VI. MAUSOLEUM WELCOMES UNCLE HO
- 1 -
In the spring of 1975, a season forever etched in the memories of every citizen, every soldier left an indelible mark. The entire nation underwent a transformation during that historic spring. It was also the sixth spring for the soldiers entrusted with a special mission: to preserve and protect President Ho Chi Minh’s body. After six years since the birth of Unit 69, Hill K84 had truly become a garden full of flowers, tranquil and spacious. Following the signing of the Paris Agreement, upon returning from Base K2, the officers and soldiers of Unit 69 urgently reinforced and built their unit.
While construction at Ba Dinh Square, especially the construction of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, was progressing rapidly, at K84, experts along with officers and soldiers of the entire unit were busy with ongoing tasks, training, and preparing for the final move: bringing President Ho Chi Minh to the Mausoleum. Simultaneously with the training activities in 1974-1975, experts and our specialized officers conducted numerous experiments to determine the parameters, temperature, and humidity to be applied at the Mausoleum later.
In the spring of 1974, around mid-February, the Central Southern Bureau delegation led by Comrade Nguyen Van Linh visited K84 before returning to the front to prepare for the General Offensive and Uprising in the Spring of 1975. On that day, the sons and daughters of the Red River Delta, a land forever in the great heart of President Ho, stood silently before his body, silently vowing to fulfill his sacred will. In the transparent glass coffin, President Ho lay peacefully, with a faint smile on his lips and warmth emanating from his body, spreading throughout the forest filled with the fragrance of various flowers. It seemed as if he had just returned from a stroll, and was peacefully sleeping.
In the historic spring of 1975, as the General Offensive and Uprising unfolded like a storm across the Southern battlefields, at Hill K84, Unit 69 soldiers entered their final training sessions. Everyone knew that victory was imminent, the Mausoleum was near completion, and they were about to welcome President Ho Chi Minh to his final resting place. One hundred and fifty officers and soldiers of Regiment 144 received orders to march to a hill in Vinh Phu, establishing a model similar to the Mausoleum for training. Movements like the rifle-bearing standing position, synchronized marching, presenting arms, and guiding guests were practiced repeatedly under the scorching summer sun until mastered. After completing their training, the aforementioned officers and soldiers returned to Hanoi, combining with some officers and soldiers at the divisional headquarters to form Unit 275, primarily responsible for ceremonial guard duties and ensuring the safety of the Mausoleum area. This was also the precursor to the current Unit 275.
Until the final days of April 1975, K84 was in an ecstatic and bustling atmosphere. News of victory poured in like a torrent. Day and night, officers and soldiers of Unit 69 fulfilled their duties while closely monitoring the progress of the war, sharing each victory with one another. Every face was shining, filled with emotions. It was a strange time when people seemed to be both astonished and joyous. The sacrifices and hardships endured by the entire nation over the past 30 years, the pain that had constantly ached in President Ho's great heart, were about to be fully compensated by our army and people.
Soviet experts, comrades, friends who had shared joys and sorrows with Vietnamese colleagues, could not hold back from expressing their joy and emotion. In the bedroom of comrade Cadanxep, there was a map of Vietnam. Cadanxep had made many small red flags. Every time there was news of a city or provincial capital in the South being liberated, he would place a red flag on that area on the map. When the last flag was planted on Saigon's land, the Soviet experts rushed out into the corridor, embracing their Vietnamese colleagues and cheering for victory.
It is wordless to convey the joy and astonishment of the officers and soldiers of Unit 69 upon hearing that the entire South had been completely liberated. It was a peaceful day in early May, the sun shining brightly on the forest branches and the clear windows of Uncle's resting place. Everyone in every department stopped working to embrace and cheer with each other, overwhelmed with joy. It marked the end, the permanent end, to the more than thirty years of pain that the people of the whole country had endured. From now on, Uncle Ho would be able to rest peacefully, free from the scenes of evacuation due to American bombs and bullets. Before long, people across the country would visit the historic Ba Dinh Square to pay their respects to him at the Mausoleum.
On May 26, 1975, The Unit 69 Command Committee has received orders from the Combat engineer headquarters to make thorough preparations for conveying Uncle Ho to the Mausoleum. The unit is now preparing for a new phase and mission. This mission includes the combined responsibilities of keeping and maintaining Uncle Ho's body, supervising activities at Lang, and greeting international guests at Uncle Ho's palace.
