units, sectors, and localities all desired to contribute their manpower to the project. At the Hai Phong cement plant, technical experts focused their efforts and intelligence on researching a special type of cement for the construction. Though it was a high-strength cement the plant had never produced, the prospect of its use in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum excited everyone. Leaders Le Thanh Nghi and Do Muoi personally visited the plant to assign tasks and encourage workers to overcome difficulties successfully. The plant had just experienced two wars of destruction by the enemy, with nearly 20,000 tons of bombs dropped here. The process of repairing the damage caused by bombs was just beginning. But thinking of President Ho Chi Minh, everyone was determined to produce the best cement for building His Mausoleum. Furnaces and grinders were restored, and the production process was thoroughly researched. The selection of high-quality raw materials was actively discussed.
The first material to be selected was stone. Trang Kenh stone was renowned for its quality, but given the plant's requirements, the Trang Kenh stone quarry workers went to Ang Vang and Ang Thi to meticulously select the precise type of stone needed by the plant. The stone boats were sent to the cement plant, carrying the heartfelt dedication of skilled and revolutionary artisans for President Ho Chi Minh.
The second raw material, used as an additive to produce cement, was soil from the Co Phap region (Thuy Nguyen) – an "ideal" quality soil. Local people often used this type of soil to build durable and famous walls. This soil was also selected for cement production for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
From the careful selection of good-quality raw materials to the production of cement that met the requirements, a complex technological chain was formed by the intellect and skillful hands of the collective of officials and workers at the Hai Phong Cement Plant – a plant with a heroic tradition in the Port land. The first batch of 50 tons of cement was put to strict testing and examination. The excellent results went beyond expectations. Not only did the cement meet high standards, but it also fulfilled other criteria related to setting time, heat evolution, and hardening time. After the first batch, numerous others were produced. Female workers in the plant took advantage of Sundays – "President Ho's Gratitude Day" – to produce packaging. The packaging, with the inscription "Everlasting gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh," was manufactured by these women.
Tens of thousands of tons of special cement, contained in such packaging, were transported to the construction site. With outstanding labor achievements, the Hai Phong Cement Plant not only quickly restored production but also reached new heights. New progress in technology and the ability to produce high-quality cement propelled the plant to a solid and secure ascent, realizing President Ho Chi Minh's desire: "After our victory, we will do 10 times better"
For the construction project, crushed stone was also needed in quantities of tens of thousands of cubic meters. Xuan Hoa crushed stone was usually considered of high quality, suitable for permanent concrete structures. Technicians came here to study diligently, and when the proportion of flat particles remained high, only a small part could be used. Technicians turned to Thac Ba, where the stone was more advantageous. The leadership decided to choose the Hoang Thi stone quarry in the Thac Ba area for exploitation. The people of Yen Bai's ethnic groups were elated to receive the task of supplying stone for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The Ministry of Transport arranged for the transportation of stone by all means from the quarry to the construction site. The Ministry of Public Security ensured safety, and the Material Testing Institute organized on-site quality inspections at the exploitation site. The Hoang Thi construction site came alive with an unprecedented strength. In addition to the production teams of the construction site, hundreds of young men and women from the Kinh, Dao, Nung, Cao Lan ethnic groups contributed their efforts. The sound of drilling machines, explosions, the striking of hammers on stones, the rich and vibrant tunes of ethnic songs, and the diverse and colorful costumes turned the construction site into a festival for voluntary labor. In less than a month, thousands of cubic meters of Thac Ba stone were loaded onto trucks, train cars, or carried by boat downstream on the Lo River and Hong River to Ba Dinh.
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Our country is blessed with abundant streams, rivers, and a plentiful supply of sand for construction sites. However, the type of sand used for this eternal structure is meticulously selected. During the French colonial period, a research project explicitly stated, "The golden sand from the Lo River is the best." We have used this golden sand for many construction projects in the North. Still, construction experts were not entirely satisfied as this sand contained a small proportion of impurities. Through extensive searches, Kim Boi golden sand from Hoa Binh was discovered. This type of sand, derived from fragmented rocks, is robust, clean, virtually free of impurities, and has a shiny golden color. Kim Boi golden sand was chosen for the construction of the Mausoleum. The entire extraction process was managed by local residents. The people of the Hoa Binh region, who once lived in poverty and endured oppression, have contributed to the construction of the Mausoleum. Their lives gradually improved after the success of the August Revolution, thanks to the Party and Uncle Ho, bringing abundance to them like the forest and streams. Contributing to the construction of the Mausoleum, they found unmatched joy. Thousands of green and silver-haired heads from various regions of Hoa Binh flocked to Kim Boi. Sand from the mountain springs was dredged onto boats and transported to a central transfer station. The sand was piled up like radiant golden hills. Busy convoys of trucks transported the sand to Hanoi day and night. The people of Hoa Binh's ethnic groups expressed their infinite gratitude to Uncle Ho through every grain of sand. Besides Kim Boi sand, sand from Thanh Xuyen (Bac Thai) was also extracted for filling the foundation pit and renovating the square.
The final calendars of October 1973 are passing, signaling the end of the rainy season in the Hanoi region. The steel sheet pile wall has been completed, and the foundation pit has been expanded. Nature, the land, and the people are combining their strengths for the construction site to move on to the crucial phase of pouring reinforced concrete to form the frame of the Mausoleum - an immensely important stage.
On October 27, 1973, the construction site officially poured the first batch of reinforced concrete at the foundation level. The stipulated deadline required completing the pouring of the underground part of the project before the 1974 flood season.
After a short period of time, a series of obstacles emerged, making many think that the plan might not be completed on schedule.
Despite the tireless dedication of our officers, workers, and specialists to the site, the concrete pouring schedule was still unmet. The progress was increasingly delayed, and the risk of not completing the plan before the 1974 flood season became more apparent. Difficulties in obtaining raw materials, technical issues, construction solutions—leadership and coordination in a large construction site involving various forces revealed many weaknesses. Challenges arising from simultaneous design and construction sometimes led to work stoppages for weeks, waiting for discussions among our officials. For instance, when newly poured concrete had been curing for two weeks, the economic protection agency discovered that the types of rocks being used exceeded the permissible radiation levels. This was a critical finding that required precise conclusions for timely guidance from the leadership. Comrade Tran Dai Nghia, Head of the State Science and Technology Committee, proposed sending rock samples to the Soviet Union for modern testing and conclusions. Comrade Nguyen Trong Quyen was assigned to handle this task, taking rock samples and domestic test results to the Soviet Union for examination. Comrades Vo Thuc Dong and Nguyen Tu were also instructed by Comrade Do Muoi to contact the embassy for cooperation in this matter, ensuring swift resolution without affecting the construction pace.
