Sacred memories
Following the administrative reorganization, Ninh Giang commune is a special locality in Hai Phong city, possessing two historical sites associated with President Ho Chi Minh. These are the Ho Chi Minh Monument Complex in Mai Xa village and the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area in An Rac village. Both are significant "red addresses" with profound meaning in educating future generations about revolutionary traditions.
What makes the people of Ninh Giang proud is that each of President Ho Chi Minh's visits was filled with deep affection and thoughtful concern for the lives and production activities of the people.
On July 26, 1962, amidst the urgent flood control efforts, President Ho Chi Minh visited Hiep Luc commune, Ninh Giang district, former Hai Duong province (now Ninh Giang commune, Hai Phong ). At that time, the rice fields were flooded, and farmers were working day and night to save their crops. Undeterred by the difficulties, Uncle Ho went down to the Sao rice fields and personally joined the people in operating water wheels to combat the flooding.
The image of the beloved leader in his simple khaki clothes, blending in with the laborers in the countryside, left an indelible mark on the hearts of the people. Not only did he encourage them through his actions, but he also quoted two famous lines from the Tale of Kieu: “In a hundred years in this human world, only those who successfully combat flooding are truly virtuous.” This simple yet profound advice instilled faith and determination in the local people to overcome difficulties and protect their production.
Three years later, on February 15, 1965, President Ho Chi Minh visited Hong Thai commune, Ninh Giang district, former Hai Duong province (now Ninh Giang commune, Hai Phong). At that time, the locality was a leading example in the irrigation movement throughout the North and received the President's rotating flag. The visit was not only a recognition of the achievements of the cadres and people but also demonstrated the President's special concern for agricultural development and rural construction in the locality.
Ms. Bui Thi Nham, Secretary of the An Rac village Party branch, said that for the people of Ninh Giang, welcoming President Ho Chi Minh twice was a great honor. His footsteps on this land have become sacred memories, preserved and passed down through generations as a precious part of the homeland's history.
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Out of deep respect and affection for President Ho Chi Minh, immediately after his death in 1969, local officials and people built a monument in the An Rac village warehouse yard to commemorate the place where he once visited. In subsequent years, this area continued to be expanded and many more facilities were added.
In 2009, the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area was constructed with an area of nearly 16,000 m². Completed in 2012, the project includes a memorial house, a stele house, a guesthouse, and many other supporting facilities.
In 2024, Ninh Giang district and the former Hai Duong province continued to invest nearly 15 billion VND to repair and upgrade dilapidated facilities, making the complex increasingly spacious and impressive. The Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area, a provincial-level historical site, has become a "red address" for educating future generations about revolutionary traditions.
In Mai Xa village, the monument to President Ho Chi Minh was also built by the people in 1971 to commemorate the historical event of him returning to fight the flood alongside the villagers. In 2016, the monument area was renovated with a total investment of 23 billion VND on an area of over 22,700 m². The majestic statue of President Ho Chi Minh stands in the large square, behind which is a bas-relief vividly depicting him working alongside the people in production.
Over the years, the local authorities have always paid special attention to preserving the memorials to President Ho Chi Minh. In 2024, upon discovering some dilapidated structures at the monument area, the former Ninh Giang district promptly allocated nearly 800 million VND for repairs, ensuring the solemnity of the historical site.
Today, both historical sites are meticulously maintained, boasting lush green spaces, shady trees, and vibrant flowers. Beyond being places of remembrance and worship, they are also familiar destinations for officials, Party members, students, and the general public during major national holidays. Notably, the local authorities have invested in a 4.2 km road connecting the two sites to Provincial Road 396, facilitating visits, traditional education, and the development of historical tourism.
Comrade Bui Thanh Tung, Secretary of the Ninh Giang Commune Party Committee, said: “The Party Committee, the government, and the people of the commune always consider the preservation and restoration of the memorial sites dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh as a sacred responsibility and a heartfelt sentiment towards him. These are both historical works and a bridge to spread the values of Ho Chi Minh's ideology, ethics, and style to present and future generations. His teachings remain a driving force for the local Party Committee and people to unite and strive to build a more prosperous homeland.”
More than half a century has passed, yet the footprints of President Ho Chi Minh on the land of Ninh Giang remain a great source of spiritual strength, becoming an integral part of the local history. The values he left behind are still preserved and promoted by today's generations, becoming a driving force for building a more developed homeland, worthy of his trust and affection.
MINH NGUYENSource: https://baohaiphong.vn/hai-dia-chi-do-luu-dau-chan-bac-o-ninh-giang-544710.html
