A gentle, profound reminder.
Even after many years have passed, the mere mention of the COVID-19 pandemic still tugs at the heartstrings of many city dwellers. Those were the days when the city was engulfed in an unprecedented "storm of the pandemic": deserted streets; barricades blocking the way; the wailing of ambulance sirens echoing in the silent emptiness... Many children suddenly became orphans overnight. Numerous families lost loved ones without even having the chance to say goodbye.
Over 23,000 people have left the embrace of their families, loved ones, and communities in silence and tears. Therefore, when the Ho Chi Minh City Party Secretary Tran Luu Quang announced the plan to build a park and memorial for COVID-19 victims on that land, it deeply moved many people – it was a testament to the city's care and gratitude towards its fallen compatriots and soldiers.
For over four years, Nguyen Quoc Thai (residing on Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Street, formerly Binh Thanh District) has been a single father raising his children, and he still cannot forget the last days of his wife, who had selflessly supported those in need: distributing gifts, food, and encouraging people to get vaccinated against COVID-19…
“Recalling the past brings tears to everyone's eyes, but in her later years, my wife accomplished many meaningful things, helping many people… Now, building this memorial has great significance, not only for the past, for the tens of thousands who have passed away, but also to remind the living of their responsibility and duty to the community…,” Mr. Thai shared.
The COVID-19 pandemic also caused Ms. Le Thi Phuong, a resident of Vinh Hoi ward, to lose three family members in just three days.
According to Ms. Phuong, the city's plan to build a park and memorial for COVID-19 victims has touched the hearts of many. This is not just an architectural project, but also a gentle and profound reminder that: We have all experienced immense losses, so we should cherish the life we have today.
Although the building's form is not yet clear, Mr. Thai, Ms. Phuong, and many others believe that this meaningful structure will become a place of love and aspiration for life.
Remembering helps us live better each day.
When asked about the city's plan to build a park and memorial, Mr. Le Quoc Duy, a resident of Binh Hung commune, Ho Chi Minh City, said that this is a very meaningful undertaking and he believes that people nationwide will support it. A park, a memorial, not only to remember the past and those who have passed away, but also to honor human compassion during the pandemic.
“At that time, even though the front lines were extremely fierce, those in the rear always wholeheartedly supported the front lines. This shows that in times of hardship and difficulty, compassion and solidarity are paramount; that is the spirit of the Vietnamese people of yesterday, today, and tomorrow…,” Duy shared.
Throughout the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Le Thi Bich Hanh, former Chairwoman of the District 5 Labor Union, was always active on many streets and alleys; always remembering the stories of "3 on-site, 2 destinations, 1 route" to ensure the safety of workers. “The city was deserted at that time, and there were many cases where workers' families couldn't see their loved ones at home, and even cases of children accompanying their parents to quarantine camps… it was heartbreaking. Those were unforgettable days,” Ms. Hanh shared.
According to Ms. Hanh, the pandemic is over, but the lessons about humanity and the city's resilient spirit remain invaluable. "Commemoration isn't about adding to sadness, but about remembering that we need to live more kindly each day. It will be a space, a destination for love, aspirations for life, and the willpower of the Vietnamese people in the most severe challenges," Ms. Hanh expressed.
Given its profound humanistic significance, many believe the monument should be planned as an open space with abundant greenery and harmonious landscaping, where people can come to heal and alleviate their grief. The monument is not only for the deceased, but also for those who remain, reminding each person to live better lives for their families and communities.
Mrs. Than Ngoc Huong, the wife of Dr. Trinh Huu Nhan, who passed away during the fight against the pandemic, wished for the project to be designed simply but with rich symbolic meaning. "There's no need for ostentation, just something that touches the hearts of every citizen of the city, so they can see in it the image of their loved ones, those who silently sacrificed themselves and contributed to the peace we have today," Mrs. Huong said.
Dr. Vo Kim Cuong, former Deputy Chief Architect of Ho Chi Minh City, stated that the memorial should be integrated with functional elements such as: a green space symbolizing rebirth; an exhibition area for documents and images about the pandemic; a place for annual commemorative events; and connections with community activities to educate the younger generation about the compassionate spirit of the city's people. This is not only a place of memory but also of the future. Looking back helps us appreciate life today and understand our responsibility to the community tomorrow.
It can be said that a memorial space deserves to become a "spiritual sanctuary," a place where the city bows in remembrance and also reminds each person to cherish the life they have. Remembering is not about perpetual grief, but about learning to love more deeply and living better each day.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/xa-hoi/dia-chi-cua-tinh-yeu-thuong-va-khat-vong-song-20251104154824820.htm
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