During challenging times, the invaluable assistance from our Soviet friends shone brightly. The Soviets considered the challenges faced in building the Mausoleum as their own difficulties in significant matters, thus seeking every expedient measure to aid and resolve them. On November 19, 1973, our rock samples were tested at the All-Union Mineral Resources Research Institute. The results showed that our rocks had technical specifications suitable for use in essential construction projects. Nevertheless, from the time the problem was identified to the official conclusion, the construction site had to wait for two weeks.
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The machinery installation work has become the burning issue for the entire construction site. The delayed construction affected the machinery installation progress. The machine installation command unit was restless day and night. The agreement of February 09, 1971, clearly stated that Vietnam was responsible for the construction and installation. With such a colossal and technically complex project, our officers and soldiers encountered it for the first time, and time was extremely limited. Comrade Phung The Tai had two meetings with the Soviet economic counselor and comrade Kuznetsov, the representative of the Soviet Technical General Directorate in Hanoi. Sympathizing with our difficulties, the two comrades sent letters proposing specific solutions. The central air conditioning system, considered the "lungs" of the project, was already designed, and an order had been placed with another country for production in 1974. The installation and adjustment time clearly indicated it was too late. This delay would affect the installation of other technical systems. Other equipment, also the Soviet indicated, would only arrive at the site by the end of 1974. To complete the machinery installation for the Mausoleum inauguration on September 02, 1975, how much should the technical workforce and other infrastructure be increased? Is there a better way to address this?
After considering all aspects, the machinery installation command unit determined its course of action: closely following the Soviet Union, adhering to their schedule to quickly receive equipment and do what can be done in the installation process. On the other hand, proposing to the Soviet Union and upper-level authorities to allow working on a backup plan with specialists. According to this plan, the Soviet would be responsible for installing complex equipment and providing technical guidance for Vietnam to install the remaining equipment. The Soviet Union needed to send 59 engineers and some technical workers to Vietnam. If the Soviet Unions were to install all the equipment, they would need to send 169 engineers and some technical workers to Vietnam, while our officials and workers would only assist and learn for future operations. Comrade Kuznetsov sent this draft plan to the Soviet Union for feedback.
The construction committee believed it necessary to send a senior delegation with sufficient authority to resolve issues directly with the Soviet Union. The delegation, led by Comrade Phung The Tai, was received by comrade Novikov, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union. He reaffirmed the determination of the Party, Government, and people of the Soviet Union to assist the people of Vietnam in completing the construction of President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum by September 02, 1975.
The construction committee highly appreciated the noble assistance and sincere sentiments of the Soviet people. However, it also regularly educated the officers, soldiers, and entire construction site to enhance self-reliance and self-sufficiency. At this time, time is a force. The upcoming rainy season, if the pouring of the underground part of the project is not completed, will delay construction and installation until the next dry season.
Since the end of 1973, the specialized agencies of the Machine Installation Command and the Supervision Committee had foreseen and reported to the leadership about the possibility of not meeting the construction schedule. The forecasts were confirmed during November, December 1973, and January 1974.
The Construction Supervision Committee considered the option of mobilizing additional military forces to support the construction and tasked the specialized agency with drafting plans for implementing this strategy.
The Central Military Commission Department underlined a crucial principle: commanders must be prepared to serve as members if the Central Government makes a request and the army has the capabilities. The army despatched an elite squad of troops from the Hung Vuong Engineering Corps to Ba Dinh in response to a request for reinforcements from the school's command board. Despite the fact that it was the 28th day of the Lunar New Year, these soldiers quickly donned backpacks and protective gear, leaving behind the festivities and family gatherings. The bright atmosphere of Tet celebrations couldn't dissuade their determination as they made their way to Ba Dinh via peach and kumquat woods. The convoy, which moved quickly through Hanoi's bustling Tet preparations, brought a determined mood to the construction site. These soldiers marched out on the 30th night of Tet, as pots of Chung Cake echoed in homes and firecrackers echoed through the streets. The unit developed a dedicated iron group to execute the final plan for the construction site, overseeing a construction item from start to finish, completing all given responsibilities, and transmitting information throughout the entire construction site. The soldiers celebrated the Year of Tiger among their fellow comrades on the grounds of Uncle Ho's Mausoleum. Mr. Ton lavishly honored the Mechanical Engineering team with a basket of flowers.
The Construction Supervision Committee requested military support for additional 120 ironworkers. Two large units from Division 2, Hung Vuong Division, were redeployed to merge with the Battalion 34 into a battalion. This battalion was responsible for laying the foundation for the central area. By mid-March 1974, the military alone had laid 920 tons of steel, achieving an average productivity of 121 kg per person, more than twice the standard.
The strengthened military force and the results achieved opened up a new possibility: if the military participated more extensively in the critical stages of the project, the construction progress could be completed on time. Pouring concrete became a key focus, and the military's involvement in this task contributed significantly to accelerating the construction of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
At this point, the delegation from the Construction Supervision Committee, led by Comrade Phung The Tai, returned from the Soviet Union with the overall construction progress schedule. An agreement was reached that the pouring of the basement concrete for the central area had to be completed by April 30, 1974. However, with a substantial amount of work remaining, time was running out.
At the request of the Construction Supervision Committee, the Military Central Committee was officially asked to involve military forces in pouring the basement concrete.
On March 08, 1974, Comrade Phung The Tai briefed the Party Committee and the Construction Supervision Committee on the decision to use military forces for filling concrete. That same evening, he assigned the task to the Hung Vuong Construction Battalion. In addition, comrade Van Tien Dung also allow the contribution of Bac Son Battalion (Engineer Brigade 289). Military force would be responsible for the whole center area (underground part).
On March 11, 1974, the Hung Vuong Construction Battalion was fully present at the assembly point. Just two days later, after thorough preparations, thousands of people had completed their tasks. On the morning of March 15, they poured the first batch of concrete, initiating days of hard work under the scorching sun, struggling with sand, gravel, cement, and racing against time. A few days later, thousands of soldiers from the Bac Son Division also arrived at the construction site. After a mobilization ceremony, they deployed their operational formation and poured the first batch of concrete in the special basement area.
From this point forward, the construction site of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum gained new momentum. Military camps sprang up along the paths around the construction site, forming a "battlefield" of soldiers. The construction site was filled with the colorful uniforms of soldiers, echoing with the sounds of hammers, machinery, laughter, and singing.
Both Hung Vuong and Bac Son battalions were placed directly under the command of the Machine Installation Command and received operational guidance from the functional agencies under the Construction Supervision Committee. It is challenging to fully capture the bustling, urgent, and highly tense working atmosphere at the construction site during these days. To facilitate the military in performing their tasks, the construction site deployed two carpentry teams, one steel framing team, one welding team, one scaffolding team, and two surveying teams working in coordination with the military forces. Additionally, construction workers were assigned tasks at the two auxiliary platforms of the Mausoleum. The Ministry of Construction also mobilized production teams from various localities to support the construction, such as the ironworking team from Ba Waterfall, Ha Bac. Deputy Minister Vu Quy was also dispatched to assist the construction as an advisor.