On May 27, 1975, the Party Committee of the Unit convened an expanded meeting to discuss and plan the logistics for the upcoming military procession to bring President Ho Chi Minh’s body to the Mausoleum.
The impending procession would be vastly different from previous ones, as peace had been back in the Northern region. To ensure the success of the extended military procession, the Unit promptly sent officers to liaise with localities along the route and the city of Ha Noi. Their task was to coordinate road repairs to ensure security along the entire route. Officers and soldiers within the unit actively inspected and repaired various vehicles to guarantee a smooth procession. An enthusiastic movement emerged throughout the Unit, driven by the combination of the joy of victory and the preparations to welcome President Ho Chi Minh to the Mausoleum. The once serene K84 forest now buzzed with activity, with the wind rustling through the treetops and the sun casting its warm glow amid the melodious bird songs by the river. Nature seemed to be transforming, eagerly preparing for the momentous return of Uncle.
By the last days of June, local reports confirmed the completion of road repairs, and the Unit was requested to conduct a final inspection. Surprisingly, after six years of Uncle's peaceful rest on this land, it was only when Unit 69 officers came for road repairs that local leaders learned about it. They were deeply moved, realizing the honor bestowed upon their region.
In mid-July, all Unit 69 forces converged on K84, fully prepared for their mission. Most of the logistics for the procession had been completed. Vehicles and motorcycles intended for the procession underwent thorough inspections. On the morning of July 15, on behalf of the Central Military Commission and the Combat engineer headquarters, comrades Pham Ngoc Mau, Phung The Tai, and Kinh Chi personally inspected the preparations and officially announced the order: The Political Bureau and the Central Military Commission decided to welcome Uncle Ho to the Mausoleum on July 18, 1975.
On July 16, anticipation filled the Unit as preparations were double-checked, equipment arranged, and tasks assigned to each individual. Everyone understood that it might be a long time before they returned to this sacred forest. Hence, a sense of nostalgia lingered in each heart as they bid farewell to the familiar forest, hills, and rivers that had been their companions for six years.
On July 17, a portion of the Unit, along with three vehicles carrying equipment, left for Hanoi. Exactly at 4 PM the next day, on July 18, the special convoy carrying President Ho Chi Minh’s body received the order to depart from the base. Almost no one in the Unit had slept the night before. Everyone anxiously awaited this sacred moment. As they set off, the sun had dipped, painting a dark red hue on the forest leaves and the winding dirt road through the green trees.
The convoy moved slowly. As they left the forest, the twilight faded away. Saying goodbye to the mountains, rivers, and the beloved Hill K84 that had silently endured and protected Uncle Ho’s body.
Beyond the convoy, the imposing mountain peaks gradually receded, and the dense forest changed its hue to a faint blue, while the river flowed as if bidding farewell, attempting to retain the beautiful memories of the harsh wartime months. Farewell to everything, for today the entire Party and people were eagerly hoping for welcoming Uncle Ho to the Mausoleum.
- 2 -
At 8:00 PM on July 18, the convoy reached Ba Dinh Square. Everyone presented at that moment stood in awe before the grand Mausoleum, illuminated brightly. Many Party and State leaders awaited the most touching moment after six years of hardship – the reception of Uncle Ho at the Mausoleum.
The large door behind the Mausoleum opened, and everyone approached the specially adorned amphibious truck with reverence and solemnity, escorting Uncle Ho to the Mausoleum, welcoming Uncle Ho to the Mausoleum, which serves as his eternal resting place and a site for the future generations to come, pay honor to the greatest hero of a nation that yearns for freedom and justice.
Beside Uncle Ho's coffin, Comrade Nguyen Luong Bang expressed deep gratitude on behalf of our Party and State to the Soviet Party and Government for sending experienced experts to help Vietnam preserve Uncle Ho’s body during the intense six years of war.
He praised the endurance and dedication of the officers and soldiers of Unit 69, who protected and preserved Uncle Ho’s body intact in the face of the country's constant turmoil caused by American bombs and natural disasters.
On August 29, 1975, the inauguration ceremony of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was solemnly held at Ba Dinh Square. In his opening speech, Comrade Truong Chinh, on behalf of the Party Central Committee, the National Assembly, the Government, and the Central Committee of the Fatherland Front of Vietnam, praised the selfless spirit of labor demonstrated by the military and civilian forces of various localities and units, as well as the people and comrades from both the North and the South. He also acknowledged the internationalist spirit of the Soviet experts who, together with the Vietnamese people, completed the Mausoleum on schedule.
