Top 10 Heartwarming Stories of Uncle Ho's Love for Children

In early 1967, Uncle Ho visited Thai Binh province. The children of the Dân Chủ village greeted him by singing the song 'Liberate the South.' Uncle Ho asked:

- Are you children well-behaved?

- Yes, we are! they all replied.

- Do you obey your parents?

- Yes, we do!

- Do you keep yourselves clean?

- Yes, we do!

- Let me see your hands.

The children extended their little hands towards him. Uncle Ho nodded in satisfaction as he saw the changes in the lives of the rural children, reflecting the progress of their communities.

These children were indeed clean and well-behaved. Uncle Ho gave them some candy and continued on his way.

Recalling the early days after the revolution's success, Uncle Ho would always delight in the sound of the cheerful drumbeats and watch the little children marching with an air of seriousness, yet still carrying a youthful innocence.

Sometimes, from his office on the upper floors of the Bắc Bộ Palace, Uncle Ho would stand behind someone to watch the children without them noticing, allowing him to observe them freely. During those joyful times, the children wore blue trousers, white shirts, and calo hats. Uncle Ho would watch them for a long time, lost in thought.

In the evenings, while working, if the sound of a child's voice singing reached him, Uncle Ho would signal for everyone to stop and listen. Then, he would ask:

- Guess how old this child is?

- She's five, Bác.

- I think she’s younger than that.

- When I asked the colleagues at the radio station, I found that Bác was usually right. It’s not hard to understand, because Bác listens very attentively. And surely, while listening, he imagines the little girl or boy singing!

But I still didn’t understand why Bác would leave the radio on while working. Once I asked if I should turn it off, and Bác thought for a moment before saying:

- Leave it on, please. It’s nice to have a human voice. Even if at home the baby cries or the wife gets upset, even with harsh words, it’s all part of the warmth of family...

One memorable event at Uncle Ho's residence in the Presidential Palace truly reflected his special care for the children. From June 22 to July 11, 1961, the space was transformed into an exhibition room titled 'Children with Uncle Ho’s 5 Teachings.' During these 20 days, nearly 100,000 children visited the exhibition and enjoyed themselves during the summer break. On July 11, 1961, Uncle Ho and Uncle Ton attended the closing ceremony and spoke with 2,000 children.

The staff who served Uncle Ho recalled the vibrant atmosphere during the summer of 1961, when the exhibition 'Follow Uncle Ho’s 5 Teachings' was held at the Presidential Palace’s guest house.

The exhibition was set up in the grand living room of the house. Many children, some visiting for the first time, were delighted and curiously touched everything, playing on the house and lawn.

The air was filled with laughter and singing, making it a real celebration. Some of the staff were concerned that the loudspeakers might disturb the surrounding offices, so they suggested reducing the volume. However, Uncle Ho insisted:

- The exhibition for the children must have the loudspeakers, so it’s more joyful.

Uncle Ho also reminded that there should be plenty of ice cream, syrups, drinks, and candies to serve the children.

Occasionally, when resting, Uncle Ho would check on the children at play. One day, he saw a room filled with benches and asked what they were for. The staff explained:

- They’re for the children to rest on, Bác.

Uncle Ho then remarked:

- Why not have beds for the children instead of just benches?

The very next day, the exhibition staff contacted the Ministry of Health, and the benches were replaced with lovely little beds for the children.

That’s the kind of care Uncle Ho showed. Even the smallest guests were treated with the utmost respect and attention.

In December 1968, a group of young Southern heroes studying in the Tả Ngạn area were unexpectedly picked up by car to visit Hanoi. Luyện, Thu, Nết, Phổ, Mên, and Hòa were puzzled about what was happening. They arrived in the capital and the next day, they were taken to the Presidential Palace, where they learned they were to meet with Uncle Ho.

As soon as they stepped off the car, they saw Uncle Ho and Uncle Ton sitting on a long bench outside the house. The young heroes rushed over to greet them.

The two Uncles and the children chatted warmly. After a while, Uncle Ho said:

- Come, children, let’s have a meal together.

The meal wasn’t extravagant, but it was heartwarming. The young heroes sat down to eat with Uncle Ho and Uncle Ton. Nết, the smallest in the group, whose head barely reached the table, was served food by Uncle Ho himself.

