(VOVWORLD) - An exhibition is underway at several venues of Ho Chi Minh City to mark 50 years of honoring President Ho Chi Minh’s testament. 340 photos document the revere leader of the Vietnamese nation, the heroic struggle of the people and armed forces in the resistance war against the US, and Ho Chi Minh city’s achievements in the renewal period.
 64-year-old writer Nguyen Van Thai, a war veteran who now lives in Ho Chi Minh, recalls the historic time when the General Offensive liberated the south and reunified the country in 1975. |
In the spotlight are the manuscripts of the testament drafted in May 1965 and the version publicized in 1969 when President Ho Chi Minh passed away after devoting his entire life to Vietnam and its people. Also on display are numerous photos showing people joyfully celebrating the liberation of southern Vietnam.
64-year-old writer Nguyen Van Thai, a war veteran who now lives in Ho Chi Minh, recalled that in February 1975 he, a member of army division 316, joined the historic Central Highlands campaign to open the General Offensive to liberate the south and reunify the country. After receiving orders to quickly capture Saigon, the former name of Ho Chi Minh City, Thai saw many of his comrades die in Xuan Loc on the way to Saigon. He wished they had lived to witness the historic moment when the liberation flags flew above Saigon’s streets. The war veteran said the nation’s heartfelt embrace of Ho Chi Minh’s testament inspired him to write a song called “Human love” to honor President Ho Chi Minh, who led the Vietnamese to victory. Mr. Thai said: “I am very proud of having contributed to the final victory, realizing the ultimate aspiration of Uncle Ho that the country would be reunited. The exhibition’s photos remind me of the beloved leader’s teachings.”
62-year-old Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan, a visitor from the northern port city of Hai Phong was impressed by the momentous achievements of Ho Chi Minh City. She said: “As I am visiting my children and grandchildren here, today I came to this exhibition in Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street. The showcased photos highlight the city’s development and the people’s love and respect for Uncle Ho.
 Young people look at an exhibited photo |
Nguyen Nhat Linh, a student of Post and Telecommunications University in Ho Chi Minh City, was keenly interested in how the President’s testament has inspired Vietnamese youth to contribute to local and national construction, development, and integration. She said:“Looking at photos of young volunteers, I feel admiration for their dedication, passion, and care for the community, particularly disadvantaged people.”
The exhibition will be at the Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, Dong Khoi Street, the Labor Cultural Palace, and at the Youth Cultural House until September 15.