A hushed silence fell over the assembly as Comrade Le Duan, representing the Central Committee of the Party, read a speech recalling Uncle Ho's immense contributions to the nation and emphasizing, "His contributions and legacy will shine through generations."
Comrade Solomon K. Kolerov, head of the Soviet delegation attending the inauguration, also delivered a speech praising the thoughts, ethics, and style of Uncle Ho, affirming, "All progressive humanity remembers President Ho Chi Minh. Millions of people in all countries on all continents highly appreciate him, the leader of the Vietnam revolution, a hundred battles, a hundred victories."
"The entire progressive humanity has President Ho Chi Minh in their hearts. Millions of people from all countries and continents appreciate him, the leader of the Vietnam Revolution with a hundred battles and a hundred victories."
When it comes to Uncle's contributions, the memories are endless. However, in that solemn morning, everyone felt a profound longing for Uncle, eager to visit the Mausoleum after six years of his absence. Today, that wish has been fulfilled. After the inauguration ceremony, delegates quietly and respectfully entered the Mausoleum to pay their respects to Uncle Ho. The first fresh floral wreaths were placed at the entrance. Party and State leaders, disciples, and loyal comrades of Uncle Ho stood before his altar with boundless love, reverence, and sorrow.
After the homage, everyone felt a sense of peace, as Uncle Ho was now close to them, always by their side in every challenge, difficulty, and hardship of life.
Nong Van Thanh and Nguyen Van Ri, the honored soldiers standing guard in the first shift in front of the Mausoleum that day, initiated the endless days and nights of the guards protecting Uncle Ho's rest. They stood solemnly, eyes forward, hands firmly gripping their rifles, unmoving in all weather conditions and circumstances. Every 60 minutes, the guard rotation occurred rhythmically, beautifully, and ceremoniously. Before them, a stream of people with pained and sorrowful faces flowed endlessly into the Mausoleum, each leaving as if having gained something from Uncle Ho.
Welcoming Uncle to the Mausoleum, Unit 69 had to undertake a series of tasks, monitoring and preserving Uncle’s body, ensuring the maximum safety of all operational equipment within the Mausoleum, and organizing solemn visits that met the wishes of people nationwide and international friends. These were tasks that Unit 69 alone couldn't handle entirely. Responding to the mission's requirements in the new circumstances, on December 28, 1975, the Central Military Commission issued a resolution on organizing a military unit to protect the Mausoleum.
Implementing the committee's resolution, on May 14, 1976, the Minister of Defense issued a decision to establish the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Guard Command, with the designation Unit 969, commanded by Comrade Kinh Chi, who also served as the Political Commissar.
The tasks of Unit 969 were:
- Directly take care and preserve Uncle’s body.
- Manage and utilize machinery and equipment in the architectural structures around the Mausoleum.
- Organize honor guards and ensure the safety of the Mausoleum area.
- Provide the public guidance to visit Uncle Ho.
With the establishment of Unit 969, Unit 69 concluded a highly significant chapter in its history, fulfilling its noble and sacred mission of safeguarding and preserving Uncle Ho’s body. Over the past six years, the unit had self-reliantly overcome various challenges, completing an exceptional mission entrusted by the Party, the Government, and the people: to preserve Uncle Ho’s body intact under any circumstances.
Immediately after the decision to establish Unit 969, a special medical unit was also formed within the unit, creating Institute 69, led by Comrade Nguyen Gia Quyen as the director. Together within the Unit 969 formation were Unit 275, responsible for honor guard duties and protecting the Mausoleum, Unit 195 overseeing the operation of technical equipment around the Mausoleum, Unit 295 responsible for architectural and construction tasks, and Unit 395 tasked with repairing machinery and equipment.
The establishment of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Guard Command marked a crucial development in the participating forces responsible for protecting and preserving Uncle Ho’s body. Starting from small units, performing specific tasks, the progression to Unit 69 and then the Unit 969 Command was an arduous struggle of officers and soldiers who faithfully served by Uncle's side.
With the formation of Unit 969, the history of these soldiers undertaking the mission of preserving Uncle’s body entered a new chapter, with more honors but also heavier responsibilities.