As they ate, they continued their cheerful conversation. After the meal, the two Uncles gave each child a rose, an apple, a pear, and three books titled “Good People, Good Deeds.”

Uncle Ho then said:

- Come here, children, give us a kiss before you go.

After the children kissed them goodbye, Uncle Ho kindly reminded them:

- When you return to school, make sure to study hard.

The children were deeply moved. At that moment, Văn Luyện found the courage to speak up:

- Uncle, we thought you called us back for something important.

Uncle Ho smiled kindly and replied:

- We just missed you children, so we called you back to talk and hear how you were doing.

Hearing this, Luyện and the others were moved to tears. Despite their age and countless responsibilities, the two Uncles still remembered the young heroes from the South. Luyện thought to himself:

“Even though we are in the North, Uncle Ho and Uncle Ton still care for and think about us so much!”

“Who loves Uncle Ho Chi Minh more than the youth and children? Who loves Uncle Ho Chi Minh more than the children of Vietnam?”

This was the song sung by the students of the Vietnam Music School (now the Hanoi Conservatory of Music) on June 1, 1969. It was a special occasion as the children had the honor of performing in front of Uncle Ho, showcasing their academic achievements for the last time before his passing.

Despite his frail health, Uncle Ho was delighted to see the children skillfully play the violin and piano. They also performed traditional Vietnamese instruments like the sáo, nhị, and bầu with great enthusiasm. He affectionately called them “little artists” and “future artists,” and asked:

- You must study well to serve the people in the future.

He embraced each child warmly and asked about their lives:

- What instrument do you play?

- What do your parents do?

When the children introduced the đàn thập lục (16-string zither) and đàn tam thập lục (36-string zither), Uncle Ho smiled and said:

- We have our own names. Why don’t you call these instruments the 16-string zither and 36-string zither? Doesn’t that sound better?

From that day on, these instruments were given names in simple, traditional Vietnamese, as Uncle Ho suggested. Every time the children played, they remembered him.

After each performance, Uncle Ho clapped enthusiastically and said:

- Clap louder to cheer for your fellow musicians!

When handing out candy, he said:

- Give this child an extra one because they’re the youngest.

Children from both urban and rural areas, the children of workers, farmers, and ethnic minorities from both the North and South, gathered to play music around Uncle Ho.

In 1946, Uncle Ho traveled to France for negotiations with the French government on matters concerning the destiny of Vietnam. The Mayor of Paris hosted a grand reception in his honor. As he was leaving, Uncle Ho picked up an apple from the table and placed it in his pocket, which puzzled and intrigued the onlookers.

At the door, Uncle Ho noticed a large crowd of Vietnamese expatriates and French citizens gathered to welcome him. Among them, he spotted a mother holding her baby. He walked over, gently took the child into his arms, and then pulled the apple from his pocket, handing it to the baby. The mother and everyone nearby were deeply touched by Uncle Ho's tenderness and love for children.

The next day, the story of “Uncle Ho’s Apple” made headlines in French newspapers. The articles described how the little girl clutched the apple tightly, refusing to let anyone else have it. When she got home, she placed the apple on her desk. Her parents urged her to eat it before it spoiled, but she refused, saying, “This is the apple Uncle Ho gave me, and I will keep it as a memento for a long time.”

Commentary:

Uncle Ho’s love for children was not limited to those in Vietnam, but extended to children across the globe. In return, children from all corners of the world held a deep affection for him as well.

During his visit to the Kim Dong Orphanage, Uncle Ho noticed that the entrance was surrounded by barbed wire, which gave it an unpleasant, prison-like appearance. Gently, he spoke to the staff in charge, but his words were full of meaning.

"This is a place where we care for orphaned children. Why are there barbed wires here, like a prison?" he asked.

The staff member responded, "This is the infrastructure left by the old regime, Comrade."

Uncle Ho disagreed immediately. "You must remove these barbed wires. The old regime confined these children here, but we are here to nurture and teach them for their future," he said. He visited the children’s living, dining, and study rooms, praising the neatness and cleanliness, but also asking if there were any difficulties.

The staff answered, "The children’s living space is still cramped, Comrade."

