A particularly significant "red address" in Cau Ha village.

QTO - For decades, the house of Mr. Hoang Chien Sy in Cau Ha village, Nam Hai Lang commune, has become a special place. In his small house, Mr. Sy dedicates the most prominent space to setting up an altar to President Ho Chi Minh and building a mini "traditional room," where he preserves valuable documents and images about the nation's history for future generations.

Mr. Sy was a soldier in the 304th Division, 2nd Corps. After years of fighting in Cambodia and participating in repelling the invaders on the northern border in 1979, he returned to his hometown, serving as the village militia leader and then the Party branch secretary until his retirement. Returning to civilian life, Mr. Sy maintained a simple, hardworking lifestyle and always used President Ho Chi Minh's moral teachings as a guiding principle for all his actions.

His deep respect and love for the national leader is expressed in a solemn worship space within his small home. Speaking about his aspiration to establish a worship space for President Ho Chi Minh in his family, Mr. Sy emotionally shared: “For me, this is an act stemming from my reverence and my lifelong wish to learn from and follow the example of Uncle Ho. As a veteran, I always remind myself to uphold the qualities of a soldier, the responsibilities of a Party member, and I desire to have a truly solemn place of worship for Him right in my own home.”

The altar is arranged very solemnly: In the center is a tall statue of President Ho Chi Minh, behind which is the national flag. On either side are portraits of leaders he respects, such as General Secretary Le Duan and General Vo Nguyen Giap. Notably, the corner dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh preserves images and stories about his life and career. Many of his poems and teachings are also copied, framed, and carefully displayed on the wall.

Mr. Hoang Chien Sy stands beside the historical documentary photographs that he has painstakingly collected and preserved over many decades - Photo: TT

With the aspiration to preserve the flame of tradition for future generations, Mr. Sy has devoted much effort to building the revolutionary tradition room – studying and following the thoughts, ethics, and style of Ho Chi Minh. Here, he has collected and systematized war documentary photographs into vivid stories throughout the nation's history. From the fervent atmosphere of the Dien Bien Phu victory, "renowned throughout the world," to the great victory of Spring 1975, all have been meticulously collected, preserved, and systematically arranged by him. For him, each photograph is not only a page of history but also a witness to a time of war and fire.

With his thorough understanding of history, Mr. Sy becomes a special "storyteller" for every group of visitors or students who come to see him. Through the eloquent and moving voice of someone who has experienced the fires of war, the major battles and pivotal moments that changed the nation's destiny suddenly become more relatable and easier to understand than ever before.

His dedication has transformed his home into a practical learning and visiting space for local students. Teacher Hoang Minh Quoc, Principal of Hai Tan Primary and Secondary School in Nam Hai Lang commune, shared: “Mr. Sy’s model of a revolutionary tradition room is a very practical experience. Instead of just listening to theory in class, the students get to see images and documents firsthand and hear him recount vivid stories of the battles. The traditional education approach from a veteran like him has a great impact, helping students understand the history of their homeland more deeply.”

Driven by his passion for bonsai, Mr. Sy doesn't create elaborate, dragon-and-phoenix-like designs; instead, each miniature landscape evokes historical significance. Most impressive are the rock garden modeled after the Mai Quoc Ca Memorial on the Thach Han River and the miniature Hien Luong Bridge. He meticulously recreates these symbols of a time of division and sacrifice, as a tribute to his fallen comrades.

To his comrades, fellow veterans, and neighbors, Mr. Sy is not only an exemplary member of the veterans' association but also a shining example of morality. Pham Nhu Thanh, Chairman of the Veterans' Association of Nam Hai Lang commune, highly praised Mr. Sy's voluntary act of setting up an altar to President Ho Chi Minh and collecting historical documents: “Mr. Sy's actions show that the character and heart of a soldier of Uncle Ho remain intact even after leaving the army. This is a prime example of learning from and following President Ho Chi Minh's example, making an important contribution to preserving revolutionary traditions for the younger generation.”

At over 70 years old, the old veteran's daily joy is caring for the shrine dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, tending to the plants, and welcoming visitors to reminisce about a time of hardship but also pride. Mr. Sy always believes that keeping the flame of tradition alive for himself is not enough; he must pass it on to the younger generation, so that they will appreciate the value of peace and love the heroic land of Quang Tri even more.

Ms. Truc

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202603/dia-chi-do-dac-biet-o-thon-cau-ha-8ae4275/