COVID-19 Memorial: A Space to Reflect and Be Grateful

Every city has social memories associated with major events. For Ho Chi Minh City, the COVID-19 pandemic is an indelible milestone.

The COVID-19 Victims Memorial is expected to be located at plot No. 1 Ly Thai To Street, Vuon Lai Ward, Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: PHUONG NHI

It is not only a story of loss and separation but also a measure of humanity and vitality in challenging times. As the city has revived, many people still wish to have a place to remember and pay their respects.

A memorial site for COVID-19 victims is not only a recognition of the past but also a humane declaration of Ho Chi Minh City - a city that always knows how to stand up with love and community responsibility.

The land at No. 1 Ly Thai To is located in the center, adjacent to major roads, with many advantages in terms of green space, connectivity and symbolic value.

This location can become a "quiet spot" in the middle of the city, where people can stop, contemplate and express their gratitude.

Amidst the fast pace of life, Ho Chi Minh City needs public spaces with spiritual meaning - places where people come not only to have fun but also to listen to the beat of memories, to understand that from loss, we learn to cherish life.

A memorial does not have to be grand but it must touch people’s emotions. The approach should be minimalist, artistic, in harmony with nature, where every detail can tell a story. The spatial structure can be divided into three parts.

The Memory Zone is a silent square with stone walls engraved with the names of victims or symbolic representations of gratitude to frontline forces, possibly combined with abstract sculptures.

The gratitude area is a space where images, documents, sounds, letters, and memorabilia of people and frontline forces are kept.

The revival zone is a garden, water, and light - symbols of rebirth and faith in the future. Where light and shadow, materials and space, trees and water will speak for themselves, helping people reconnect with their inner emotions.

If planned properly, this memorial site could become a cultural park - a place where memories and community life intersect. During the day, it would be a space for strolling, reading, and meeting; at night, it would be a place of artistic lighting, peaceful and solemn.

It is not only a place to remember the deceased but also a place to teach the living to love.

This project can also integrate public art activities, photo exhibitions, educational programs on compassion and sharing spirit, helping to preserve memories in many vivid and close forms.

After loss, the most important thing is not to forget but to find a way to remember beautifully.

The COVID-19 Memorial Space, once completed, will be a place of compassion, a pause in the vibrant music of the city. From then on, Ho Chi Minh City will not only be known as a dynamic economic center but also a city that knows gratitude, knows how to listen and knows how to revive.

A strong city is not one that never falls, but one that always stands up with a kind heart.

And perhaps, a simple, delicate but loving memorial is the deepest gratitude that Ho Chi Minh City can send to those who have passed and to the future that is being revived every day.

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HO TAN DUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dai-tuong-niem-nan-nhan-covid-19-khong-gian-de-lang-lai-va-biet-on-20251112081701502.htm