Building a memorial to international soldiers: A symbol of gratitude in the heart of the capital city.

General Hoang Xuan Chien, Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Member of the Standing Committee of the Central Military Commission, and Deputy Minister of National Defense, recently inspected the construction site of the memorial to international soldiers at the Vietnam Military History Museum (Hanoi). The project, which honors the sacrifices and assistance of military experts from various countries during Vietnam's resistance wars, is expected to be completed before the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd, 2025.

Attending the inspection were representatives from functional agencies of the Ministry of National Defence ; Defence Attachés and Military Attachés from the following countries: Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, China, and the Russian Federation.

The Ministry of National Defence's online portal, citing a report from the leaders of the Vietnam Military History Museum, stated that the memorial will be built on a 3,000 m2 plot of land within the museum grounds. The exhibits will include: a bronze statue, created by Vietnam, symbolizing the assistance and sacrifice of military experts from various countries; bronze statues honoring military experts from the Soviet Union, China, Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, etc., designed and constructed by each country, or by Vietnam at the request of each nation; and a monolithic blue stone bas-relief, designed and constructed by Vietnam. Surrounding the memorial will be green space and lawns designed to complement the overall aesthetic.

General Hoang Xuan Chien inspects the construction site of the memorial to international soldiers at the Vietnam Military History Museum. (Photo: Ministry of National Defence)

Speaking at the inspection, the Defense Attachés and Military Attachés of Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, China, and the Russian Federation expressed their deep gratitude to Vietnam for its practical actions in showing appreciation for the assistance of the soldiers of these countries in the struggle for national independence.

The delegates agreed with the proposed plan and location for the memorial; they also stated that they would report to the relevant authorities to reach an agreement and coordinate with the Vietnamese side to complete the work as soon as possible.

Concluding the meeting, Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien stated that the plan and construction space for the memorial to international soldiers proposed by the Vietnam Military History Museum received high consensus and agreement from representatives of all relevant parties, and are consistent with the approved plan. He requested that the relevant agencies quickly implement the work.

General Hoang Xuan Chien requested that the Defense Attachés of various countries expedite the process and send their own draft designs (if any) of the statues of their country's soldiers to the Vietnam Military History Museum before June 25th for discussion, evaluation, and final agreement.

General Hoang Xuan Chien instructed relevant agencies to work directly with the consulting and construction units on the implementation plan, requesting completion before July 11th to report to the Minister of National Defense. The Vietnam Military History Museum is to develop a preliminary overall design so that the memorial complex for international soldiers, when completed, will harmonize with the overall space of the Museum, meet technical and aesthetic requirements, and possess both high artistic value and cultural, historical, political , and diplomatic significance. The goal is to complete this meaningful memorial complex before the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/xay-dung-cong-trinh-tuong-niem-chien-si-quoc-te-bieu-tuong-tri-an-trong-long-thu-do-214331.html