History of our country: Lessons of patriotism from simple verses

With its new, visually appealing and vivid illustrations, the book "History of Our Country," published and distributed by the National Political Publishing House, promises to become a close companion for readers, especially children, on their journey to learn about history and nurture love and pride in their national history.

With just 208 simple lục bát (six-eight syllable) verses by President Ho Chi Minh , the book "History of Our Country" recreates the thousand-year journey of nation-building and national defense of the Vietnamese people in a relatable and emotionally rich narrative.

Vietnamese history is an endless stream of patriotism, the will for independence, and the aspiration for freedom. Throughout thousands of years of nation-building and defense, countless generations of our ancestors have written glorious pages of history with their wisdom, courage, and immense sacrifices.

Entering the 20th century, under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, our nation waged two great struggles against two superpowers to protect national independence, unify the country, and usher the nation into a new era - the era of national independence linked with socialism.

During those arduous and glorious years of struggle, President Ho Chi Minh instilled the historical currents of the nation deeply into every citizen by educating them in patriotism, solidarity, and fostering a sense of national independence. He instructed:

"Our people must know our history."

"Let's build a wall to commemorate the origins of our Vietnamese nation."

In late 1941, while operating in the Cao Bang base area, President Ho Chi Minh wrote "The History of Our Country." What is remarkable is that he did not choose prose but instead used lục bát poetry – a traditional poetic form close to folk life.

Using simple language and an easy-to-remember rhythm, the work summarizes the historical process of the nation from its founding to the mid-20th century. The dynasties, national heroes, and struggles against foreign invaders are recounted concisely yet emotionally, making history accessible to all segments of the population.

A highlight of the new edition is the addition of illustrations. The poems, accompanied by vivid images, allow readers not only to "read" but also to "see" history.

Despite its short length, the History of Our Country reflects President Ho Chi Minh's profound historical perspective and strong belief in the nation's future. Particularly, in the final chronological section, he predicted that Vietnam would achieve independence in 1945 – a testament to his strategic thinking and unwavering faith in the victory of the revolution.

A highlight of this new edition, which makes the work even more vibrant, is the addition of illustrations. The poems accompanied by vivid images allow readers to not only "read" but also "see" history. The illustrations are designed to be child-friendly, allowing children to color and interact with the book's content.

This approach transforms history learning from a passive reception into an exciting discovery experience, fostering imagination and a passion for learning about national history from a young age.

More than eight decades have passed, yet the work "History of Our Country" still retains its ideological, historical, and educational value. The book serves as a reminder of our origins, a lesson in patriotism, and a crystallization of great ideas in a simple yet profound form of expression.

In the current context, as the country enters a new era – an era of national resurgence – the teachings and guidance of President Ho Chi Minh remain a guiding light, inspiring pride in our ancestral traditions, a sense of responsibility to the nation, and a desire to contribute to Vietnam's future.

VAN TOAN

Source: https://nhandan.vn/lich-su-nuoc-ta-bai-hoc-yeu-nuoc-tu-nhung-van-tho-gian-di-post962762.html