- 3 –
After 40 years of securing Uncle Ho’s body and 30 years of protecting and running the operation of the Mausoleum, Unit 969 has been excellently completed the missions which assigned by Party, Goverment, and People. The battalion has been reinforced, built, and elevated to the level of a special force, embodying a particular mission. The golden tradition's essence is represented in 16 words: " Unleashing the Power of Filial Piety, Solidarity, Self-Reliance, and Proactive Creativity." These principles are reflected in the unit's distinguishing features:
- Respect and Dedication: Officers, employees, and soldiers within the unit, always guided by profound respect, trust, and understanding for Uncle Ho, consider the task of safeguarding and preserving Uncle Ho's body and his mausoleum, as well as organizing receptions for compatriots and international guests, as a weighty and honorable duty entrusted to them by the Government, State, and the people. Regardless of circumstances, their unwavering loyalty is evident in their commitment to the nation, to the Party, and to the absolute safekeeping and long-term preservation of President Ho Chi Minh's body and mausoleum, all while dedicatedly serving the people.
- Independence and Resilience: Demonstrating a strong will to be independent and self-reliant, the cadre, employees, and leaders within the organization leave their mark daily. Overcoming all difficulties and challenges, they work diligently, maintain balance, and display industriousness, courage, and proactiveness. They are committed to tackling unprecedented specialized scientific tasks in Vietnam, ensuring the successful completion of all assigned missions.
- Discipline and Responsibility: Managing a special project with intricate and complex physical and technical facilities, the unit consistently focuses on building, training, and promoting a strong sense of responsibility among its team of officials, employees, soldiers, and individuals of high integrity. This dedication is aimed at upholding extremely stringent discipline across all areas of work, ensuring the impossibility of any errors.
- Maintain and cultivate a spirit of unity and dedication, ensuring alignment in the people's ideas and deeds under the supervision of the Party Committee and commanders. Encourage unity and solidarity with the broader people by building strong collaboration among various agencies, promoting camaraderie, and effective cooperation. This approach is consistent with the party's and our country's foreign policy.
Over the past 32 years[2], Unit 969 has been honored by the Party and the State with the Ho Chi Minh Medal, 24 various medals, four times awarded the continuous flag of the Ministerial Council, and 902 officers, soldiers, and workers received the titles of Distinguished Soldier for Merit and Distinguished Soldier for Victory. Institute 69 was awarded the Hero of Labor title, Unit 195 was awarded the Hero of the People’s Armed Forces title, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Guard Command was awarded the Hero of the People’s Armed Forces title during the renewal period.
Unit 969 has formed and upheld these good traditions due to the tight leadership of the Central Party, the Government, and the Central Military Party Committee. The correct guidance from the Unit's Party committee and the caring support of the people, various sectors, organizations, and Party and State agencies have played a crucial role. An immensely important factor contributing to the successful preservation of Uncle’s body over the past 30 years and the timely completion of the Mausoleum project is the direct, substantial, and valuable assistance from the Soviet Union, particularly the team of experts who, from the very beginning, worked tirelessly alongside their Vietnamese colleagues during the challenging times of war, moving to any location as needed.
On October 04, 1975, as a gesture of gratitude towards the Soviet Union's Party, Government, and people, our Government awarded the Hero of Labor of Vietnam to three exemplary Soviet experts:
- Dr. Semyon Semyonovich Devyatov, a medical scientist, the director of the Lenin Scientific Research Institute.
- Garon Grigoryevich Isakovitch, an architect in charge of the Mausoleum construction.
- Nikolai Metvedev, the chief construction engineer for the Mausoleum project.
Many other teams and individuals from the expert delegation also received the Labor Medal and Friendship Medal from our Government…
Thirty-two years have passed since the establishment of Unit 969 and 38 years since beloved President Ho Chi Minh bid farewell to us. Until May 19, 2007, a total of 33,492,762 people, including 3,871,051 international visitors, have visited Uncle's Mausoleum, attending 1,265 political and cultural activities held in front of the Mausoleum.
Day by day, people quietly approach Uncle's Mausoleum, seeking a sense of trust, a pure value in the revolutionary soldier's heart, to love what he loved, to aspire for what he aspired, to tread the path he walked throughout his life.
Many new recruits, swearing-in ceremonies of party members, events of cooperative units, schools, etc., have come to the Mausoleum to report the determination of their units in the cause of building and defending our socialist homeland of Vietnam. Many newlywed couples also visit the Mausoleum to express their gratitude. For over thirty years, Uncle has been present in every joy and sorrow of the nation and the country. He still lives a humble life among his people. There have been hundreds of international delegations who, before working with our Party and State, paid tribute by laying wreaths and visiting Uncle's Mausoleum.