Both construction fronts, military and civilian, embarked on this decisive "battle" with new forces and organizational structures. However, the central focus remained on the central area of the Mausoleum, where the military forces played a crucial role.
From all corners of the country, people turned their attention to Hanoi, to Ba Dinh Square, eagerly awaiting news about the construction of the Mausoleum. People nationwide enthusiastically contributed special local materials to the project. The construction site became vibrant and deeply moving when trucks carrying wood from the Southern Liberation Army planted half-green, half-red flags sparkling under the afternoon sun, slowly rolling into the construction site. Officers and soldiers rushed to surround those wearing slouch hats, gathering around the dusty vehicles. These were the vehicles of the people from the Southeast, where vast bamboo forests and precious wood abound. The people of the Southeast selected the finest agarwood trees, known for their renowned quality and attractive colors, to contribute to the construction of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Agarwood is not only famous for its quality but also for its appealing color. In the cross-section of agarwood, there is bright yellow in the middle, surrounded by dark brown, with graceful wood grain lines and twisted corners resembling flying clouds and undulating waves. The journey of transporting this precious wood from Loc Ninh to the construction site of the Mausoleum took 20 challenging days. During the reception ceremony for the precious wood from the South, Comrade Nguyen Thi Dinh, Deputy Commander of the Liberation Army, expressed the heartfelt sentiments of the people and soldiers of the South, saying, "The precious agarwood trees have endured for centuries in the Eastern base, symbolizing the resilient and indomitable vitality of the people. With boundless loyalty, the people and soldiers of the South offer these to Uncle Ho, immortalizing the endless gratitude to our beloved Father of the nation." These affectionate words from the frontlines deeply moved every officer, soldier, and worker at the construction site, inspiring them to advance in their respective tasks, living up to the expectations of their comrades from the South.
In the following weeks, officers, soldiers, and workers at the construction site continued to receive wood from the Central Highlands, the resilient Central Quang Nam - Da Nang, and the land of heros - Quang Tri. The Truong Son troops also sent durable ironwood to contribute to the construction of the Mausoleum, with plans to use ironwood for the main entrance gate. Perhaps the soldiers who once bravely forged paths along the Ho Chi Minh Trail harbored a desire to extend their hearts through this ironwood as they slept. The designers may have listened to these silent desires, recognizing and acknowledging them, as evidenced by dedicating ironwood to creating enduring gates for "Uncle's House."
The Hung Vuong and Bac Son battalions, experienced in constructing national defense projects over the years, found themselves less familiar with mechanized construction at such a scale, with strict technological processes and demanding contractual requirements. The commanding officers from division level downwards for both units, due to time constraints and lack of thorough study of the design and construction plan, faced challenges in their command and control, making errors more likely. The specialized agency proposed to the Construction Supervision Committee a suitable construction plan: both units would be under the guidance of specialized departments but would need to take initiative in planning and self-managing personnel according to the military regulations.
The specialized agency also outlined specific requirements and targets to guide both units. The Construction Supervision Committee considered the practical conditions at the construction site, agreeing to a concrete pouring rate of 400m3/day and setting the deadline for completing the concrete pouring by May 19, 1974.
The entire workforce, including officers, soldiers, and workers at the construction site, along with the military forces participating in the construction of the Mausoleum, launched a "campaign" to pour the basement concrete, achieving a milestone on Uncle Ho's birthday.
The mass construction compaign was implemented in a sense of urgengy, with a meaningful impact. Filling concrete for the whole undergound part signaled the completion was comming to an end. The surface part was now ready for futher construction once the undergound part had been already completed. The tasks of furnishing, crowning and assembling, etc were about to be done. Considering building the Mausoleum as a war fight, this stage was a decision maker whether can we win or fail.
Well-noted the tasks, soldiers of Hung Vuong and Bac Son Battalions made their best efforts on predicting upcoming situations, ensuring the victory for our team. Amount of concrete was exactly filled at the right place and the right time, based on the building structure.
The news of Military force joining this stage had been driving the public attraction with lots of grorifying. On the other hands, numerous doubts about their capability. Some argued : “ It was filled by 560m3 concrete per year at Thac Ba constuction site, this area is different but no ways to fill 200m3 per day.” Others commented: “Let’s wait for how work is done within the first week.”
At 8 AM on March 15, 1974, construction commenced. The work proceeded simultaneously and remarkably smoothly. Numerous concrete blocks were efficiently poured within a specific timeframe, with machines handling the task seamlessly. Trucks lined up continuously, transporting concrete from the mixer to the designated areas. Tower cranes, resembling giant arms, extended from the gathering point, delivering concrete to each block. Additionally, backup cranes mounted on trucks were strategically ready for use. "Bridges" constructed from available construction site materials such as scaffolding, steel beams, and wooden planks were erected from the concrete mortar gathering point to the poured blocks, facilitating the movement of long vehicles. Drawing on the experience of "placing artillery close to the enemy's bunker, aiming, and direct shooting," our officers and soldiers strategically positioned tire-wheel cranes on the special tunnel cover to pour concrete on the roof of the underground section in the middle area. Despite the scorching sun, the overpowering scent of concrete, and the continuous noise of engines, cars, and footsteps, continuously carry out the mission. The officers, soldiers, and workers, with their hunched backs, bulging muscles, and sweaty faces, appeared as a comittment to their resilience against the challenging weather conditions and tight deadlines.
Simultaneously with the reinforced concrete pouring stage, the officers and soldiers responsible for the installation work of the Ba Dinh Group meticulously assembled dozens of tons of components that needed to be embedded in the concrete in advance. In the special tunnel area, within 12 consecutive days of construction, the entire "heavy door" system was assembled into position as scheduled, meeting all technical requirements. This intricate and precision-demanding task was successfully completed before the team moved on to installing and completing other "light door" systems.
The successful construction of the raft foundation laid the solid foundation for the subsequent phase of wall construction, which were much more complex. The thin structure and limited construction area posed challenges for concrete pouring. Buoyed by the positive results of the first phase, officers and soldiers diligently continued construction along the entire route, ensuring a continuous, careful, meticulous, and safe approach.
The final stage of the campaign posed considerable challenges, testing the endurance of all involved. The rallying cry among officers and soldiers on the construction site echoed: "All efforts must be made to complete the construction on Uncle Ho's birthday."
Our officers and soldiers maximized the use of mechanized construction. An innovative idea to build bridges for basic vehicles along the shortest route was widely implemented. The military also carefully placed tire rollers on the floors of distant concrete blocks that needed tower cranes for filling the concrete.
The intense struggle in this final phase unfolded vigorously. Construction units had to save every minute, with the support staff delivering meals and water directly to the edge of the foundation pit. The crucial aspect for everyone at this point was to complete the work on the specified date and time. Their remarkable efforts yielded excellent results, and on May 19, 1974, the units successfully completed seven large concrete pouring blocks.