Uncle Ho smiled softly. "That’s only part of the issue. The most important thing for orphaned children is to compensate for their loss of love. If they’ve lost their parents, the staff here must become their fathers and mothers. You must nurture, teach, and care for them with all your hearts, as parents do for their children."

He continued, noticing that the orphanage still had the feel of a "military camp" and lacked the warmth of a family. "Teaching discipline is necessary, but don’t make them lose their innocence, joy, and comfort. Don’t turn them into 'little old men.' You must make them feel that Kim Dong Orphanage is their home, a place where they are happy. If you can do that, why do you need barbed wire and strict security?" he said.

Uncle Ho then asked, "Are there still many children struggling?"

The staff replied, "Yes, Comrade."

"How many?" Uncle Ho asked.

The staff, a little uncertain, couldn’t answer. Uncle Ho immediately pointed out, "You must know each child’s situation. Only then can you teach them properly." He turned to the head of the orphanage, "Let me meet the weakest child here."

A boy named Quoc stood in front of him, his hands folded in front of his chest. Uncle Ho bent down and gently stroked his hair. He asked, "What’s your name?"

"My name is Quoc Lui, Comrade," the boy replied. Uncle Ho looked at him, puzzled, and asked, "Who gave you that name?"

"The other children call me that, Comrade," Quoc said.

"Why do they call you Quoc Lui?" Uncle Ho asked.

"Because... I often run away from the orphanage. I sneak out through the fence and hide in the streets," Quoc explained.

"Why don’t you stay inside the orphanage?" Uncle Ho asked.

"Because it’s very hard here, Comrade," Quoc replied.

"How is it hard?" Uncle Ho asked.

"We’re restricted in many ways, Comrade," Quoc said, his voice breaking. Tears welled up in his eyes, but he couldn’t find the words to explain further.

Uncle Ho understood the pain in his heart, even though Quoc couldn’t articulate it. He gently advised, "From now on, try to leave behind the name ‘Lui’ and keep the name ‘Quoc.’" Quoc’s tears flowed even more freely as he heard these words.

Uncle Ho took Quoc’s hand and led him out to where the rest of the children had gathered, waiting to meet him.

Uncle Ho then shared inspiring stories about brave children from the anti-French resistance, as well as from the Soviet Union and other friendly countries. The children couldn’t hold back their tears as they listened to Uncle Ho talk about his own childhood struggles, including his longing for a toy and new clothes for the New Year. He also shared that he had been orphaned at the age of nine or ten and had to carry his younger sibling to beg for milk after his mother passed away.

Uncle Ho gave the children this advice, as if speaking to his own grandchildren:

"You must listen to your teachers and caretakers. Children must be obedient, honest, and respectful to adults, showing care for the elderly, helping the sick and disabled. You must love one another like brothers and sisters, and strive to overcome your faults and bad habits, growing up to be leaders of this country, not burdens on society..."

Then Uncle Ho asked, "Do you all promise to follow my advice?"

A resounding "Yes!" echoed through the orphanage.

Uncle Ho added, "Follow the example of Kim Dong, the martyr, in your studies and training. Any of you who excel, the management will report to me, and I will send you a reward. And if the whole orphanage improves greatly, I will come back to visit you all again."

That day, Uncle Ho left behind many gifts for the children. When they received them, many children put the gifts aside, saving them as keepsakes.

From that moment on, the children’s eyes sparkled with happiness every time they saw their gifts from Uncle Ho. Quoc no longer ran away from the orphanage but instead cherished the memory of Uncle Ho’s gift deep in his heart.

In early spring 1963, after finishing his visits, Uncle Ho was on his way back to Hanoi when he noticed a lush hill. Deciding to take a break, he sat down to rest. It was midday and the place was quiet. Uncle Ho and his companions unpacked their rice balls and began eating while admiring the scenery.

After finishing their meal, they sat and rested for a moment. Suddenly, they heard the sound of footsteps and quiet chatter. A group of children, both boys and girls, some carrying grass rakes and others with baskets of vegetables, were approaching. The guards informed Uncle Ho about the situation, and Uncle Ho smiled, saying:

– Invite the children over to join me, but make sure not to scare them.

