Covid-19 Victims Memorial: The City's Deep Gratitude

According to Dr. Huynh Van Sinh, using land plot No. 1, Ly Thai To Street (Vuon Lai Ward) to build a park combined with a memorial for Covid-19 victims is a humane policy, not only to commemorate the deceased but also to remind the community of the spirit of solidarity and responsibility in disease prevention.

Memorial to Covid-19 victims: Preserving memories, honoring cultural values

Dr. Huynh Van Sinh, lecturer of the Faculty of Basic Theory - Ho Chi Minh City Academy of Officials, commented that the Covid-19 pandemic is an unprecedented tragedy in the history of Ho Chi Minh City, deeply affecting families, society, the social security system and leaving many shortcomings that need to be recognized. He said that building a memorial for Covid-19 victims is a practical action, expressing deep gratitude for the city's losses, while creating a cultural space connecting the past, present and future. "I think the majority of people will agree with this policy. No matter which location is chosen, the most important thing is still a sincere heart and a spirit of gratitude - a typical cultural feature of the Vietnamese people," he emphasized.

The current status of the land has many ancient villas. According to Dr. Huynh Van Sinh, these villas should be preserved as a cultural destination.

Photo: NHAT THINH

At the same time, Dr. Huynh Van Sinh noted that remembering the deceased is not only an individual gesture but also a responsibility to future generations, so that descendants understand that they must always be on guard and vigilant against the epidemic, not letting the tragedy happen again. According to him, the memorial should have a dialectical meaning, both remembering the loss and reminding people to live responsibly and in solidarity. "This is not only a memorial but also a spiritual symbol of the people of Ho Chi Minh City: solidarity, sharing in times of trouble, helping each other overcome difficulties. Rice ATMs, mask ATMs... during the pandemic are living proof of this spirit."

It should also be added that the land reserved for the memorial still preserves many ancient villas bearing the mark of Western architecture. From the perspective of a researcher of culture and history of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City, Dr. Huynh Van Sinh believes that these works should be kept in their original state, restored and honored for their architectural value, to become living historical witnesses, in harmony with the overall space of the memorial.

"Currently, Ho Chi Minh City has few intact ancient architectural spaces. Preservation will create a cultural, historical and spiritual whole, both ancient and connected with modernity. In Taiwan, historical buildings are preserved in their original state, combining green spaces and modern architecture, becoming cultural highlights, historical education , while creating a sense of closeness and respect. We should also learn and apply this spirit," Mr. Sinh shared.

The image of "fire" symbolizes compassion

Regarding the design idea, Dr. Huynh Van Sinh suggested building a monument with the image of a "fire", symbolizing the compassion and love of the people for the deceased. "That fire not only honors the deceased but also reminds the living of their responsibility and belief in overcoming all difficulties. It is a living symbol, connecting the living with the deceased, between the past, present and future," the expert analyzed.

Regarding the design language, he said: "The memorial should be rustic and authentic, reflecting the spirit of solidarity, love and affection of the people of Ho Chi Minh City. From this tragedy, we look to the future with faith and steadfastly overcome challenges. The project is not only a place of commemoration but also a cultural space where people and visitors can contemplate, reflect and learn."

Looking back at the past, the sorrows caused by the pandemic, Dr. Huynh Van Sinh said that the Covid-19 pandemic has left behind profound losses. Building the memorial is an act of gratitude, and at the same time a lesson of vigilance for the whole society. "The memorial will remind our descendants of the fragility of life and the value of solidarity and sharing. We do not forget the pain, but from there we rise up, maintain faith and responsibility to the community."

The Covid-19 Victims Memorial in Ho Chi Minh City will be a symbol of history, culture and community spirit, conveying a message of gratitude, awareness of disease prevention and solidarity to overcome difficulties - the vital values ​​of the city in any circumstances. Through that, Ho Chi Minh City not only remembers the painful past but also sends hope, faith and spirit to future generations, affirming a city that always knows how to respect, unite and share.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dai-tuong-niem-nan-nhan-covid-19-long-tri-an-sau-sac-cua-thanh-pho-185251115200245964.htm