Top 6 Fascinating Stories about Uncle Ho's Birthday

On May 18, 1946, the front page of the newspaper Cứu Quốc published in Hanoi featured a special article titled: 'Uncle Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese People.' The article officially announced President Ho Chi Minh's date of birth: May 19, 1890. Since then, every May, millions of Vietnamese hearts and friends around the world have been filled with emotion, remembering President Ho Chi Minh - the genius leader of the Vietnamese revolution.

On May 19, 1946, for the first time, a birthday celebration was organized to represent the great unity of the entire nation around the leader of a young nation facing great challenges. On that day, at the North Palace, Uncle Ho welcomed the Capital Children's Delegation, self-defense forces, scouts, and delegates from the South to offer congratulations. He took a group photo with the children and talked with the Southern delegates. In response to everyone's affection, Uncle Ho said, 'In fact, you are celebrating my birthday here. At the age of 56, there is nothing to wish for longevity. You are still as young as ever. In front of you, in the peaceful atmosphere of the North, I feel ashamed that the South has not yet achieved tranquility.' In the following years, on the occasion of his birthday, Uncle Ho often instructed localities and agencies not to organize elaborate celebrations because he feared wasting time and the people's money when the life and struggle of the people were still difficult and arduous.

On May 19, 1947, amid the widespread war across the country, Uncle Ho's birthday took place at a secret location in the combat zone in Son Duong (Tuyen Quang) with only a bouquet of forest flowers from those close to him, presented to the head of the resistance. But Uncle Ho dedicated that bouquet to visit his caretaker who had just passed away from malaria.

On May 19, 1948, the National Assembly, the Government, various organizations, and the people sent congratulatory letters on Uncle Ho's birthday. In response to the congratulations, Uncle Ho wrote a thank-you letter, stating: 'Beloved people wish me longevity, and I know what to take and what to say to reciprocate that love? The only way to reciprocate is to be determined to endure, suffer, and fight with the people until complete victory.'

On May 19, 1949, Uncle Ho did not want to organize his birthday celebration, especially when the war situation was intense. Therefore, to respond to some officials' proposals to organize his birthday, before May 19, Uncle Ho wrote a poem titled 'Không đề' (No Title):

'For the country, I haven't thought of going home
At 59, I still don't feel old
Waiting for the success of the resistance
You will celebrate my birthday.'

Before May 19, 1950, at a meeting of Central agencies in Thac Dang (Tuyen Quang), many comrades came to congratulate Uncle Ho. To thank and respond to everyone's good wishes, Uncle Ho composed a poem:

'Sixty years old, still youthful
Compared to Mr. Bành, I'm still a young man
Eating well, sleeping well, working well
Better than an old fairy'

When in Hanoi, on May 19, Uncle Ho would go to work, visit another place to avoid elaborate ceremonies. On May 19, 1953, Uncle Ho visited the small kindergarten children, the children of officials from Central agencies. He reminded the teachers to try to educate the children carefully and took a group photo with the teachers and children. Before that, Uncle Ho wrote and sent a poem to everyone, titled 'Sáu mươi ba tuổi' (Sixty-three years old):

'Not yet fifty but already called old
At sixty-three, I still think I'm in my prime
Living calmly and lightly
Works make the month wide, the day long, and leisurely'

Shortly after the successful August Revolution, French colonialists conspired to invade our country again. On December 19, 1946, President Ho Chi Minh called for nationwide resistance. He, along with the Party Central Committee and the Government, returned to the base in North Vietnam to continue leading the people in the resistance against French colonialism. The extraordinary journey of resistance marked Bác's footsteps through Hà Đông, Sơn Tây, Phú Thọ, Tuyên Quang, Thái Nguyên... amidst the difficulties and sacrifices of comrades and people in the wartime resistance. The celebrations of Uncle Ho's birthdays in the Viet Bac combat zone were simple but warm and meaningful, filled with well-wishes from compatriots, comrades, and bouquets of wildflowers from those in service.

The birthday in 1948 was an unforgettable celebration for Bác. A few days before his birthday, comrade Lộc (real name Nguyễn Văn Ty) - the person who served as Bác's cook but was also a close comrade and dear friend, had been active with Bác in Thailand and China before returning to join revolutionary activities in the homeland - had just passed away due to a malignant malaria. Therefore, the birthday was a quiet affair.