Excitedly, the children ran towards Uncle Ho and surrounded him in a joyful circle. Uncle Ho looked around warmly and asked:

– What brings all of you here? A cheeky young boy, polite and eager, replied:

– When we saw you get off the car, one of our friends told us to come and see you, Uncle Ho!

Uncle Ho laughed heartily:

– You want to see me? Well, here I am. Come and look carefully!

Everyone laughed and continued to enjoy the moment. Uncle Ho then asked:

– Do you all go to school? Is there anyone here who doesn't go to school?

– No, we all go to school, Uncle! The children responded enthusiastically.

Uncle Ho smiled kindly:

– That’s good. Do you study hard? Are you good students?

Many children eagerly responded:

– Yes, we are good students! We are well-behaved!

Uncle Ho nodded with satisfaction and then asked the children to sing. The children exchanged glances and started singing the song “Who Loves Uncle Ho More Than the Youth.” In the midst of the vast nature, a little choir of tiny artists performed passionately under Uncle Ho’s guidance.

After they finished, Uncle Ho lovingly looked at the children and spoke gently:

– Thank you all for coming to visit me and singing for me. I hope you all study hard, be obedient to your teachers and parents. Now, I must continue my journey, so let’s say goodbye here for now.

On the first morning of the Lunar New Year, February 9, 1967, Uncle Ho traveled to Tam Son to meet the representatives of the various ethnic groups of Ha Bac Province, who were gathered at the Cam Ung Pagoda.

As Uncle Ho's car arrived, a first-grade student, Nguyen The Hai, was playing with his friends. He suddenly shouted:

– Uncle Ho! Uncle Ho!

– Uncle Ho is visiting the homeland of a thousand good deeds!

The group of children stopped playing and rushed over to surround Uncle Ho's car.

One of the attendants got out of the car and told the children to step back, then opened the door to invite Uncle Ho out.

Uncle Ho smiled warmly at the children and asked:

– Are you all enjoying the New Year celebrations?

– Yes, Uncle! We are!

– On this New Year’s Day, we wish you good health and a long life!

The children eagerly spoke, some of them so nervous that they couldn't say all they wanted to express.

Uncle Ho was very pleased. After hearing them out, he asked:

– Are you all doing good deeds, as I have taught you? Do you remember to follow my instructions?

– Yes, Uncle! – Nguyen The Hai stood up straight and recited the five teachings of Uncle Ho in unison, as if reading them out loud with his classmates.

The group laughed, but they were all happy because Hai had answered correctly.

When Uncle Ho and the leaders entered the pagoda, a group of honor students presented him with flowers. Uncle Ho accepted the bouquet from the head of the team, Nguyen Toan Thang, and handed it to the attendant.

Uncle Ho asked Thang:

– Are you doing well in school? Have you received a reward from me?

– Yes, Uncle! I have received two rewards: a notebook once and two oranges another time.

– Since you’ve received rewards from me, you should help your friends to study well and work hard so that many others can also receive my rewards. That’s the right way.

– Yes, Uncle, I will!

Before the wooden stilt house was built for Uncle Ho at the Presidential Palace (with two rooms on the top floor – one for work and one for rest, and the ground floor where he held meetings and received guests), he had some suggestions:

– My guests come in many numbers, and sometimes I have to host a large group of children. So, please design a row of concrete benches around the house for them.

Following Uncle Ho’s instructions, the design was completed, and whenever the children visited, they would gather around and enjoy snacks like cakes and candies from Uncle Ho.

One day, Uncle Ho mentioned to his helper:

– Look, I have many little guests. To make them happy, we should create something for them to enjoy. Please get a fish tank for the children to watch, with some goldfish to brighten up their day.

Following the order, the helper bought a beautiful tank and placed it in the hallway on the lower floor, adding three golden fish to the water.

Every day after work, Uncle Ho would feed the goldfish, using leftover bread crumbs as their food. Under his care, the fish grew bigger and more vibrant.

In the winter, when the weather was cold, Uncle Ho suggested:

– The fish, like people, need to stay warm in winter. You should make a cover for the tank to maintain a warm environment for the fish.

Whenever visitors, especially the young children, came to Uncle Ho’s house, they would eagerly watch the tank. The colorful goldfish swam gracefully, their scales sparkling in the light, creating a delightful spectacle for all to enjoy.