In the golden book kept by the Command of Unit 969, countless thoughts from the people, comrades of various ethnic groups across the country, and friends from all continents are recorded.
The delegation of the Front of the Fatherland of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, writes: "We are deeply touched to visit Uncle's Mausoleum," "Uncle Ho forever lives in the hearts of the South People," "The words here will stay forever in the hearts of the people of Ho Chi Minh City. Visiting Uncle's Mausoleum brings immense love for Uncle. We pledge to study and live by Uncle's example."
The cooperative team from Minh Thuan Commune, Vu Ban District, Ha Nam Ninh Province writes: "Our delegation sees that the Central Military Committee, the Party Central Committee, and the Government have built Uncle Ho's final resting place in an exemplary and unprecedented manner. Our delegation sincerely thanks the organizing committee for warmly receiving us and arranging accommodations for our delegation."
Teacher Nguyen Thi Hue, of the Meo ethnic group, writes: "We, the Meo people, are what we are today - well-fed, well-clothed, literate, and progressive - thanks to the Party and Uncle Ho's grace. I and the Meo people are very grateful to Uncle Ho, to the Party. I am committed to trying to teach Meo children for generations to follow the Party, to follow Uncle."
The delegation of the Soviet Truth writes: "This visit to President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum deeply moved us, creating a profound impression that cannot be compared with anything else.
The life and activities of this great man, a passionate revolutionary, an international soldier, a fervent patriot, a tireless worker, embody a miraculous modesty. His Will and Philosophy motivate each of us in the struggle, in labor for a glorious future, for the happiness of the people, for global peace."
The Ethiopian delegation writes: "Visiting Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, we have a deep impression: Ho Chi Minh is not only a great revolutionary figure of the Vietnamese people but also the hope of the African nations as well as other nations struggling to eradicate imperialism from their homelands."
The women's delegation from the United States writes: "We love Vietnam because it has Ho Chi Minh as a leader. His life is the most complete symbol of peace... We consider Ho Chi Minh as the leader of the progressive people of the United States. Unfortunately, in our country, we don't have a leader like your President Ho Chi Minh."
A tourist from Thailand writes: "I have visited President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. The place is beautiful and solemn. It's not just for the Vietnamese people but for all humanity."
Thirty-two years have passed[3]. The sky over Ba Dinh Square always flows with wind and is filled with sunshine. People from all over continue to visit Uncle. Each time, every person feels reassured as Uncle's visage remains rosy and serene, just as when he was alive.
(Reprinted from the 2007 edition)
Inauguration of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
(August 29, 1975)
Party and State leaders visit Uncle's Mausoleum
(August 129, 975)
For a peaceful sleep of Uncle Ho
Publication: Director - Chief of Editor DAU XUAN LUAN
Manuscript: Deputy Director - Deputy Chief of Editor: NGUYEN VAN SAU
Editors: NGUYEN VAN HUNG, NGUYEN THI MINH THUY.
Formatting and proofreading: NGUYEN THU QUYNH
Cover: NGUYEN BAO NGOC - NGUYEN ANH TUAN
People's Army Publishing House
No. 23, Ly Nam De Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Website: http://nxbqdnd.com.vn
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Telephone: 0243.8455766 - 0243.7470780; Fax: 0243.7471106
Ho Chi Minh City Branch
No. 161-163, Tran Quoc Thao, Ward 9, District 3
Telephone: 069.667452 - 028.62565588; Fax: 028.62565588
Representative Office in Can Tho
31 Airport, Cach Mang Thang Tam Street
Telephone: 069.629905 – 0292.3814772; Fax: 0292.3814772
Representative Office in Da Nang
No. 172, 2/9 Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City.
Telephone: 0236.6250803; Fax: 0236.6250803
Printed: 4th Quarter - 2019
Submission for circulation: 4th Quarter - 2019
Book size: 14.5 x 20.5 cm
Number of pages: 216 pages
Quantity: 1,503 copies
Publishing Plan Registration Number: 2828-2019/CXBIPH/6-344/QDND
Publishing Decision Number: 338/QD-NXBQDND, dated October 24, 2019
Type setting: People's Army Publishing House.
Printed and bound by: 1 Army Printing House
Address: 21 Ly Nam De Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
ISBN: 978-604-51-5336-9
Print number: 9673
