In the historical autumn, the longing for Uncle Ho is full.

Every time the National Day of September 2nd comes, every Vietnamese person is filled with sacred emotions and deep national pride. This is also an opportunity for everyone to express their respect and infinite gratitude to beloved President Ho Chi Minh, who read the Declaration of Independence 80 years ago, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Especially for those who had the honor of meeting Uncle Ho, those beautiful memories have become sacred “spiritual assets” throughout their lives.

The house of village elder Ma Doanh (real name Kso Y Bu) is located in Binh Giang village, Duc Binh commune, Dak Lak province. In the simple house, the walls are stained, the floor is covered with cement, the image of Uncle Ho is shimmering and solemnly hung in the middle of the living room. Although he is almost 90 years old this year, village elder Ma Doanh is still clear-headed and healthy.

71 years have passed, but the face of this Ede village elder is still filled with emotion when recalling the two times he met Uncle Ho. After the Geneva Accords (1954), Ma Doanh, who was then a liaison officer assisting the forces participating in the fighting in the mountainous region of Son Hoa, was selected to go to the North to study culture, receive military training and civil service. Right after going to the North, the 17-year-old boy met Uncle Ho when he gave a speech at the National Day Celebration on September 2 at Ba Dinh Square.

Village elder Ma Doanh told the children about his memories of meeting Uncle Ho.

“That day, when we heard that Uncle Ho was attending the ceremony, we were all eager to see him. Even though we only saw him from above, it was an unforgettable experience in my life. I remember that at that time, more and more people were pouring into Ba Dinh Square, with flowers and national flags in their hands. The soldiers who had just regrouped to the North were standing under the stage, everyone was eager, wanting to see Uncle Ho closer. Among those who went with me were also cadres from ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands. They all shouted “Long live President Ho!” and waved high the red flag with a yellow star,” Ma Doanh, the village elder, excitedly recounted.

After that time, in 1961, Ma Doanh had the honor of meeting Uncle Ho for the second time when he visited his hometown. At that time, Ma Doanh was training at the 120th Regiment, stationed in Nam Dan, Nghe An . When Uncle Ho entered, the whole regiment stood up and clapped, and Uncle waved his hand in greeting. Uncle Ho wore rubber sandals, khaki clothes, and a pith helmet, and slowly approached to shake hands with each person.

“When Uncle shook my hand, I was so happy that tears were about to fall. When talking to the soldiers in the Regiment, Uncle asked and gave many instructions. Uncle asked: “Uncles, do you miss your home, miss your hometown?”. Then Uncle encouraged: “Uncles, if you miss your home, miss your hometown, you must try hard to study and train. When you return to your hometown, you must unite the people to fight the enemy and build your hometown,” Ma Doanh village elder recalled.

When peace was restored, Ma Doanh left the army, returned to his hometown, became Party Secretary and then Chairman of the People's Committee of Song Hinh commune. The familiar, simple image of Uncle Ho and his teachings were always engraved in the heart of this Ede village elder, who vowed to believe in the Party, follow Uncle Ho to the end and remind the descendants of all ethnic groups to unite to build their homeland.

Time has passed, but in the mind of veteran Nguyen Dac Tan, in Tuy Hoa ward, Dak Lak province, memories of Uncle Ho are still as fresh as if it were yesterday. As a soldier of the Air Defense - Air Force, Mr. Tan had the honor of meeting Uncle Ho twice. Those emotional meetings have become profound, unforgettable memories in his life.

Mr. Tan said: The first time was on August 25, 1957, after Uncle Ho finished his visit to socialist countries. Uncle Ho went to Bach Mai airport to visit the units that were practicing to prepare for the parade to celebrate the National Day on September 2. We were only informed that a higher-ranking cadre would visit the unit and attend the rehearsal, but we did not know that it was Uncle Ho. When we saw Uncle Ho coming out, we shouted: Uncle Ho! Uncle Ho! And shouted loudly the slogan: "Long live President Ho". Uncle Ho approached the middle of the formation, did not step onto the stage, and then told the commander of the parade Hoang Minh Thao to move the troops around Uncle. Uncle asked about the health, eating, living and studying situation of the unit. Uncle instructed: Must train well, discipline strictly and Uncle led the song of solidarity, then waved his hand and got on the car to leave the unit.

Veteran Nguyen Dac Tan (left cover) introduces his book and autograph "Soldier's Heart" which recounts the two honorable times he met Uncle Ho to his friends and relatives.

On the morning of September 2, at the historic Ba Dinh Square, in front of President Ho Chi Minh, the Party Central Committee and international guests, the units participating in the parade successfully completed their tasks and were praised by General Vo Nguyen Giap.

After that meeting with Uncle Ho, Mr. Tan always longed to see him again. And exactly 10 years later, on the first day of the Dinh Mui Lunar New Year in 1967, his wish was fulfilled to welcome Uncle Ho to visit the Air Defense - Air Force Service, the core unit in the fight against the destructive war by the American imperialists. Mr. Tan said that from 4 am, the anti-aircraft, missile, radar, air force, information and engineering units of the service were present at Terminal 1 of Noi Bai combat airport in Vinh Phuc province to welcome Uncle Ho. But at the last minute, Uncle Ho went to Terminal 2, 300 - 400m away. He drove a camouflaged van. He got out of the car smiling and walking very quickly. He shook hands and asked the pilots wearing flight suits and some officers and soldiers. Uncle introduced that poet To Huu would be accompanying him and would read the poem Spring 67 to the children. After listening to the poem, Uncle waved goodbye and got in the car to leave the airport.

After that, the entire military thoroughly grasped Uncle Ho's call at the Special Political Conference, launched a competition to defeat the American invaders, practice flying, fight well, shoot accurately, and shoot down American planes in the first volley. Uncle Ho's call echoed across the mountains and rivers, urging people's hearts, motivating the entire nation to devote all their efforts, unite, overcome all hardships, and sacrifices to regain peace, unify the country, and build a strong and prosperous Fatherland.

Veteran

Having met Uncle Ho and listened to his teachings, Mr. Tan considered it a guiding principle for living, fighting and contributing. At the age of 88, this 65-year-old Party member still maintains the revolutionary spirit, the spirit of a soldier and absolute loyalty to the Party and the People. Mr. Tan still recounts the warm, close and sacred memories of Uncle Ho and teaches his children and grandchildren to follow his example.

Listening to stories about Uncle Ho during the historic September days makes each of us remember him even more, the simple and beloved leader of every Vietnamese person. His meetings, advice and teachings will follow us throughout our lives, reminding each of us to live in a way that is worthy of his trust and love.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/chinh-tri/202509/trong-mua-thu-lich-su-noi-nho-bac-dang-day-7310d6b/