The people of Ca Mau's affection for President Ho Chi Minh

In May, as the whole country commemorated the 136th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth, we visited Chau Thoi commune to see the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Temple. This is not only a National Historical and Cultural Monument but also a symbol of the unwavering loyalty and devotion that the people of the southernmost tip of the country have for their beloved leader.

• Filming at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Temple for the documentary " Ho Chi Minh Cultural Space"
• Gifts were given to those who participated in lighting incense and taking care of the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Temple.
• A solemn ceremony commemorating President Ho Chi Minh's death anniversary was held at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Temple.

The vow under the thatched roof

The story of the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Temple in Chau Thoi commune begins with a tragic moment for the nation. According to Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa (76 years old), who has been involved in protecting the temple since 1972, upon hearing the news of President Ho Chi Minh's death on September 3, 1969, the people of Chau Thoi suppressed their grief to organize a funeral for him. Initially, to have a place of worship, the people temporarily borrowed a thatched house about 200 meters from the current location of the temple.

However, the existence of the memorial house became a "thorn in the side" of the enemy. In early 1971, the enemy raided the area, discovered and set fire to the thatched house. This brutal act did not frighten the people; on the contrary, it further fueled their indignation. The people and soldiers of Chau Thoi united and rose up, surrounding the enemy's forts and destroying the Cau Sap outpost. From this victory, the people dismantled and transported the iron and steel from the enemy outpost to prepare for a bold plan: to build a more solid memorial house.

Mr. Nguyen Van Khoa has been the caretaker of the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Temple in Chau Thoi commune since 1972.

Building the temple dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh amidst fierce warfare was a challenging battle of wits and strength. The plan devised by the Chau Thoi commune Party committee was to "attack the enemy while simultaneously building the temple." Mr. Khoa recalled with emotion: "Previously, when we built it with leaves, the enemy burned it; when we built it with iron, the enemy dismantled it. On the third attempt, we resolutely decided to build the temple successfully."

Construction began on April 25, 1972, with the goal of completing it before President Ho Chi Minh's birthday. Throughout the construction period, the enemy relentlessly attacked, forcing the workers and local people to work through the night under a hail of bombs and bullets. With unwavering determination, at 5 PM on May 19, 1972, the inauguration ceremony of the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Temple was solemnly held to celebrate the President's 82nd birthday. The temple was protected intact by the people and soldiers of Chau Thoi until the complete liberation of South Vietnam.

The wellspring of gratitude flows on through generations.

With the country at peace, the temple continues to be cared for and expanded.

Not only in Chau Thoi, but the devotion to Uncle Ho has spread throughout the southernmost tip of Ca Mau . Temples and shrines dedicated to Uncle Ho have been built in various communes: Tri Phai, Dat Mui, Long Dien, Nguyen Viet Khai, An Xuyen... Despite occasional financial difficulties, the restoration and preservation of these historical sites have always been a priority for the Party Committee and the people of Ca Mau.

The Ho Chi Minh Memorial Temple in Long Dien commune is a provincial-level historical and cultural relic.

Recently, the trend of building memorials to President Ho Chi Minh right at the headquarters of agencies, units, and businesses has become a beautiful cultural feature. This makes it convenient for cadres and Party members to pay respects and remind each other to cultivate revolutionary ethics every day.

The people of Chau Thoi commune voluntarily established two clubs that light incense daily to commemorate the contributions of President Ho Chi Minh.

On April 28, 2026, the province organized delegations to visit and offer incense at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area in An Xuyen ward, on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the South and the reunification of the country (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2026). In a solemn atmosphere, nine bells and gongs rang out, symbolizing the resolute commitment of the Party Committee and people of Ca Mau in continuing to study and follow the thoughts, ethics, and style of President Ho Chi Minh.

The memorials dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh in Ca Mau are significant sites for educating cadres, Party members, and the people about national traditions. (Photo taken at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Area in An Xuyen ward).

Mr. To Thanh Hai, Permanent Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Chau Thoi commune, affirmed: "The temple dedicated to Uncle Ho is a great spiritual anchor. People voluntarily form clubs to light incense and remember Uncle Ho's gratitude for helping the nation escape the yoke of slavery."

Amidst the verdant mangrove forests, rice paddies, and white salt flats, the image of President Ho Chi Minh remains ever-present, illuminating the path to building a more prosperous and civilized Ca Mau homeland.

Nguyen Quoc - Lam Cuong

Source: https://baocamau.vn/tam-long-nguoi-dan-ca-mau-voi-bac-ho-a128596.html