The plane carrying Uncle Ho – a historical mark in the exhibition of National Achievements

Amidst the vast and colorful space of the National Achievements Exhibition, where thousands of valuable artifacts and documents about the glorious journey of the nation converge, the IL-14 aircraft with registration number VN-C482 stands tall as a special "historical witness".

It is not only an artifact that reminds us of a heroic period, but also a sacred symbol associated with the image of Uncle Ho during important working trips for the cause of national liberation and unification.

The plane carrying Uncle Ho – a historical mark in the exhibition of national achievements - photo 2 — People lined up neatly to visit and take pictures with the IL-14 plane that once carried President Ho Chi Minh. Photo: Nguyen Linh

This aircraft was provided by the Soviet Government to President Ho Chi Minh in early 1957. It was one of five IL-14s that Vietnam received when the civil aviation industry was still in its infancy.

Since then, VN-C482 became the means of transporting Uncle Ho and senior leaders on business trips across the country, overcoming bombs and bullets during the fierce war years.

After completing its historic mission and stopping flying in 1981, the IL-14 was preserved at the Vietnam Aviation Museum.

This time, with the coordination of the Civil Aviation Authority, the aircraft was moved to the Vietnam Exhibition Center (Dong Anh, Hanoi ) for display from August 28 to September 15, 2025, giving the public a rare opportunity to see it in person.

The plane carrying Uncle Ho – a historical mark in the exhibition of national achievements - photo 3 — The IL-14 aircraft has a maximum speed of 415 km/h, an operating altitude of 6,500 m, and a range of 1,700 km. Photo: Nguyen Linh

In front of the time-worn aircraft cabin, the eyes of veteran Bui Xuan Tinh from Nghe An lit up with emotion.

He slowly said: “Back then, we only heard that Uncle Ho went on business trips by plane, but we never saw him with our own eyes. Now standing in front of the plane that was once associated with him, I feel as if I am seeing a part of my memory again. For us soldiers, Uncle Ho is always a great source of encouragement, to overcome all hardships and sacrifice for the Fatherland.”

Not only those who experienced the war, but also the young generation and people today feel proud when standing in front of this artifact.

Ms. Nguyen Diem Huong, a resident from Thanh Hoa who came to Hanoi to visit, emotionally shared: “I brought my child along so that he could see the plane that carried Uncle Ho with his own eyes. The history lessons that we often hear in class are now right before our eyes, so close and sacred. This is not only a tour but also a vivid lesson about national traditions.”

The plane carrying Uncle Ho – a historical mark in the exhibition of national achievements - photo 4 — After being retired in 1981, the IL-14 was preserved at the Vietnam Aviation Museum before being put on display. Photo: Nguyen Linh

The image of people lining up neatly to visit, take pictures, and listen to explanations about the IL-14 further shows the special attraction of this historical artifact.

The artifacts not only remind us of a difficult period, but also arouse the pride, solidarity and aspiration of the nation to rise up in a new journey.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/may-bay-cho-bac-ho-dau-an-lich-su-giua-trien-lam-thanh-tuu-dat-nuoc-165752.html