Only nameplate left

Signboard designating the Dan Chung Newspaper Headquarters as a national historical monument.

Recently, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, in coordination with the People's Committee of Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, unveiled a plaque designating the Dan Chung Newspaper Headquarters, located at 43 Le Thi Hong Gam Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, as a national historical monument.

Following the historical trajectory of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism, in 1938, the editorial office of Dan Chung Newspaper was established at 43 Hamelin Street (now Le Thi Hong Gam Street, District 1), and later moved to 51E Colonel Grimaud Street (now Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1). On November 16, 1988, the Dan Chung Newspaper headquarters was recognized as a National Historical Monument in Ho Chi Minh City by the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism).

Despite bearing the status of a nationally ranked historical site, in reality, only a single informational plaque remains. The address at 43 Le Thi Hong Gam Street has been privately owned since 1991. This national historical site, now a six-story office building, is bustling with daily activity. Few pay attention to the small, old plaque on the side of the building, a reminder of the place that once housed one of the most prominent newspapers, leaving a mark on the history of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism. And now, the only thing that has changed is a newer plaque.

Due to historical circumstances, wars, and divisions, many historical and cultural sites have inevitably suffered damage. However, the fact that only two plaques remain of a national-level historical site is heartbreaking for the community. The old building is gone, but if the plaque included images (documentary photographs or paintings) of the former headquarters of the Dan Chung Newspaper, or the covers of some representative newspapers, it would surely evoke nostalgia. The updated QR code on the new sign also fails to compensate for this shortcoming. When scanning the code, those seeking information can only view a blurry and illegible photograph of the site's ranking, with no additional information, simulated images, or recreations to aid their understanding.

Preserving heritage is an important part of our nation's history and culture. But the crucial thing is to ensure that heritage truly lives on within the community and society. Even a national monument, in reality, may only have a signboard left. We can still supplement it with detailed and clear information, both in reality and through digital space, so that present and future generations can fully and correctly understand the values of our glorious past.

LIBRA

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/chi-con-bang-ten-post800591.html