For over 20 years, they have quietly maintained this simple act as a way of expressing their reverence for President Ho Chi Minh on the anniversary of his birth.
Just after 8 a.m. on May 19th, the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh Museum (part of the Pleiku Museum) were already crowded with locals and tourists who came to offer incense in remembrance of President Ho Chi Minh on the occasion of the 136th anniversary of his birth (May 19, 1890 - May 19, 2026).
Amidst the crowd, a group of elderly people, over 70 or 80 years old, were brought to the museum by their children and grandchildren. In their hands were birthday cakes, fresh flowers, and incense sticks that had been carefully prepared many days in advance.
The sight of elderly people with gray hair, slow steps, and birthday cakes in their hands attracted much attention. Mr. Nguyen Van De (71 years old, from Hai Phong ) was one of those who arrived early. He has lived in Bien Ho commune for over 40 years and was a member of the youth volunteer force during the resistance war against the US to save the country.
Standing before the statue of President Ho Chi Minh, Mr. De emotionally shared: “We are all elderly, having gone through many difficult periods in the country's history, so we deeply appreciate the value of peace today. To achieve this peaceful life, countless generations have sacrificed their lives and blood. Therefore, President Ho Chi Minh will forever remain in the hearts of the Vietnamese people.”
According to Mr. Đệ, for over 20 years, every May 19th, former youth volunteers from the Bien Ho commune's Gratitude and Remembrance Group gather to offer incense at the martyrs' cemeteries and visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum to lay flowers and offer birthday cakes to President Ho Chi Minh.
"Previously, the group had about 30 members, but many have passed away, and now only 8 members regularly participate in this activity," Mr. De shared.
Every May, the members pool their money to order a birthday cake to offer to Uncle Ho. This simple act embodies the profound gratitude of those who have experienced war and understand the value of independence and freedom.
For former youth volunteers who experienced the bombings, celebrating Uncle Ho's birthday is not only an act of gratitude, but also a way to remind their descendants of the value of peace today.
“In the past, the war was difficult and there were shortages of everything. Today, the country is at peace, and our children and grandchildren have access to education and stable jobs, which is the most precious thing. Therefore, we remember even more the contributions of Uncle Ho and the generations before us,” Mr. De confided.
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi An, Deputy Head of the Exhibition and Communication Department (Pleiku Museum), the image of former youth volunteers bringing birthday cakes to President Ho Chi Minh for many years has become a meaningful and beautiful tradition every May 19th.
"What's precious isn't just the gifts the elderly brought, but also the affection and respect they've shown for President Ho Chi Minh over the years. These images also contribute to spreading traditional values, reminding today's young generation to better understand and appreciate the nation's history," Ms. An shared.
Beside Mr. Đệ, Mrs. Trịnh Thị Vun (84 years old, residing in Biển Hồ commune) slowly walked into the incense offering area, leaning on her cane. In her youth, she served in the Youth Volunteer Force, suffered a leg injury, and was exposed to Agent Orange. Despite her advanced age and difficulty walking, she makes an effort to participate in this special trip every year.
"We are old now, but every year on Uncle Ho's birthday, everyone is excited. Offering incense, flowers, and a birthday cake to him is a great joy," said Mrs. Vun.
Ms. Vun also hopes that today's young generation will learn more about the nation's history to better appreciate peaceful life. "I hope the children will understand more about the sacrifices of their ancestors so they will cherish the peace we have today," she urged.
Witnessing for the first time the image of former Youth Volunteers bringing a birthday cake to President Ho Chi Minh, Nguyen Dinh Khanh Hung (Class 11A3, Pleiku High School) expressed: “I am very moved and understand more about the sacrifices of previous generations. Before, I only learned history through books, but seeing with my own eyes the elderly people regularly organizing birthday celebrations for President Ho Chi Minh for many years, I feel more clearly the affection and gratitude that the previous generation has for him.”
Not only the members of the delegation, but also many people present at the museum on the morning of May 19th paid their respects to the elderly people who had organized celebrations for President Ho Chi Minh's birthday for many years. It was truly precious to see these simple gifts, a few bouquets of fresh flowers, and fragrant incense sticks, containing the deep affection of those who had experienced war, for the beloved father of the nation...
Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/hon-20-nam-mang-banh-sinh-nhat-dang-bac-post587652.html
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