Throughout all three phases of the pouring campaign, our officers and soldiers adhered to the assigned plan, completing the mission on schedule. The steel reinforcement was correctly and beautifully placed, earning praise from experts. The concrete ensured enduring strength. From large to small blocks, from thick slabs to thin ones a few hundred millimeters, under urgent construction conditions, complex contract coordination, and challenging working postures, everything met the requirements splendidly.
The success of the underground concrete pouring campaign in the central area held significant meaning, but its deepest significance lay in the path to completing the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which would be inaugurated on September 02, 1975.
On May 18, 1974, Mr. Ton visited the construction site, inspecting the work and stopping at places where officers and soldiers were completing the final tasks of the campaign. His gentle eyes looked affectionately at the personnel. Moved, he inquired, praised, and encouraged everyone. He expressed hope that officers, soldiers, and workers throughout the construction site would work even more diligently and efficiently to complete the Mausoleum on time for people from across the country and around the world to visit Uncle Ho. On May 19, Mr. Ton spent time receiving a comprehensive report on the construction site's status. He was pleased and ordered rewards for the entire construction site, including a visit to Uncle Ho's stilt house within the Presidential Palace.
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Officers and soldiers from the Hung Vuong and Bac Son units withdrew when the construction site had completed a significant and crucial part of the work: the completion of the underground concrete pouring.
The Battalion 2 of the Hung Vuong Regiment stayed behind at the request of the Supervision Committee to continue providing support to the construction site and take responsibility for placing the reinforcement for the elevated part of the structure.
While pouring concrete for the underground part required speed and strength, deploying forces for the elevated part was not as straightforward. The construction area was narrow and at a height, demanding both artistic and technical precision. Horizontal and vertical walls stacked and crossed each other, creating architecturally intricate patterns, making manual methods impractical. However, they entered the new construction phase with optimism, drawing from rich experiences gained in the previous campaign. Over ninety days and nights of continuous labor, they, along with construction workers, successfully completed their assigned tasks. On October 30, 1974, a memorable day arrived when the construction site celebrated completing the final concrete batch for the roof of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
The Mausoleum is a cultural and artistic work, and the decorative and finishing work accounted for more than half of the construction time. More than any other phase, this work required high levels of technical and artistic expertise.
Even tasks like plastering and painting were unlike many other construction projects, involving complex technological processes. However, the officers, soldiers, and workers, working and learning simultaneously, completed the work exceptionally well.
Viewed from the outside and entering into its interior, one could easily observe that the entire Mausoleum was predominantly adorned with stone. Indeed, stone processing for the Mausoleum's construction exceeded the capacity initially calculated by the personnel. Initially, self-sufficiency was considered for stone processing, given the abundance of stone and precious stones in the country. However, during the processing, they realized that obtaining large, precisely cut, and shiny stone pieces with such quality was not an easy task.
Producing a quantity of stone like this required considerable time and specialized machinery at a certain level of sophistication. The Soviet Union, the Party, the State, and the people of the Soviet Union were incredibly understanding. Twenty thousand pieces of polished agate and jade traveled halfway around the world to reach the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
However, that quantity was just a part of the puzzle. The An Duong Stone Processing Factory staff, in collaboration with the General Department of Geology and officers from the Ministry of Construction, explored various regions of the country to find precious stones. These types of stones were mined by local residents and transported to the An Duong factory. At the factory, cutting and polishing the stones was an equally novel task, and the Soviet Union sent trainers to provide on-the-spot training.
On November 01, 1974, the ceremony for the first stone veneer in the B2 living room was conducted. Comrade Do Muoi presided over the event, with everyone in the room attentively observing the first colored stone being respectfully placed on the wall. The crucial aspect of stone veneering was not only to make each stone flat and straight but also to ensure that the joints between stones were very tight, giving the impression that there was no mortar binding them, but rather, each stone adhered to the other naturally. After the first stone was veneered in the living room, other walls were adorned with stones, each room and wall following different specifications, creating a diverse and harmonious layout suitable for light, color, and overall composition. The exterior of the Mausoleum was veneered with granite, a type of stone considered third or fourth after diamond in hardness. This stone with dark gray color and elegant veining met the challenge of time, weather, and the harsh tropical temperatures of the region. The large stone slabs with sophisticated patterns exuded a sense of solemnity and reverence for the Mausoleum. The inscription "President Ho Chi Minh" on the roof of the Mausoleum was crafted from Cao Bang jade. The main entrance of the Mausoleum was veneered with glossy black stone, and those who passed through seemingly had a glimmering reflection from the inside.
Both the living rooms and the path to the ceremonial platform, the floors, and the staircase steps were paved with granite. All the walls and columns were veneered with Ha Tay jade, a softer but smoother and more beautiful stone. The main wall of the front hall's façade was veneered with pink agate, providing a backdrop for the inscription "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom" and Uncle Ho's signature, with the letters and signature gilded in bright gold.
The President's room used Ha Tay jade, but the rectangular-shaped stones, arranged vertically from the wall's base to the ceiling, gave the impression of wooden planks of Uncle Ho's stilt house. There was a sense of warmth and tranquility in the room. As if by magic, every time one had the opportunity to visit Uncle Ho, a subconscious message whispered, "Tread lightly - Uncle is resting peacefully. Preserve His tranquil sleep." Uncle Ho's head faced a large wall adorned with two massive flags - the Party flag and the National flag. The people of Ba Thuoc, Thanh Hoa, tirelessly searched for this type of pink jade in their nearby mountains and sent it to the Mausoleum. The 4,000 pieces of this stone were assembled into two large bright red flags. The hammer and sickle and the five stars were crafted from veins of gold and bright yellow inlaid on jade.
The decoration and completion phase of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum also included the construction of 200 sets of doors and all types of wood used in the Mausoleum. To minimize the waste of wood from the people, soldiers from the South, skilled in woodwork, sent out handmade wooden planks. The construction site command assigned this task to 20 pairs of skilled craftsmen from Nam Ha. The Bach Dang Wood Factory was responsible for soaking the wood to prevent termite damage, and modern drying kilns were used. Highly skilled carpenters from Nam Ha, Ha Bac, and Nghe An gathered to showcase their craftsmanship. Notably, two skilled carpenters from Gia Hoa village, renowned for their expertise in door construction, joined the effort. They were the sixth generation in their family dedicated to carpentry. These craftsmen crafted the doors leading to the embalming room, featuring intricate and dreamy designs. The doors had dual locks, eliminating the need for additional bolts, and their seamless joints were difficult to distinguish. The artistry in these doors showcased the golden hands of Vietnamese carpenters, acknowledged by Soviet experts as "Golden Hands." The doors leading to the ceremonial platform were veneered with stone, and those exposed to sunlight were coated with crack-resistant resin. In addition to wood, various metals were used for decoration within the Mausoleum, including aluminum ceilings, brass railings, wrought iron grilles, decorative doors, barriers, and copper handrails.
