Proud of the city named after Uncle Ho

Memories make the city

Saigon in the early 20th century appeared like a multi-colored picture. There existed the luxury of a colonial city, but hidden deep inside the splendid appearance were the miserable lives under the yoke of domination. Nha Rong Port at that time was a bustling gateway for trade, and at the same time witnessed many scenes of separation and suffering of people who lost their country. It was in this context that the young man Nguyen Tat Thanh, with his passionate patriotic heart, soon realized the impotence of the contemporary patriotic movements and determined to find a new way to save the country. On June 5, 1911, on the ship Amiral Latouche Tréville, the young man carrying within him a great ambition for a free Vietnam left Saigon, taking his first steps on the journey to save the country. His decision to leave was not only a major event in a person's life but also a historical turning point, marking a change in Vietnam's national salvation ideology. From this city, a new page of the nation's history opened, a journey full of thorns but shining with the light of independence and freedom.

During the long and arduous revolution, Saigon - Gia Dinh City has constantly promoted the resilient and indomitable tradition of our nation, achieving many outstanding feats. After the country's reunification of the North and the South, on July 2, 1976, the 6th National Assembly decided to change the name of Saigon - Gia Dinh to Ho Chi Minh City. This historical event not only shows deep gratitude for the great contributions of President Ho Chi Minh but also is a source of pride and great motivation for the Party Committee, government and people of the city to continue to follow his example, building the city to be increasingly developed, civilized and modern.

The light of the past illuminates the future

After the country's reunification, Ho Chi Minh City faced countless difficulties: outdated infrastructure, stagnant economy , and many shortages in people's lives. However, with a dynamic, creative spirit and the will to overcome difficulties, the City has gradually risen strongly. In nearly half a century of being named after Uncle Ho, Ho Chi Minh City has made remarkable changes, affirming its position as a leading economic, cultural, scientific and technological center of the country.

In 1986, Vietnam began its Doi Moi process and Ho Chi Minh City was a pioneer in applying market economic policies. By 2015, the average income per capita reached 5,538 USD. From a city with an estimated total economic value of more than 2.5 billion VND, it has now reached more than 957,000 billion VND. The income gap between population groups has decreased from 10 times in 1992 to 6.6 times in 2014. Today, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Statistics Office, in 2024, the city's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) is estimated to grow by about 8.03% compared to 2023, exceeding the set target. The city's economic scale continues to lead the country, accounting for about 24% of the national GDP. Total social investment capital in 2024 is estimated at VND450 trillion, up 12% over the previous year, demonstrating the city's attractive investment environment and strong development potential. The city's export turnover in 2024 is expected to reach about USD50 billion, continuing to affirm its role as an important international trade center.

Currently, Ho Chi Minh City is on the way to becoming a smart, modern city. (Photo: SE)

Ho Chi Minh City is also a major cultural center of the country, where many traditional cultural values ​​are preserved and promoted, while absorbing the quintessence of world culture. Historical relics, ancient architectural works such as Nha Rong Wharf, Independence Palace, City Theater... are not only symbols of the city but also historical witnesses. In addition, the city's cultural and artistic life is extremely vibrant with many rich activities such as traditional festivals, art performances, exhibitions, international cultural events. The city is also the birthplace of many talented artists, writers, and poets, contributing to the development of contemporary Vietnamese culture.

Currently, Ho Chi Minh City is on the way to becoming a smart, modern city. Many key transport infrastructure projects have been and are being implemented, contributing to solving traffic congestion and connecting areas inside and outside the city. Information and communication technology applications are promoted in urban management, providing online public services, improving the efficiency of government operations and the quality of life of the people. New modern urban areas with full amenities are being built, meeting the increasing demand for housing and living space of the people.

Humane city - city of love

However, the core of a city is not only impressive economic figures but also its own identity. Ho Chi Minh City, the city named after Uncle Ho, is younger than many other cities in the country. However, worthy of its sacred name, this place is truly a city rich in identity. That identity comes from a culturally diverse community gathered in a "good land for birds to nest", from the kindness, humanity and affection that the government and people of the City have built over the years.

Since its establishment, the City Government has always focused on social security, job creation, and sustainable poverty reduction. Ho Chi Minh City initiated the "Hunger Eradication and Poverty Reduction" program in February 1992, with the goal of eliminating hungry households by April 30, 1995, basically solving daily food shortages and preventing re-hunger. By the end of 2020, the City had completed the goal of "basically no more poor households according to the City's poverty standards". Now, the City's multidimensional poverty rate has dropped to less than 1% (2024 data). The city's health and education systems are constantly being invested in and improved in quality, meeting the increasing needs of the people. The number of schools at all levels, hospitals, and medical centers is constantly increasing, medical equipment is being modernized, and the team of doctors, nurses, and teachers are professionally trained.

Ho Chi Minh City is also known for its humanitarian activities, demonstrating a profound spirit of "charity". Over the past 20 years, through the "For the Poor" Fund, the City has built more than 30,208 houses and repaired more than 17,327 houses for poor households, near-poor households, and households in difficult circumstances, along with many "fishing rods" to help people escape poverty. In particular, during the COVID-19 outbreak, the City has implemented many activities to support people such as: free rice ATMs, zero-dong supermarkets and stores, charity meals, discounted boarding houses, etc.

Following the example of the great President Ho Chi Minh, the Party Committee, government and people of Ho Chi Minh City always deeply grasp his thoughts on national independence associated with socialism, on the strength of national unity, on the spirit of self-reliance and the aspiration for peace and unity. Proud to bear the name of Uncle Ho, the city constantly innovates, creates, maximizes internal strength, takes advantage of external strength, builds a city with a dynamically developing economy, advanced culture imbued with national identity, a civilized and affectionate society, and the material and spiritual life of the people is increasingly improved.

One thing worth appreciating is that in this young city, not only veterans and the elderly who have experienced many hardships of the times understand the value of peace and freedom, but also young people, the youth of the 9X and 2000 generations now have valuable and appreciable understanding of the history of defending the country and of President Ho Chi Minh's contributions to the country. Many young people in the city consider President Ho as an "idol", a shining example of morality, of the spirit of continuous learning, of patriotism to strive to follow. At the parade held on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of national reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025), among the sea of ​​people coming to watch the ceremony, there were many songs sung from the hearts of young people: "Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh".

From the historic Nha Rong Wharf, where more than a century ago, an outstanding son of the nation left to find a way to save the country, Ho Chi Minh City today has grown into a modern, dynamic, and affectionate city. The memory of Uncle Ho still lives forever in the hearts of every citizen of the city, a source of great spiritual strength, urging the next generations to constantly strive to build the City to be increasingly rich, beautiful, civilized, worthy of the name Ho Chi Minh City - the city named after him, the city of far-reaching aspirations.

Ngoc Mai

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/tu-hao-thanh-pho-mang-ten-bac-post548689.html