Early in the morning on May 19, 1948, the service comrades brought a bouquet of wildflowers to congratulate Bác, wishing him health and longevity. Receiving the bouquet and the well-wishes, Bác was deeply moved with tears:

- Bác thanks you all. Bác suggests dedicating this bouquet to visit comrade Lộc's grave.

Thus, the celebration of Bác Hồ's birthday that year was devoted to discussing the loyalty to the Party of a lifelong worker for the Party, someone who worked selflessly, never calculated personal gains, and demanded no special position.

In 1946, it was the first commemoration of President Ho Chi Minh's birthday. On the morning of May 19, 1946, at the Northern Citadel, delegates from the capital's youth, self-defense forces, scouts, and over 50 delegates from the South came to congratulate Uncle Ho's birthday.

Moved by the affection of compatriots and comrades, Uncle Ho said:

'I am not worthy of the care of compatriots because I am still a young man, at 56, not old enough for compatriots to wish longevity. It's just because some journalist knew my birthday and made it busy for compatriots. From before until now, I have been a person of compatriots, so from now on, I will still belong to compatriots. I pledge to remain loyal to the Homeland. I promise to work hard, but I rely on the close cooperation of compatriots. The country's affairs are great, and no one can handle them alone. I hope that on this day next year, compatriots will make Vietnam a more prosperous democratic republic.'

'Today, compatriots gave me many flowers and cakes. Those things are valuable. But please think of the poor compatriots rather than wasting them on me.'

Also on May 19, 1946, President Ho Chi Minh received some delegations to congratulate him on his birthday. When hearing the introduction of the new lifestyle committee coming to offer birthday wishes, Bác immediately asked the delegates of the committee:

- What is the new lifestyle committee?

- Can you tell me how far the new lifestyle campaign has come?

Writer Nguyễn Huy Tưởng, on behalf of the delegation, answered Bác's question: We started by setting up research groups, organizing... But the main task is to define the direction for the new lifestyle. The slogans 'need, thrift, integrity, and righteousness' are not adequate and are outdated…

- Outdated! That's strange. Are the meals our ancestors ate in the past and now also outdated?

- You argue, Uncle.

The atmosphere of Uncle Ho's birthday celebration became lively and joyful.

Writer Nguyễn Huy Tưởng quickly added: The committee for the new lifestyle has clearly defined three principles for the new lifestyle: Nationalism, Democracy, and Science. Bác immediately said:

- Excellent, but I have to see what the people need now. Do rural people understand what democracy and science are? I ask you, you are involved in the new lifestyle campaign, what do you do first?

People looked at each other, confused by Bác's question. Bác then slapped his stomach and said:

- First of all, it's this. The people need this first. If you don't eat anything, can you go out and propagate? To eat, what do you have to do? You have to work hard, so that's 'need.'

Bác also reminded: For the campaign to be carried out and effective in various places, slogans must be practical, and those who go out to mobilize the masses must set an example.

On the same day, May 19, 1946, the Youth Forces of the Capital organized a parade in the city to celebrate Uncle Ho's birthday.

After the successful resistance against French colonialism, President Ho Chi Minh, along with the Central Party and Government, returned from the battle zone in North Vietnam to Hanoi. Bác was happy with the peace in the North but concerned as the South was still not liberated, the country was not unified, and the people in the South were still enduring much suffering and sacrifice. On occasions like birthdays, Bác often disagreed with organizing celebrations to save expenses and time for the people, or he arranged to be on duty far away to avoid causing inconvenience to everyone. The 1965 birthday celebration for Bác Ho Chi Minh was exceptionally special: Bác turned 75. It seemed like he foresaw the harsh law that every human must experience in life. Therefore, President Ho Chi Minh began writing his Will for the entire Party, Army, and people.

On the second morning, May 10, 1965, in the working room at the stilt house within the Presidential Palace area, at 9 o'clock - the most beautiful time of the day, Bác Ho Chi Minh penned the first lines of the document 'Top Secret.' Opening the Will, Bác wrote: 'On the occasion of celebrating 75 years old,' '…This year, I am 75 years old. The spirit is still clear, the body is still healthy. However, I am also a person of the 'rare' category.'