The decorating work was highly ranked by the Mausoleum Oversight Committee, the construction site command, and experts. Rigorous material quality checks were conducted through meticulous testing. Prior to official construction, prototypes were examined by the Technical Council. Some models were directly approved by the Political Bureau. The cautiousness, thoroughness, and efforts of the personnel in charge contributed to the completion of a beautifully finished Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
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While the construction site was bustling with activity, the military-led installation site was also diligently preparing for its "fight." This complex project required various modern machinery to ensure the long-term preservation of Uncle Ho’s body. Military leaders constantly reminded their officers and soldiers: "Be cautious, be detail-oriented, and make no mistakes." Those directly involved in the installation comprehended the weight of their responsibility and prepared thoroughly to "launch a campaign for victory."
Starting from September 1973, a team of technical officers in electricity, water supply, ventilation, air conditioning, and mechanics was sent to the Soviet Union to participate in the design and installation planning.
Although Vietnamese and Soviet experts worked diligently and utilized all their energy, intellect, and research, the official design for the electrical and water systems was only completed by March 1974. And the design for ventilation and air conditioning system were officially completed in April
The meticulous design process was particularly delayed for the air conditioning system, as it was manufactured in another country, requiring the factory there to provide technical specifications before the design could proceed.
Assembling was implemented later than constructing, workers were about to start their job with a sense of urgengy. The supply of quipments and facilities were quite sufficient at the very first stage, as every team was well prepared in advance for upcoming activities.
According to the agreement, equipments for assembling part was our duty. So every soldiers and workers tried their best to ensure sufficient sources, no matter we can borrow or self-produce.
The Soviet Union design the whole ventilation system, which required a strong orientation to deitals following the technial drawing made by ourselves. Welding part was a decision maker of success, neccessitating the need for high skilled welders with profound training.
In the scorching early summer days, officers and soldiers, almost every day, achieved 100% attendance. The sound of machines echoed, and people moved about the site energetically. The welding sparks glowed brightly, and smoke billowed. Competing between teams, challenging themselves not only to produce the best quality but also to achieve the highest productivity. Lai Van Cuong, a skilled welder with a 3/7 rank, significantly increased his welding productivity from 16m/hour to 47m/hour after training. The installation site became vibrant with increasing productivity figures, and many exemplary laborers emerged. Alongside pipe fabrication, the installation site also had to insulate necessary pipe sections. A special focus was on fabricating electrical installation components such as cable distribution boxes and hooks. These items were not manufactured locally, so the installation team had to design and organize the production of these components.
The quality of the "waiting steel" determined the accuracy of equipment placement, and it also influenced the construction speed of both the building and the installation. Placing steel reinforcements in the concrete for later attachment of electrical conduits to walls and ceilings was a complex task, with up to 10,000 waiting steel pieces of different load capacities. Due to unforeseen challenges in initial calculations, the waiting steel pieces were insufficient. The installation team came up with the idea of welding the waiting steel pieces onto the reinforcing steel mesh of the construction team. This innovation resolved issues related to concrete drilling, accelerated the work, and ensured the structure's integrity without compromising its aesthetics. Technical officers divided into teams, directly participating in production alongside the workers. The installation site organized a comprehensive technical team consisting of engineers, technical officers in ventilation, air conditioning, electricity, mechanics, water supply, and surveying. This team not only researched the installation design but also studied the construction design to come up with the most rational execution plan.
Due to the massive workload and challenging construction conditions, the installation site faced difficulty in coordinating the various tasks. The pipe networks for steam, water, and electricity were both heavy and cumbersome, sometimes located high above and other times deep below ground. The working conditions were cramped, and different tasks intertwined within the same confined space. The construction site is currently bustling with activities such as tiling, plastering, and painting. Within the confined space, various installers, masons, tools, and equipment coexist. While builders are completing the wall and ceiling decorations, electricians stand by, ready to install the electrical system on the ceiling. Seizing the opportunity presented by the newly erected scaffolding and vehicles, the machine installation workers have organized additional shifts and crews. Just last night, the room belongs to the construction company; by the next morning, steam pipes, water pipes, and electricity were completely installed.
Despite the tight schedule and the need for extra shifts, the emphasis on job satisfaction remains a top priority. The current motto of the construction company is "Quality is the boundless spirit of the heart" and "Quality is loyalty to Party and Uncle Ho." "Unanimous efforts and unity are the strengh for collective success." "Building team supports for installation team, installation team help construction team, and deploy the entire line." "Strive for higher productivity today than yesterday."
The working atmosphere is lively, with a passion and discipline of the soldiers, with workers motivated by familiar songs and chants, facilitating them to overcome all challenges. The more challenging, the more unitary the team were. In the ventilation trench, stretching 21 meters from the underground floor to the technical floor, there are not only five large steam pipes but also the location for the electric elevator. With the pipes being long and vertical, closely located with no space for insulation and joint tightness handling, the challenge was how to install them safely. The ventilation and air conditioning engineering team devised a solution: they segmented the pipe into several sections, with each segment combining two to three tubes. Using a winch, they pulled each pipe segment into place, connecting them one by one until the final piece was installed. This approach resulted in the quick, high-quality installation of all five steam pipes, ensuring safety for both people and equipment.
Amid the constant emergence of initiatives, examples of selfless dedication are common among officers, soldiers, and construction site workers. Le Van Duyet, an electric welder in the electrical installation team, was fervently welding on a ladder at a height of 2.5 meters when he suddenly fainted. Everyone hurried to assist Duyet down, and after 30 minutes of emergency treatment, he regained consciousness and earnestly requested to return to his position. Working tirelessly for 12 hours every day, he insisted on doing so for weeks to expedite the site clearance work for the construction team. His determination knows no bounds.
Throughout his life, our beloved Uncle Ho sacrificed his personal benefits and dedicated all his efforts to our social community. Could it be that those soldiers from the military, whom Uncle Ho had always cared for and educated, were now exemplifying his spirit during these days?
By the end of December 1974, the soldiers, officers, and workers at the installation site had essentially completed the installation of the technical system.
During this time, comrade Truong Chinh visited the installation site. While examining the construction progress, he suddenly pointed out a section of poorly welded pipe. With genuine concern, he reminded everyone, "The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is an eternal solemn monument; comrades must strive for the best quality and beauty." He didn't say much, but the next day, the team requested to cut and replace that section of the pipe with a straighter and more beautiful one. Since then, a deeper awareness of quality and aesthetics pervaded the soldiers, officers, and workers at the installation site.
