Impressive Bronze Relief at the Hung Kings’ Temple Historical Site

The bronze relief titled “Uncle Ho Talks to the Officers and Soldiers of the Vanguard Division” at the Hung Kings’ Temple Historical Site not only expresses deep respect and gratitude toward our beloved President Ho Chi Minh but also serves as an important cultural work that contributes to the status of the Hung Kings’ Temple as a special National Historical Site. It plays a significant role in educating the values of unity, the principle of “Drinking Water, Remembering Its Source,” nurturing patriotism, and fostering pride in our nation’s glorious history, as well as the sacrifices of our people and armed forces.

This newly cast relief is made of bronze, with a curved shape measuring 28.16 meters in length and 10.99 meters in height.

After more than two decades of standing firm through the test of time and weather, witnessing countless pilgrims visiting the Hung Kings’ Temple, and effectively serving educational purposes, the original stone relief “Uncle Ho Talks to the Officers and Soldiers of the Vanguard Division” has also shown signs of deterioration, including cracks and discoloration, affecting its aesthetic value. It no longer aligns well with the modern infrastructure and the spacious landscape of the upgraded area around the Den Gieng (Well Temple) intersection.

To continue protecting, preserving, and promoting the value of this significant work, ensuring it meets the dignified conditions for welcoming visitors, the Hung Kings’ Temple Special National Historical Site has advised and reported to higher authorities. The Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense approved the renovation and upgrade of the bronze relief, replacing the stone version with a scale that suits the functions of hosting important ceremonies and cultural activities, ensuring aesthetic and respectful integration with the architecture and landscape of the site.

The restoration and enhancement of the relief “Uncle Ho Talks to the Officers and Soldiers of the Vanguard Division” commenced on June 20, 2023, and is scheduled for completion by March 20, 2024, with an official inauguration set for April 8, 2024, coinciding with the Hung Kings’ Temple Festival.

The project includes three main components: dismantling the existing stone relief built in 2001 and relocating it to be reassembled at the grounds of the Museum of the Military Command of Region 2; restoring and enhancing the new bronze relief; and upgrading the infrastructure of the landscape, including gardens, lighting, and greenery, to create a harmonious design for the installation.

Set on a vast area of thousands of square meters, with a foundation and terraced steps made of natural basalt stone, as well as gardens, flower beds, and synchronized lighting, the bronze relief has become a significant highlight along the sacred journey of the Hung Kings’ Temple National Special Historical Site.

At the center of the relief is the image of Uncle Ho sitting and talking with the officers and soldiers of the Vanguard Division, flanked by depictions of the characteristic palm forests and tea hills of the Fatherland region. With intricate and vivid details that evoke strong emotions, the relief has attracted numerous pilgrims visiting the Hung Kings’ Temple, who stop to admire, reflect, and capture beautiful moments.

At the inauguration of the relief on April 8, 2024, General Phan Van Giang, member of the Politburo, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, and Minister of National Defense, emphasized: "This cultural work holds profound political, historical, and humanitarian significance; it embodies the truth of national independence linked with the construction and defense of the country, derived from the timeless teachings of Uncle Ho. It is a symbol of the love, respect, and trust of the military, the Party, local government, and the people of Phu Tho Province, as well as the entire nation, towards President Ho Chi Minh throughout the glorious revolutionary journey and forever in the future."

Cam Nhung