Like many of Bác's birthday celebrations, precisely on the 1965 birthday, Bác Ho Chi Minh was away on official duty. Anticipating this, on May 14, 1965, comrades in the Politburo and some Party Central Committee members took the opportunity to come and congratulate him.

Receiving fresh flowers and congratulatory words from comrades in the Politburo, Bác immediately asked:

- Bác wants to know who organized the meeting today?

Comrade Trường Chinh, on behalf of the Politburo, said to Bác:

- Respectfully to Bác! On the occasion of celebrating your 75th birthday, we, on behalf of the Central Party, National Assembly, Government, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front, would like to wish Bác good health and a long life.

Bác, moved, said:

Thank you all for your kind hearts, but at a time when our entire nation is enduring the hardships of resistance, organizing congratulations for an individual is inappropriate.

Bác cheerfully raised his hand, inviting everyone to enjoy candies and cakes and reminded: 'Remember to save some for your younger siblings and children at home.'

Everyone laughed heartily in the warm, intimate, and harmonious atmosphere.

On May 15, 1965, Bác left Hanoi to visit China.

On May 18, when knowing that Chinese friends were preparing to congratulate him on his birthday, President Ho Chi Minh told Chinese Marshal Diep Kiem Anh and the responsible officials of the guesthouse: 'I came here on this occasion to avoid birthday wishes within the country. Therefore, I request comrades not to organize congratulations...'.

On May 19, President Ho Chi Minh left Beijing to visit the homeland of Confucius. In the afternoon of the same day, he visited the relics of Khong Phu, Khong Mieu, and Khong Lam, talking much about the belief of 'taking the people as the root' of Confucius and Mencius. On the way back, he composed a Han script poem titled 'Phong Khuc Phu,' capturing the emotions of the trip to the homeland of Confucius:

“Fifth month, nineteenth day, Phong Khuc Phu phong

Ancient temple, ancient shrine under ancient pine

Power of Khong's family, where is it now?

Faintly flashing, an ancient stele with a bit of twilight”

Translated Poem:

“Nineteenth of May, a visit to Phong Khuc Phu

Old shrines still under ancient pines, it's true

Where's the old power of Khong, anyone knew?

Gently gleaming, an ancient stele in twilight's hue”

After 9 years of arduous resistance and sacrifice, our military and people have achieved significant victories, culminating in the triumph of Dien Bien Phu in early May 1954, concluding the successful resistance against the French colonial invasion. The victory in the Dien Bien Phu campaign coincided with the beloved Uncle Ho's birthday, a priceless and especially meaningful gift from our military and people to commemorate his birthday. Perhaps this is the happiest and most joyful birthday celebration in Uncle Ho's life. In harmony with the collective joy of our military and people in the victory of Dien Bien Phu, Uncle Ho wrote a letter to the officers and soldiers on the Dien Bien Phu front:

'To all officers and soldiers on the Dien Bien Phu front.

First of all, Uncle sends warm regards to all the wounded soldiers. All of you, as well as the officers and soldiers nationwide, have determined to achieve a great victory to congratulate Uncle Ho. Uncle has decided to grant you all merit badges as Dien Bien Phu Soldiers. Do you all agree?

So Uncle and our children are happy. Happy to strive for new efforts, to overcome new difficulties, and to strive for new victories. Uncle and the government intend to reward all of you with the Dien Bien Phu Soldier badge. Do you all agree?

Uncle instructs you once again: Don't be arrogant because of victory, don't despise the enemy, and always be ready to fulfill the tasks assigned by the Party and the Government.

Uncle kisses you all!

Ho Chi Minh'.

Also, on the occasion of his birthday, Uncle treated the exemplary soldiers in the Dien Bien Phu campaign. On the morning of May 19, 1954, a delegation of 5 exemplary soldiers with the most contributions in the Dien Bien Phu campaign reported their achievements to Uncle and attended his birthday ceremony. Honored to meet Uncle, each soldier was excited and moved. Uncle praised and inquired about the combat life in Dien Bien Phu as well as the family circumstances of each person. Uncle was moved when hearing about the difficult circumstances of the soldiers and encouraged: The country will be independent, and the people will surely have enough to eat.

Uncle advised the soldiers: Take advantage of studying a lot to improve cultural knowledge. Only through education can you serve the people and serve the revolution.'

