In autumn 1945, President Ho Chi Minh left the Viet Bac resistance base to return to Hanoi to prepare for the ceremony to declare independence and announce the Revolutionary Provisional Government. When he arrived in Hanoi, he lived and worked at the house of Nguyen Thi An in Phu Thuong Ward, from August 23 to 25, 1945.
77 years have gone, but Cong Thi Thu, 90, who is the daughter of Nguyen Thi An, still keeps in mind the day she first met Uncle Ho on August 23, 1945. Thu was over 10 when she joined her mother to welcome the “senior official”. “It was a tall and thin man with bright eyes,” Thu recalled.
It wasn’t until September 2, 1945, when Nguyen Thi An’s family attended a meeting at Ba Dinh square and saw President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, they realised that the President looked like the “senior leader” who stayed at their house, but none were sure about it. Later that same day, when they were confirmed that the guest was President Ho Chi Minh, the family members shed tears of joy and cheered “Long live Ho Chi Minh!”
The reason why Nguyen Thi An's house was selected to host Uncle Ho was because it was a revolutionary base. It was previously hosted as a meeting place for Party leaders such as Hoang Tung and Tran Dang Ninh.
Nguyen Thi An and his son, Cong Ngoc Kha, were also active in popularising information for the revolution and providing food for Party officials.
Although Uncle Ho only stayed with my family for two days, it was the pride of Phu Thuong land and people
According to Cong Ngoc Dung, grandchild of Nguyen Thi An
According to Cong Ngoc Dung, grandchild of Nguyen Thi An, all artefacts inside the house, such as the copper pot, and the wooden trestle-bed set of sofas used by Uncle Ho have been carefully preserved by his family.
“Although Uncle Ho only stayed with my family for two days, it was the pride of Phu Thuong land and people,” he said.
In 1996, his family decided to donate the entire five-room house to the State. And Dung volunteered to take care of the house and provide guidance for any group of visitors.
The house was recently named a national historical relic site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Leaving Nguyen Thi An’s house, President Ho Chi Minh moved to a house at No.48 Hang Ngang street, Hoan Kiem district, and stayed there from August 25 to early September 1945. The house, owned by Trinh Van Bo, is situated in the Old Quarter.
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Foreign visitors exploring the exhibits on display at the house at No.48 Hang Ngang street, Hoan Kiem district where President Ho penned the Declaration of Independence (Photo: NDO) |
At the house, President Ho Chi Minh worked with the Standing Committee of the Party’s Central Committee to lay down many important policies on internal and external affairs and nominated members to the new government.
In a room on the second floor, President Ho Chi Minh wrote the Declaration of Independence, which was then read by him at Ba Dinh Square on September 2, 1945, marking the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Many historical objects are still being kept intact inside the house, making it an attractive destination for residents and visitors to Hanoi city.
The house was recognised by the Ministry of Culture on April 29, 1979, for its cultural and historic value.
From December 3 to 19, 1946, Uncle Ho stayed at the house of Nguyen Van Duong in Van Phuc silk village in Ha Dong district. The house previously served as a secret shelter for many Party senior officials, including Hoang Quoc Viet and Hoang Van Thu. To keep secret, none in the family was informed that the guest staying at their house was President Ho Chi Minh.
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From December 3 to 19, 1946, Uncle Ho stayed at the house of Nguyen Van Duong in Van Phuc silk village in Ha Dong district (Photo: baotanghochiminh. vn) |
At the house, President Ho Chi Minh penned the Appeal for national resistance war, calling the entire people of Vietnam to resist the attempts of the French to restore the colonial rule in Vietnam and protect national independence and freedom.
The house still stands against the test of time. The bed, working table, and chairs, and daily utensils used by President Ho are still kept intact in the same position as 76 years ago.
Nguyen Van Hung, grandson of Nguyen Van Duong said that although he was not born at the time Uncle Ho stayed at his family’s house, his grandfather and father always told him about Uncle Ho with great pride.Once the people of the country showed their patriotism, the victory against French invaders will come closer.
The houses where President Ho Chi Minh lived have become places to educate revolutionary tradition as well as the simple yet great life of Uncle Ho to the public.
His grandfather told that before leaving, Uncle Ho met him to convey thanks for his support. His grandfather asked the President whether Vietnam could be able to defeat French invaders – a very strong enemy.
In reply, President Ho said that once the people of the country showed their patriotism as Nguyen Van Duong’s family did, the victory will come closer. He also affirmed that the resistance war against the French will be victorious.
In addition to the three above-mentioned houses, there are several places in Hanoi that had the honour of hosting President Ho Chi Minh, including houses in Xuan Duong commune (Thanh Oai district), Can Kiem commune (Thach That district), and Tram pagoda in Phung Chau commune (Chuong My district).
These places have become places to educate revolutionary tradition as well as the simple yet great life of President Ho Chi Minh to the public.
