Agarwood Land Always Remembers Mr. Nam Yersin

For the past 132 years, the people of Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa have always had a deep love for Dr. A. Yersin. During his lifetime, people affectionately called him "Mr. Nam Yersin"; when he passed away, people brought his tablet to the temple to worship. Every year, on the occasion of his birthday and death anniversary, people respectfully organize solemn ceremonies.

Stay with Nha Trang

Doctor A. Yersin was born on September 22, 1863, in the mountainous countryside of Lavaux, in the county of Vaud, Switzerland. During his 80 years of life, he spent 52 years living and attached to the land and people of Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa. He lived a vibrant and meaningful life when dedicating all his talent and intelligence to science and devoting all his love and respect to everyone, especially the poor people in the land of Agarwood. Today, we can see more clearly his stature and contributions to humanity in general and Vietnam in particular. He was the one who discovered the plague bacteria and co-researched and successfully produced a treatment serum; was the one who experimentally planted many types of industrial and medicinal plants in Suoi Dau; discovered the Lang Biang plateau (Lam Dong province), Hon Ba; founded the Pasteur Institute in Nha Trang, Hanoi Medical School (the predecessor of today's Hanoi Medical University)... Doctor A. Yersin possessed all the qualities and achievements of a scientist, explorer and educator .

Portrait of doctor A. Yersin. Photo archive

What is special when learning about Dr. A. Yersin is his feelings for the people of Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa and the feelings of the people here for him. In 1891, Dr. A. Yersin was working on a ship running the newly opened Saigon - Hai Phong maritime route. During the trips from North to South, the ship always stopped in Nha Trang. Every time he came to Nha Trang, he was fascinated by the natural scenery and climate of this land. From then on, he decided to come to Nha Trang to live in a wooden house in Xom Con and open a clinic to treat people...

Through the stories told by those who have met Dr. A. Yersin, we can clearly feel his actions and deeds that show his affection and love for the people and land of Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa. To this day, people still pass on stories about Mr. Nam Yersin during his days living in Xom Con. That is the story of him examining and treating the poor for free; the story of Nha Trang people coming to ask him about the weather before each trip; the story of Xom Con children often coming to his house to watch movies, eat candy... Those simple, affectionate feelings grew stronger each day and he truly considered Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa his hometown. In his will, there is a passage that says: "I want to be buried in Suoi Dau. Bury me face down. Ask Mr. Bui Quang Phuong to keep me in Nha Trang, don't let anyone take me elsewhere...".

Forever grateful

On the occasion of the 160th anniversary of his birth, everyone who loves Dr. A. Yersin has the opportunity to express their admiration and gratitude. This is also the time to mark the 10th anniversary of Dr. A. Yersin being posthumously awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Vietnam by the Prime Minister. The late poet Giang Nam once shared: “Dr. A. Yersin was the first foreigner to choose the poor Xom Con of Nha Trang fishermen to live. He was also the first and only foreigner to be worshiped in a pagoda by the people of Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa after his death and to be recognized as a Historical Celebrity of Vietnam, an Honorary Citizen of Vietnam. All came from Dr. A. Yersin's unconditional love for the land and people of Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa”.

Many people came to offer incense and flowers at the Dr. A. Yersin Monument on the coast of Nha Trang.

Doctor A. Yersin was born in Switzerland, has French nationality but is closely associated with the people of Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa. Generations of people here have continued to express their gratitude in the most practical and sincere way to him. To this day, we are happy that relics related to Doctor A. Yersin such as: Library at Pasteur Institute Nha Trang; relics in Suoi Cat commune (Cam Lam district) including Linh Son Phap An pagoda - which used to be his office, his office on Hon Ba peak and his tomb are still carefully preserved. His name is also solemnly given to schools, streets, parks, hospitals... In addition, there is the Association of People Admiring Doctor A. Yersin with many positive activities, such as: Medical examination, treatment and free medicine for the poor; organizing charity events to share with people in difficult circumstances in life; awarding scholarships to encourage children to overcome difficulties and study well... From there, continue to spread messages of love, spreading the humanitarian and benevolent spirit of doctor A. Yersin to people in the country and internationally.

Although life has gone through many ups and downs, Mr. Nam Yersin's affection still remains in the hearts of the people of Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa. Celebrating the 160th anniversary of Dr. A. Yersin's birth, everyone feels more deeply about his actions and ideals.

Mr. DONG LUONG SON - Chairman of the Association of Admirers of Doctor A. Yersin: We are happy that the works and actions to honor the contributions of Doctor A. Yersin are increasingly practical and effective. From there, his spirit will spread to all classes of people. We hope that the project to build a new A. Yersin Museum will soon be implemented. Along with that, the provincial leaders are interested in taking the necessary steps to soon bring the relic of Doctor A. Yersin's working house on Hon Ba peak back to serve the visiting needs of people and tourists.

FAMILY

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