In 1969, Uncle Ho's health was somewhat frail. On that birthday, he chose not to travel far, unlike the previous years. Unlike other times when Uncle Ho amended his Will during his birthdays, this time, after four years (1965-1969), he wrote and amended the Will later, from 9:30 to 10:30 on May 10, 1969. Uncle wrote: 'This year, I am 79 years old, already in the category of 'Rarely seen.' But the spirit and mind are still clear, although health is not as good as a few years ago. When one is over 70, the older they get, the weaker their health becomes. That is not surprising... So, I leave these words, in case when I have to meet Comrades Marx, Lenin, and other revolutionary predecessors, the people throughout the country, party comrades, and friends everywhere will not suddenly feel...

On the evening of May 11, 1969, Uncle visited and talked to the delegates attending the all-army senior cadres conference. The whole hall erupted in cheers and applause, joyfully welcoming Uncle. General Vuong Thua Vu, on behalf of all the officers and soldiers nationwide, presented flowers to wish Uncle well on his birthday. Comrade Vuong Thua Vu, moved, expressed:

'Respected Uncle! On the occasion of celebrating your 79th birthday, we, on behalf of all the officers and soldiers nationwide, sincerely wish you good health and a long life. The entire armed forces trust absolutely and deeply appreciate the leadership, education, and caring love of the Party and of you.'

Right after Comrade Vuong Thua Vu finished speaking, Uncle happily picked the most beautiful flower to give back to him. On May 18, 1969, officials in the Presidential Palace organized a celebration for Uncle's longevity. Excitedly, everyone reported to Uncle about the achievements of the Southern troops and people, dedicated to Uncle on his birthday. Comrade Vu Ky, Uncle's personal secretary, on behalf of the office staff and assistants, stood up emotionally and said: 'Respected Uncle, our heartfelt wish is to strive in every aspect so that Uncle can eat well and sleep well. We wish Uncle good health and a long life, leading the entire people to victory in the resistance.'

In the evening of May 18, 1969, comrades in the Politburo and some Central Committee members came to congratulate Uncle at the meeting house of the Politburo near the stilt house in the Presidential Palace. The 79th birthday celebration for Uncle was simple and warm. Everyone stood around Uncle. Comrade To Huu presented flowers, Comrade Le Duan read the birthday wishes. Uncle laughed warmly, inviting everyone to eat cakes and candies, and didn't forget to remind them, 'Remember to bring some home for the aunts and children.'

On the early morning of May 19, 1969, President Ho Chi Minh still woke up early as usual and tried to do the simplest exercises. Uncle was calmly preparing to depart to the eternal realm but still patiently wanted more time, more health to stay with the people, comrades, because the revolutionary cause was not complete, the South was not liberated, and the country was not unified.

Early in the morning on May 19, 1969, Uncle met the children, the offspring of the comrades serving to congratulate him on his birthday.

At 9 a.m. on his 79th birthday, Uncle sat back at his desk, reviewed, and edited, supplemented the Will. He changed three words on the first page:

Uncle added the word 'very' instead of the word 'as usual' in the sentence 'But the spirit and mind are still clear as usual' to become 'But the spirit and mind are still very clear.'

In the sentence 'When one is over 70', Uncle replaced the word 'age' with the word 'spring.'

Uncle used the word 'will' instead of the word 'must' in the sentence 'in case when I have to meet Comrades Marx, Lenin, and other revolutionary predecessors.'

At 10:30, Uncle received Mrs. Phan Thi Quyen (wife of martyr Nguyen Van Troi) and Mrs. Nguyen Thi Chau (Member of the Executive Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and Liberation of Saigon-Cholon-Gia Dinh). 2p.m., doctors came to check Uncle's health. At 2:30 p.m., Uncle went upstairs to write a commendation letter to the children of the Non-profit Youth Cooperative of Phu Man village, Ham Son commune, Yen Phong district, Ha Bac province, who had many achievements in taking care of cattle.

During the day, Uncle gave a portrait of himself to the cadres and people of Nghe An province. Below the photo, Uncle wrote: 'Cadres, party members must be role models in work, must devote themselves to serving the people.'

Uncle Ho's 1969 birthday went on normally like his working days, and no one thought it was the occasion of Uncle Ho's last birthday.