The first task for the installation workers was to complete the electrical substation and various electrical distribution panels. Skilled engineers, technical officers, and air conditioning technicians were mobilized to install the 3 x 1000kVA transformer substation. This system was considered the heart of the project. Before the installation, teams studied the design, procedures, and technical regulations thoroughly. The Soviet experts were always present, guiding Vietnamese technical officers in moving and installing equipment while dealing with complex situations. People moved in and out of the Mausoleum, busy and urgent. From the deep underground chambers in the center, left, and right to the heights of 19m, soldiers, officers, and workers clung to ladders and panel racks of various types. Interspersed with the electrical panel installers were those installing lighting. Lights on the ceiling, lights on the walls, lights in hidden and hard-to-reach places - all had specific purposes and meanings, following strict technical and artistic requirements. During the lighting installation, the electricians improved light block plans and adjusted brightness levels to enhance the effectiveness of the light for visitors paying respects to Uncle Ho.
In the deep underground chambers, on the floor, and in precarious high positions, hundreds of electric motors ranging from 0.6kW to 2,000kW were being precisely placed by the hands of diligent soldiers and workers. In the central control room, teams silently installed control panels and tested the air conditioning system. The work wasn't physically strenuous, but it was tense. These control panels would soon replace human manual labor with automated systems, displaying numbers and detecting deviations.
In another room, a 100-line telephone switchboard and an industrial television system were also meticulously assembled. Hundreds of large and small components, seemingly tangled, were skillfully connected by agile hands and sharp minds to form a complete system. Adjacent to this, a group of workers simultaneously installed and tested the protective signal and fire alarm systems. Any small error in these machine components could cause disruption, potentially leading to damages to the project if these signals did not ensure accurate sensitivity in urgent conditions.
While some sections worked quietly under tension, the power cable pulling team emerged with lively shouts and bustling activity. Large and small cross-sectional cables were being carefully pulled into position with soldiers exerting their strength as if pulling cannons into place. The cable route twisted and turned, with up to forty people involved, facing challenges but persistently tackling the demanding task. Many lacked proper protective gloves, resulting in swollen and blistered hands, yet no one gave up or complained.
The most labor-intensive and crucial task during this period was the installation of the ventilation and air conditioning system. By the end of February 1975, these machine parts arrived in Hai Phong, causing a buzz of excitement throughout the construction site. In just one week, 240 tons of cargo were unloaded and transported to the site.
On March 01, 1975, the installation command decided to launch the "40 days to complete the air conditioning system" campaign. This system, considered the most basic and highly automated technological equipment in the Mausoleum, aimed to create a pure environment with suitable humidity and temperature for preserving the body. Additionally, it served the public visiting Uncle Ho and the staff operating the facility. The air conditioning system also had the task of preventing mold in the structure. On March 02, 1975, after just one day of the vibrant campaign, a surprising honor came to the officers and soldiers: General Vo Nguyen Giap visited to encourage the unit.
The installation of the air conditioning system posed a completely new challenge to the officers, soldiers, and workers of the installation team. Though designed by the Soviet Union, the machines were manufactured in various countries, and their components, modules, and parts came from Japan, the United States, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, etc. The entire air conditioning system, including four central air conditioners, weighed 160 tons, boasting modernity unprecedented in Vietnam. Complementing the central air conditioning system were local cooling units, local fan coil units, and hanging air conditioning units. More than 80,000m3 of air per hour circulated through over twenty fan units. Besides the intricate pipe system, workers installed various individual components like sound insulation, air valves, motors, suction grids, blowers, and a refrigeration plant with six air-cooled units having a total capacity of over two and a half million kilocalories per hour, all assembled to serve the air conditioning system.
Bringing such a massive amount of machinery into the Mausoleum was undeniably challenging. The installation team not only mobilized other teams to assist in force but also continuously displayed ingenuity during the work process. Initially, they used the "jacking" method to lift the seven-ton refrigeration station onto its platform. However, after a few attempts, they found this method too time-consuming and physically demanding while compromising safety. The team proposed fixing the winch to an iron frame above the platform to bring the machine into position. Thanks to this improvement, productivity increased by 200%, ensuring absolute safety when installing the machine. Significant improvements are also developed by the compressor technicians' team. We typically take 12 hours to adjust one compressor using traditional techniques. The team that adjusted the compressor also contributed noteworthy ideas. By designing a simple lifting device, they reduced the time required to adjust one machine from twelve hours to four. The emphasis on thorough equipment checks and maintenance before assembly was carried out rigorously and meticulously by officers, soldiers, and construction workers.
Alongside the installation of the air conditioning system, the installation team also worked on the water supply and drainage system. In the Mausoleum, there was a technical water system, including a stagnant water cooling system and a chilled water supply system. The water demand for the Mausoleum was substantial, requiring the construction site to establish its own water treatment plant. This plant could supply one hundred thousand cubic meters of water per day. The water supply lines into the Mausoleum were also designed with redundancy, incorporating both a primary and backup line. The water treatment plant included a filtration system to ensure water quality.
Officers, soldiers, and construction workers had to install five water storage tanks with capacities ranging from 10 to 50 cubic meters, over 50 various pump units, more than 450 shut-off valves, and a significant amount of water pipes, totaling up to 5,000 meters. In addition to installing the fundamental machine systems, the team had to set up various mechanical machines. Installing special elevators was one of these tasks. The construction of a protection system, including heavy doors, sealed doors, round doors, shock wave-resistant doors, and a hanging optical system, was also underway.
These machines were designed with unique features, demanding precision in assembly. The protection system could be remotely controlled. The elevators had multiple design solutions to ensure safety. Notable among these intricate machines was the transparent and sealed casket device. This device, designed and assembled by the Soviet specialists, housed a transparent and sealed casket. The lifting and lowering of the casket followed a highly precise movement principle. Twenty types of multi-beam lights, reflecting different colors through numerous lenses and a cooling system, contributed to the operation. The technology and scientific level of this equipment were exceptionally high.
Although the assembly of these intricate machines required a high level of scientific and technical expertise, the officers, soldiers, and construction workers not only completed the task successfully but also contributed many innovative ideas to improve the design and installation. Thanks to their proactive and creative spirit, coupled with the high level of cooperation and solidarity among all officers, soldiers, and construction workers, the 40-day and night machine installation campaign was victorious. It also reflected the deep appreciation of the officers, soldiers, and construction workers for Uncle Ho and the beloved Party.
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In parallel with the design and construction of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, efforts were also directed towards redesigning and reconstructing Ba Dinh Square. On this historic ground, on September 02, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The aim was to make Ba Dinh Square more spacious, dignified, and modern - a collective aspiration of the entire Party, the entire people, and the armed forces. This location was not just a place for our people to commend the forces and express their determination to build and protect their homeland, but it was also a place for our people and future generations, as well as friends from around the world, to gather, pay homage to President Ho, and visit historical sites from Ho Chi Minh's era.
