President Ho Chi Minh has passed away, but the memories of the times the young people of Quang Ninh province met him remain deeply etched in their minds. The firm handshakes, the close gestures, and the heartfelt advice and guidance of Uncle Ho are always remembered by generations of cadres and people of all ethnic groups in the province, who strive to live up to the affection Uncle Ho bestowed upon Quang Ninh province.
Although she is now 80 years old, the memories of President Ho Chi Minh's visit to the soldiers and people of Ngoc Vung island commune, Cam Pha district (now Van Don district) on the afternoon of November 12, 1962, remain vivid in the heart of Mrs. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Xuan (80 years old), currently residing in Dong Xa commune, Van Don district. At that time, Mrs. Xuan was a young teacher who had just graduated and started working at the island commune's primary school. She served as the deputy head of the youth group and was involved in youth group activities in the locality.
Holding a photograph capturing the moment President Ho Chi Minh conversed with teachers and students on Ngoc Vung island, Ms. Xuan emotionally said: "It was so fortunate and an honor to be in that photograph with President Ho Chi Minh. That day, the weather was mild and pleasant, and we were in class when we heard the sound of a helicopter. Both teachers and students ran quickly towards the island's military unit. From the helicopter, an old man with a long white beard and hair stepped down. Everyone shouted: 'President Ho Chi Minh, President Ho Chi Minh!' The whole island was overjoyed; everyone wanted to get closer to President Ho Chi Minh. The whole group followed him all the way to the courtyard of the military unit on the island."
After visiting the oldest residents on the island, Uncle Ho affectionately inquired about their well-being and distributed candy to each child, then intimately asked, "Who has memorized the five teachings of Uncle Ho for children and young people?" Team leader Nguyen Minh Trang answered clearly and distinctly all five, receiving a pat on the head and praise from Uncle Ho. "Uncle Ho wants to hear the children of the island commune sing a short song," I said, immediately starting with the song "I am a Young Pioneer." For some reason, I was so moved and flustered that I kept stepping back. Uncle Ho encouraged me and instructed, "You must start the song like me." So everyone followed Uncle Ho's steady hand movements and sang the song "Unity." Uncle Ho also advised us, "Teachers must teach well. Students must be diligent and well-behaved. Cultivate good morals so that later you can build your homeland and country," Mrs. Xuan continued.
The moment of meeting President Ho Chi Minh was a milestone for the soldiers and people of Ngoc Vung island commune, becoming a driving force for many generations of young people on the island to strive for excellence in learning, labor, and production. During the years of resistance against the US, the people of Ngoc Vung island always remembered President Ho Chi Minh's teachings, united as one, becoming a steel fortress that shot down many enemy aircraft, firmly protecting the sea and islands of their homeland. Ngoc Vung island commune was also honored with the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces.
Quang Ninh is a place that holds special significance for the Party Committee, government, and people of Vietnam, having had the honor of welcoming him nine times. His thoughts, feelings, and profound, heartfelt advice are an invaluable legacy.
More than half a century has passed, yet the familiar, simple image and kind teachings of Uncle Ho remain deeply etched in the memory of Mr. Nguyen Van Gieng (93 years old), a Party member for over 60 years in Hong Ha ward, Ha Long city, to this day. He was formerly an officer of the Hai Ninh Provincial Public Security Department and later an officer of the Hai Ninh Provincial Party Committee Office (now Quang Ninh province).
Mr. Gieng choked up: "The greatest fortune and honor of my life was meeting President Ho Chi Minh four times, twice in Hanoi and twice in my beloved hometown of Quang Ninh. Each time, I was impressed by him as a simple, approachable leader who loved his people like his own children. The time he visited Hai Ninh province in February 1960, that was also the year I had the honor of joining the Party. I am so grateful to the Party and to President Ho Chi Minh! In 1960, when he visited Hai Ninh province, he didn't sit in the car on the ferry but stood talking with the Provincial Party Secretary and Chairman. Seeing him in person, meeting him in flesh and blood, I just wanted to cry; I was so moved. He encouraged Hai Ninh province, which was still poor at the time, to strive to help the mountainous areas catch up with the lowlands."
It was an honor to meet President Ho Chi Minh, to listen to his conversations, and to witness his simplicity, proper conduct, and his advice to cadres to live and work wholeheartedly for the people. Mrs. Gieng confided: "President Ho Chi Minh has always been the most beautiful role model for me, especially regarding his frugality and simplicity. I heard that when he dropped a grain of rice on the table while eating, he picked it up and ate it instead of throwing it away. He said that each grain of rice represents the sweat and hard work of the farmers, and we must cherish it. Those were truly profound teachings for us."
Following the example of President Ho Chi Minh, Mrs. Gieng always kept in mind: "As long as I have my health and can still help the people and the country, I will always try my best." Therefore, throughout her years of service and even after retirement, Mrs. Gieng consistently upheld the exemplary qualities of a Party member, actively participating in the activities of her agency and neighborhood. She also composed many songs, mainly praising the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, and the country and people of Vietnam. Not only actively participating in local activities, she also regularly propagated and encouraged the people in her neighborhood to comply well with the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's laws; she encouraged her children and grandchildren to strive for academic excellence and contribute to the development of the locality and the country…
Bearing in mind President Ho Chi Minh's teachings, generations of cadres, Party members, and people of all ethnic groups in Quang Ninh province have dedicated their lives to studying and following his teachings. And stories of encounters with President Ho Chi Minh will continue to be passed down, becoming a driving force for future generations to continue building a prosperous and strong Quang Ninh, as he instructed during his lifetime.
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