President Ho Chi Minh was known for his modest lifestyle. Many Vietnamese generations are familiar with the image of the former president in his khaki suit, wearing rubber sandals and holding a palm-leaf fan.
| President Ho Chi Minh was in his simple faded khaki clothing. File Photo |
Vu Ky, the former secretary of Ho Chi Minh, recalled moments when even in darkness, the radio could still be heard from his room. Assuming that Uncle Ho had fallen asleep, Ky quietly approached to switch off the device. However, he was abruptly halted by the President who said, “Keep the radio on, for the sound of human voices brings warmth to the room…”
The thematic exhibition “Nguoi Di Tim Hinh Cua Nuoc” (President Ho Chi Minh – the Person Who Brought Back Freedom to the Country) will showcase various artifacts associated with President Ho Chi Minh’s simple lifestyle. These artifacts include his rubber sandals, simple khaki outfit, and old radio, among others.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam and the Party Central Committee’s Office are co-hosting a 3D exhibition that showcases the life and revolutionary career of President Ho Chi Minh. This exhibition can be found on the websites http://www.vptw.dcs.vn and http://www.baotanghochiminh.vn.
The online exhibition will be available until October 28th.
| The faded kakhi suit, a simple hat and pair of the rustic rubber sandals were the daily outfit of President Ho Chi Minh. Photo: Ho Chi Minh Museum |
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the physical exhibition commemorating the 110th anniversary of Nguyen Ai Quoc’s departure to find a way to save the nation (June 5, 1911 – June 5, 2021) could not take place as scheduled. However, the Ho Chi Minh Museum has made the exhibition accessible online for those interested in its theme. Viewers are invited to visit the websites of the Party Central Committee’s Office and the Ho Chi Minh Museum to explore the exhibition virtually.
The exhibition consists of eight distinct sections, each showcasing a different period in history. These sections are as follows:
1. Cultivating the Will (1890-1911)
2. Crossing the Ocean to Find National Salvation (1911-1920)
3. Finding the Light (1920-1924)
4. Igniting the Revolutionary Flame (1924-1930)
5. Historical Turning Point (1930-1941)
6. The one who Brought Back Spring (1941-1945)
7. Our Faith in President Ho Chi Minh (1945-1969)
8. Continuing to Write the Golden History Page (1969 – present)
The online exhibition showcases several notable artifacts linked to Ho Chi Minh. These include a bowl he personally used while staying at Nong Ky Chan’s residence in Guang Dong, China in 1939. Additionally, there is a bronze pot and timepiece that were utilized by Ho Chi Minh, known at the time as Nguyen Ai Quoc, during his stay in Liuzhou, China from 1943 to 1944. Lastly, visitors can also view his well-worn khaki clothing, now faded with time.