Based on our outline, the Soviet experts developed the design drawing, they crafted the zoning plan for the square, streets, and gardens around Lang. This included the design for various significant areas like Bach Thao garden, the memorial space for President Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace, the Mausoleum, Ba Dinh School Assembly, and more. We are eagerly anticipating the renovation and reconstruction of the Lang front area, with the goal of completing it by the National Day on September 02, 1975.
The Soviet experts sent a delegation headed by Comrade A. Le-op, the Moscow representative, to Vietnam on April 10, 1974. The delegation brought the project design for the renovation of Ba Dinh Square and the adjacent flower garden near the Mausoleum for Vietnam to review and approve.
Deputy Prime Minister Do Muoi convened a conference with representatives from 14 relevant ministries, departments, and localities to assign responsibilities for this mission. Deputy Prime Minister Do Muoi emphasized that each ministry and each department should send capable officials to focus on studying the design proposed by the delegation of experts. They were to provide feedback before the state would consider and approve the plan.
In strict compliance with Deputy Prime Minister Do Muoi's directive, the responsible officials diligently studied and discussed the expert delegation's project. On May 07, 1974, a working session was held between us and the Soviet delegation, and the minutes of this meeting were signed. The results of this discussion were reported to the Political Bureau and the Council of Ministers. Some changes and additions during the discussion process were incorporated into the project to align with the practical conditions.
According to the agreed-upon design, Ba Dinh Square, the adjacent flower garden, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum formed a unified architectural ensemble. The total area for renovation and construction was 14 hectares. The square in front of the Mausoleum, covering an area of 2.8 hectares, could accommodate around 100,000 people. It was divided into 168 grassy squares with a central walkway measuring 1.4 meters wide. Surrounding the square was a 7-meter-wide and 4-meter-high decorated concrete pavement. The total area of this pavement was 7,800 square meters. Below ground level, there was a drainage system to ensure dryness. The roads were also reconstructed to be wider and more robust. Hung Vuong Street, passing in front of the Mausoleum, was made of reinforced concrete, measuring 1,060 meters long and 40 meters wide. The section in front of the Mausoleum was 60 meters wide. Bac Son Street was 280 meters long and 60 meters wide, divided into two lanes, with a central dividing strip 18 meters wide used as a flower garden. Ba Dinh Street was 400 meters long and 18 meters wide. Additionally, there were surrounding roads around the Mausoleum, including sections leading to and from the flower garden on both sides and behind the Mausoleum.
To maintain a dry condition for the square while ensuring the vitality of hundreds of plants, flowers, and grassy squares, the design team paid great attention to the water supply and drainage system. This system had to effectively drain water for an area of 14 hectares, including the Mausoleum, the square, the road system, and the adjacent areas. An underground reinforced concrete drainage pipe system, with a total length of 4,200 meters, was laid under the sidewalks along the roads, connected to the city's drainage network. Below the grassy squares of the square, there were water filter layers, underground pipes, and drainage ditches. Beneath the flower garden areas, there were underground pipes and gutters. In conjunction with the drainage system, a water supply system was established. The main purpose of this water supply system was to irrigate plants and grass. Water supply pipes were arranged on the square areas, behind the Mausoleum, and on Bac Son Street.
The electrical work for the square primarily supplied and distributed energy for all electrical devices illuminating the outside of the Mausoleum, the square, the flower garden, and nearby streets. The square used high-pressure mercury lamps and neon lights installed on tall columns.
The square also had an information system, broadcasting, and television. These facilities ensured communication, broadcasting, recording, and broadcasting of images on-site.
The landscaping, plant, and flower garden work enhanced the beauty of Ba Dinh Square, creating a fresh atmosphere for the Mausoleum and the square. With this project, regions from across the country could send representative trees, plants, and typical flowers to the capital.
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The completion of a massive task following aforementioned design within a short timeframe, coupled with the construction of the Mausoleum, required efficient organization and command to ensure swift execution.
Originally, when the construction site for the Mausoleum was established, the government assigned the task of both building the Mausoleum and renovating Ba Dinh Square to the same construction site. However, by May 1974, the construction of the Mausoleum faced difficulties in meeting its schedule, making it challenging to concurrently handle the renovation of the square. Consequently, on June 05, 1974, the Prime Minister made the decision to delegate this task to various ministries, sectors, and localities.
Following the directives of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense, military technical officers were involved in redesigning Ba Dinh Square and the adjacent flower garden. They prepared organizational plans to assist the Mausoleum Construction Steering Committee in monitoring this project. Two options were considered: establishing a unified Design Committee and a construction site or having multiple specialized construction units. In both scenarios, the military would contribute officers to the Design Committee and deploy additional forces for direct construction if needed.
The Mausoleum Construction Steering Committee discussed with the Combat engineer headquarters the necessity of establishing a capable construction management agency to both fulfill the Design Committee's tasks and provide advisory support. The Committee entrusted the Combat engineer headquarters with organizing the framework of the Ba Dinh Square Design Committee, with the military as the core. On June 29, 1974, the Ba Dinh Square Design Committee was officially formed, under the direct command of the Mausoleum Construction Steering Committee. On the same day, the General Staff issued an instruction determining the structure of the Design Committee, with personnel from the Air Defense Force forming the core.
The Ba Dinh Square Design Committee comprised 75 members, with 85% being military technical officers. Additionally, officers from the Ministry of Supplies, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Construction participated. Nguyen Van Tuong was appointed as the Head of the Ba Dinh Square Design Committee.
On September 01, 1974, the renovation of Ba Dinh Square officially commenced. The news of victories on the battlefront, combined with the urgent construction pace during the final phase, motivated everyone involved in the Mausoleum construction site to support those working on the Ba Dinh Square project. Various ministries, sectors, and Hanoi City were each assigned specific areas or specialized tasks for construction. Despite a shortage of materials, construction units independently resolved this issue, with the government reimbursing them later. Resources and manpower poured into the Square from all directions.
Fourteen companies from different ministries and Hanoi City participated in construction and land clearance. The construction site was always bustling with thousands of workers. Despite the early autumn chill, the atmosphere on Ba Dinh Square felt warm due to the intense labor and urgency displayed by everyone. Sounds of walls being constructed, shovels digging, and cheers filled the air.
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By August 31, 1974, the Soviet Union had sent the basic design but without detailed plans and construction drawings. In response to land clearance, the Mausoleum Construction Steering Committee immediately deployed over 100 officers from 13 specialized design institutes to elaborate on the design.
On November 20, 1974, the construction site transitioned to implementing the new design. Perhaps no construction site had ever seen such a meticulously selected labor force. The entire Square was like a synthesis of specialized forces.
The Ministry of Transport's force, equipped with various types of trucks, transported materials and equipment from different locations to the construction site for all units. Their forces were also spread across the main roads and paths on the Square.
The Ministry of Construction's forces engaged in the extraction, production, and processing of raw materials and precast concrete components for the entire construction site. They were also responsible for tasks such as constructing the Square's facilities, water drainage systems, water supply systems, electrical lighting, and pavement.
