Former Director of the Relic Site Tran Viet Hoan presented a precious artifact about Uncle Ho

Former Director of the President Ho Chi Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace – Dr. Tran Viet Hoan – presented two valuable artifacts associated with the life and career of Uncle Ho, contributing to enriching the archives at the special national relic.

On the afternoon of August 19, 2025, in the atmosphere of celebrating the 80th anniversary of the successful August Revolution (August 19, 1945 - August 19, 2025) and the 80th anniversary of the Cultural Sector's Traditional Day (August 28, 1945 - August 28, 2025), the President Ho Chi Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace held a ceremony to receive two artifacts respectfully presented by Dr. Tran Viet Hoan, former Director of the Relic Site: a Hermes typewriter and a desk clock. These are contemporary artifacts of special value in vividly recreating the life and revolutionary career of President Ho Chi Minh.

Dr. Tran Viet Hoan was born in 1943 in Quynh Phu, Thai Binh (now Hung Yen). He was one of the few people who had the honor of directly serving and protecting President Ho Chi Minh in the last years of his life (1966 - 1969). He was present during many important periods, especially when Uncle Ho fell ill and passed away. After that, he continued to work at the Office of the President and held the position of Director of the President Ho Chi Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace from 1988 to 2004. With more than half a century of dedication, Mr. Hoan has devoted much effort to collecting and preserving original artifacts, considering it a way to extend the source of memories of the beloved leader.

Ms. Le Thi Phuong, Party Secretary and Director of the Relic Site, spoke at the ceremony. (Photo: Ngoc Truong)

The Hermes typewriter is currently displayed on the bottom shelf of the bookshelf in the second floor office of the Stilt House. During his lifetime, Uncle Ho often used it to draft documents, write letters, congratulatory telegrams or condolences to his compatriots and international friends. This was also an item that always accompanied him on his business trips, demonstrating his spirit of hard work and simplicity.

The table clock is currently on display on the first floor of the Stilt House. The clock was purchased at the Ho Bo Supply Store in 1964, 12.5 cm high, 10.5 cm in diameter, with a transparent round glass face and a gold-plated iron case. Every day, the attendant wound the clock to keep it running on time, helping President Ho Chi Minh work scientifically and on time. The clock was with him during the time he lived and worked at the Presidential Palace, especially during meetings with the Politburo or when working with the Party Central Committee comrades. This is also a symbol of the orderly, scientific lifestyle that he maintained until the end of his life.

Both artifacts not only have historical value but are also vivid symbols of President Ho Chi Minh's orderly lifestyle and dedicated working spirit.

The Hermes typewriter, similar to the Hermes Baby typewriter, was often used by Uncle Ho to compose documents. (Photo: Ngoc Truong)

The compact desk clock with gold-plated iron case was a familiar item in Uncle Ho's daily life. (Photo: Ngoc Truong)

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Le Thi Phuong, Party Secretary and Director of the Relic Site emphasized: "President Ho Chi Minh has been gone for nearly 56 years, the special relationship between the special relic site about Uncle Ho at the Presidential Palace and generations of witnesses who served by his side is still continuing. Today, we received 2 sets of artifacts at the same time from Mr. Tran Viet Hoan.

The reception ceremony is not only a professional activity but also an emotional meeting, connecting the past with the present, and adding a precious memory of the great leader of the nation."

Ms. Le Thi Phuong, Party Secretary and Director of the Relic Site, received artifacts from Dr. Tran Viet Hoan. (Photo: Ngoc Truong)

The reception of two artifacts from Mr. Tran Viet Hoan not only enriches the archives, but also carries a sacred meaning, demonstrating the loyal and steadfast affection of a person who had the honor of serving Uncle Ho closely. This is also a profound reminder of the responsibility of each cadre of the Relic Site today in preserving and promoting the value of the priceless heritage at the place where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked for the last 11 years of his life.

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Officials of the President Ho Chi Minh Relic Site took a souvenir photo with Dr. Tran Viet Hoan. (Photo: Ngoc Truong)

After more than 55 years of operation, the President Ho Chi Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace currently preserves more than 1,700 original documents and artifacts. The collection, preservation and display work has always been promoted, contributing to spreading the values of Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality and style to the masses and international friends./.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/nguyen-giam-doc-khu-di-tich-tran-viet-hoan-trao-tang-hien-vat-quy-ve-bac-ho-2025081919142199.htm