Symbols with deep meaning

Editor's note: Ho Chi Minh City is collecting public opinions on the Symbol recognizing the city's people's solidarity and unity in overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic. The project is expected to be built at land plot No. 1 Ly Thai To Street, Vuon Lai Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. SGGP Newspaper continues to introduce the opinions of former leaders of Ho Chi Minh City and local leaders, the cultural sector, and the people on the significance of the project.

Doctors of Military Hospital 175 ( Ministry of National Defense ) at the Covid-19 Patient Treatment Center (HCMC, 2021). Photo: QUANG HUY

Comrade PHAM CHANH TRUC, former Standing Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee, former Chairman of the People's Council of Ho Chi Minh City:

The symbol must depict the people's hearts and vitality of Ho Chi Minh City.

I strongly agree with the policy of the City Party Committee and the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City on collecting public opinions for a symbolic project that recognizes the solidarity and unity of the people of the city and the whole country during the Covid-19 pandemic. This action demonstrates the spirit of democracy and at the same time shows how the city respects its own memories. If a symbolic project wants to live long in people's hearts, it must be nurtured by the true emotions and memories of the community.

It can be said that the years of fighting the Covid-19 pandemic are a special and unforgettable moment in the history of Ho Chi Minh City. We have witnessed countless losses and sacrifices, but it is also in those hardships that the kindness and sharing spirit of the people of the city and the whole country shines. Therefore, the project needs to remind people to re-imagine those days: how the city overcame danger, how the whole country joined hands to overcome the pandemic.

In my opinion, in addition to government information, the press can dedicate a column each week to republishing images, documents, and real stories of people during the pandemic. In it, recalling the images of people voluntarily contributing meals, oxygen tanks, protective clothing... or images of soldiers going to the market to help people, relief trucks coming from all over, "rice ATMs", "oxygen ATMs", long lines of volunteers in the middle of the epidemic... have created a miraculous power to help Ho Chi Minh City stand firm.

In terms of content, I think the symbol needs to evoke reflection on the causes of disasters, on the fierce reaction of nature to the acts of resource depletion, deforestation; food production with toxic chemicals; environmental pollution, climate change and the spread of epidemics... Therefore, in my opinion, the symbol is both a living memory space, where people can come to commemorate, show gratitude, meet and feel proud; and also a place for everyone to reflect on the causes of disasters, on the fierce reaction of nature to humans to together orient future actions.

A very valuable thing is that the city has called on the people to contribute their opinions, because this project belongs to everyone, to each doctor, nurse, soldier, volunteer, and ordinary citizen who contributed to that life-and-death battle. When the people's voices are heard, this project will not only be beautiful in form, but also profound in meaning. I believe that the symbol will become a place to remind and also to pass on to the next generation the lesson of compassion, responsibility and the power of belief.

Mr. DOAN VAN DU, Chairman of Tan Son Nhat Ward People's Committee:

The project is meant to show gratitude and remind future generations.

In 2021, the fourth wave of Covid-19 occurred with a new strain, spreading rapidly and dangerously, negatively and lastingly affecting the world economy , including Southeast Asia and our country. The number of Covid-19 cases in Ho Chi Minh City accounts for nearly 50% of the total number of cases nationwide.

During the peak period of epidemic prevention, we have witnessed many noble yet simple examples. These are doctors, medical staff, police officers, soldiers, union members, youth, women, volunteers, and many grassroots cadres and people who have devoted their strength and mind to join hands in preventing the epidemic.

Together, they have gone through months of continuous work, irregular meals, and sleepless nights; treating, caring for, and encouraging patients to overcome the epidemic and encouraging each other to overcome the differences in living conditions; conducting rapid testing and screening for tracing, and continuously deploying vaccinations to race against time. Therefore, this symbolic project will carry the meaning of gratitude, reminding future generations not to be subjective in disease prevention!

Ms. TRINH THI MY LE, Vice President of the Khmer Literature and Arts Association of Ho Chi Minh City :

Showing the values ​​that have made up the bravery of the city's people

I was very moved to learn that Ho Chi Minh City is widely soliciting opinions from the people, including ethnic minorities, about a symbol to recognize the solidarity and unity of the city's people in overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic. After reading the information about the project, I believe this will be a spiritual symbol, a deep gratitude to all those who have contributed to helping the city stand firm and revive after unprecedented losses.
I still remember that during the days of the pandemic, no one was left behind, regardless of whether they were Kinh, Khmer, Tay, Nung, Hoa... or any other ethnic group. Human love and compatriot love became the guiding light, guiding us through loss to revival.

I hope that this project will not only be a symbol of collective memory but also a private space for each soul. This will be a place where every citizen and tourist can stop, reflect, and feel the value of humanity and sharing. I hope that, in its form, the symbol will exude the spirit of love, solidarity, resilience and revival, the values ​​that have made up the bravery of the people of the city named after Uncle Ho.

For ethnic minorities living, studying and working in Ho Chi Minh City, this project certainly has great significance. It affirms that in the most difficult times, all people, regardless of ethnicity, religion, profession... have contributed to creating solidarity to help the city overcome the epidemic. That is our pride, our common memory and also our motivation to continue to accompany and contribute to the city's development in the future.

Architect DO TRONG CHU

A place that symbolizes resilience and wisdom

From an architect's perspective, I envision the symbolic work that records the solidarity and unity of the city's people in overcoming the Covid 19 pandemic as not only an architectural block, but also an emotional touchpoint, where memories, gratitude and aspirations blend together.

The symbol should evoke the image of rising from loss, like a green shoot rising from the ashes, with a strong geometric language that is still full of humanity. The material can be a bright metal combined with a transparent material, symbolizing resilience and wisdom, reflecting both light and the people themselves - those who have gone through and overcome pain.

The building must be a place where people come not only to look, but also to feel, to remember and to tell. It can be an “open” square, where the wind blows through the rows of trees planted by relatives of doctors and nurses who have sacrificed; a path that reminds us of the days of social distancing, but ends in a bright area, symbolizing the belief in rebirth. Every architectural detail must tell a story, evoke gratitude and inspire positive living.

When people come and find themselves in it, the symbol truly “lives”, not only with concrete and steel, but with the memories, tears and hopes of an entire city. Therefore, it requires the contribution of ideas from many groups, many industries, and the organization of a wide-ranging design idea competition to meet the expectations of the people.

Ms. NGUYEN YEN VY, resident of neighborhood 52, An Hoi Tay ward (HCMC):

A place to remember and honor deceased loved ones

Building a symbol to recognize the solidarity and unity of Ho Chi Minh City people in overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic at land plot No. 1 Ly Thai To Street (Vuon Lai Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) is, in my opinion, practical.

Building a monument can become a symbol of unity, strength and gratitude to those who have sacrificed in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, a painful “peacetime war” of Vietnam and the world. Therefore, this can bring a sense of pride and gratitude to the whole community.

For some families, a memorial can be a place to remember and honor a loved one who has passed away. It can bring a sense of comfort and gratitude to see the contributions of a loved one recognized and honored.

In terms of education, the monument can serve as an educational tool, reminding people of the importance of unity, cooperation and compassion in difficult times, the struggle of an entire nation to overcome the consequences of the pandemic. The monument can create a memorial space for those who have died in the pandemic, and also a place to evoke love and appreciation for human relationships.

PV GROUP recorded

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/bieu-tuong-co-chieu-sau-y-nghia-post821558.html