The Postal Service's forces executed the entire information system, broadcasting, radio, and television for the construction site.
The forestry division's team is responsible for bringing greenery to the Square, the surrounding paths of the Mausoleum, and Uncle Ho’s Garden. Their initial task involves receiving hundreds of trees, ornamental plants, and various flowers sent by people from all corners of the country. Each flower and plant reflect the heartfelt sentiments of the local communities towards Uncle Ho – despite enduring numerous challenges, the plants remain as vibrant as budding shoots. Those in the forestry sector understand the value of each tree brought here and are committed to planting them in their designated spots according to the design plans and the wishes of the people.
Brown bamboo trees from the home of Hung Vuong have been transported. Designers have envisioned planting these trees along the grandest and most dignified road leading to Uncle Ho's Mausoleum – Hung Vuong Street. These tall, straight, broad-leaved bamboo trees with their deep green hue have been carefully selected to be nearly the same age, size, and height, creating a beautiful, sustainable, and sacred atmosphere along the road.
On both sides of Bac Son Street, two rows of ban flowers border the road, while two rows of water jasmine are planted inside. Ban flowers evoke memories of the heroic struggles in the Northwest, particularly in Dien Bien Phu, a region rich in historical significance for the entire nation. The ethnic groups in the Northwest hold this flower in high regard, sending a type of large, tall, and delicate white flower that blooms from May onward to the construction site. The blossoming ban flowers symbolize the loyal and pure hearts of Vietnamese, a tribute sent to Uncle on his birthdays.
The water oak trees inside symbolize the resilient and indomitable spirit, "acting as a pioneer," clinging to the homeland until the ultimate victory of the people at the southernmost point of Ca Mau.
Beyond the fence, on both sides of Hung Vuong and Bac Son Streets, forestry officials and workers plant rows of the Casuarinas – a species representing endurance against the harshness of sun, rain, and storms. The Casuarina can thrive in various conditions, including the white sandy areas and dry hillsides.
The skilled hands of forestry workers are honored to plant historically significant tree species. Bamboo from Pac Bo grows under the Cac Mac Mountain and along the Lenin stream, having a close connection with Uncle Ho during the tumultuous years of the nation. The Tan Trao banyan tree commemorates the days Uncle Ho visited Tan Trao, the birth of the Vietnam Liberation Propaganda Team. Bamboo trees from Lam Son in Thanh Hoa represent the determined spirit of uprisings led by the national hero Le Loi. Forestry workers also receive precious trees from the central region, such as Tra My cinnamon renowned for its quality and fragrance and the unique tree from Quang Nam - Da Nang, a special tree that sustained officials and soldiers in the intense years of anti-American resistance.
Hundreds of fruit-bearing trees, which Uncle used to care for daily and offer their fruits as gifts to soldiers, children, and people in regions such as star apples, orange, lime, pomelo, are also planned meticulously to continue flourishing around him.
Moreover, young men and women from the capital city are responsible for constructing the entire drainage and sewage system, planting grass, flowers, and ornamental trees. The young ladies from the Parks Company bring square patches of grass to the Square, resilient to sun and rain and remaining green throughout the four seasons. In the adjacent flower garden, they carefully nurture meaningful flowers, including branches of cherry blossoms from the To Hieu cherry tree and vibrant apricot blossoms, typically found in the Southern region.
Behind the Mausoleum, a variety of fragrant flower pots that Uncle Ho favored during his lifetime, such as jasmine, woody scents, and sandalwood, are planted in alternating arrangements. Countless other remarkable flowers in terms of color and fragrance are sent by people from various regions. The people nationwide wish for Uncle to rest amidst the myriad fragrances of flowers and leaves. The foliage represents the collective heart of the people, eager to surround and embrace Uncle Ho.
On both sides of the Mausoleum are white jade orchids, adjacent to fresh pink rose walls, and in front, right next to Mausoleum, are two rows of magnolias. At the base of the Mausoleum stand two trees symbolizing purity and endurance.
In addition to the central agencies and departments, Hanoi city has engaged forces from 14 provinces and municipalities in the construction of the Square. Coordinating and harmonizing to align with the overall schedule and plan has not been an easy task. Additionally, shortages and delays in equipment and materials have presented challenges for the construction site.
The labor force involves participants from various cities, and if the coordination is not well-organized, it can impact labor productivity. Recognizing this, the Square's Design Committee proposed the establishment of a unified command committee to streamline coordination under the leadership of the Chief Designer. In February 1975, this command committee was formed, and indeed, the construction situation improved considerably.
The unified command committee proposed to the oversight committee to mobilize additional support. Officials, workers, and students from central agencies, Hanoi, universities, and vocational high schools enthusiastically joined socialist labor, providing effective support for the construction site. From March to May 1974, this force contributed about seventy thousand days of labor.
By June 1974, the entire construction site had completed approximately 60% of the planned work. The Oversight Committee of the Mausoleum requested additional support from the Combat engineer headquarters. Subsequently, the military mobilized a force comprising two regiments: the Trung Dung regiment from the Red River Delta and the Tan Trao regiment from the Northern Military Region, to the Ba Dinh Square.
These troops served as the mobile force of the Square's Design Committee, being at the forefront in critical areas. Where the road construction team lacked manpower, they provided reinforcements; where the tree-planting team needed hole-digging support, they offered assistance. The military also participated in the construction of information systems, broadcasting, television, and other complex tasks. Whenever difficulties arose, the military was ready to provide support.
While not a technical or specialized force, thanks to strong leadership and coordination, ensuring material and logistical support, the military units involved successfully completed their tasks at every location.
The officers and soldiers from the Trung Dung and Tan Trao regiments set a shining example of selfless labor, demonstrating high productivity and work quality, in line with our military's tradition of " fighting for a victory" Their presence during challenging times facilitated people's confidence, inspiring and encouraging all forces to strive to meet the assigned tasks within the stipulated time frame.
Thus, nearly six years since Uncle Ho bid farewell to us, the officers, soldiers, and workers involved in the construction and renovation of the Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square overcame numerous challenges, challenges that seemed insurmountable at times. Now, they can proudly report to the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army that Uncle Ho's eternal home, Ba Dinh Square where he proclaimed independence long ago, has been beautifully and completely constructed.
Things are all ready to welcome Uncle Ho back into the heart of the homeland!
On August 22, 1975, the military units participating in the construction of the Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square organized a celebration of the successful completion of their mission in an atmosphere filled with joy. The event was attended by leaders of the Party, State, and the military, along with numerous representatives from military regions, branches, services, and relevant ministries and agencies. The leaders expressed their happiness and pride in their beloved soldiers, who kept their promises to the Party and the people. They proved to be outstanding representatives of the armed forces engaged in building Uncle's Mausoleum. They made significant contributions, remarking a significant milestone on history of the People's Army of Vietnam.
