“Red addresses” where Uncle Ho’s footsteps remain

Throughout his life and revolutionary journey, President Ho Chi Minh visited Phu Tho Province nine times. Each visit took place in a different location and under unique circumstances, yet he left behind deep and lasting impressions. Every site where Uncle Ho stopped or worked has since become a “red address”—a” revered location for educating people of all ages, especially the younger generation, about patriotism, revolutionary ideals, and moral integrity.

Among the most significant “red addresses” are the President Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site in Yen Kien Commune (Doan Hung District), the memorial in Dao Xa Commune (Thanh Thuy District), the Uncle Ho Memorial Cultural House in Lam Thao Town (Lam Thao District), and the memorial in Chu Hoa Commune (Viet Tri City). Equally important is the memorial site in Zone 12, Van Xuan Commune (Tam Nong District), which holds a special place in the network of Ho Chi Minh memorials in Phu Tho.

The Youth Union of Van Xuan Commune regularly organizes educational activities at the President Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site.

In March 1947, during his journey from Hanoi to the Viet Bac resistance base to lead the war against French colonialism, President Ho Chi Minh stopped and stayed at the home of Mr. Hoang Van Nguyen in Doi Hamlet, Co Tiet Commune (now Van Xuan Commune, Tam Nong District).

During his 15-day stay, Uncle Ho used the alias “Xuan” in official documents. It was here that he drafted and signed key directives for the resistance movement and affectionately gave codenames to his entourage: Truong, Ky, Khang, Chien, Nhat, Dinh, Thang, and Loi.

Today, the memorial site features a traditional five-room wooden house with fish-scale tile roofing. Inside, visitors can find preserved artifacts — including tables, chairs, beds, and documents — all quietly bearing witness to Uncle Ho’s time in the area.

The Tam Nong District Youth Union organized a youth journey to the “red address” in Van Xuan Commune.

To promote the site and its historical significance, the Tam Nong District Youth Union has installed QR code stations throughout the memorial grounds, allowing visitors to easily access detailed and accurate information. The union also organizes educational visits for local youth and students, helping the younger generation gain a deeper understanding of President Ho Chi Minh’s life, ideals, and enduring legacy.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Secretary of the Van Xuan Youth Union, shared, “Every year, we coordinate with other Youth Union branches to maintain the site, clean the grounds, tend the memorial garden, and offer incense on important occasions. We are proud to be the land that bears Uncle Ho’s footprints. Inspired by his example, our youth are always eager to pioneer, volunteer, and contribute to building a prosperous and civilized homeland.”

The Lam Thao District Youth Union held a membership admission ceremony at the Uncle Ho Memorial Cultural House.

Lam Thao District is also one of the localities honored to have welcomed Uncle Ho. In August 1962, he visited Nam Tien Cooperative — a high-level model cooperative and a flagship of the “Dai Phong Wind” movement in Phu Tho.

The present-day Uncle Ho Memorial Cultural House in Lam Thao Town was built precisely where he once stood, encouraging people to join the labor movement. A commemorative stele now marks the very spot where he spoke, symbolizing the deep gratitude of the Party, government, and people.

Over the years, the memorial has become a meaningful place for officials, Party members, and residents to offer incense and reflect. It also serves as a vital site for revolutionary education, especially for the youth. The Lam Thao District Youth Union and its commune-level branches frequently organize meetings, ceremonies for admitting new members, and patriotic activities — all aimed at fostering national pride and instilling Uncle Ho’s ideology, morals, and style in younger generations.

Guided by his teachings, the Youth Union in Lam Thao has launched numerous practical initiatives. Notable among them are campaigns such as “Children of the Ancestral Land Follow Uncle Ho’s Five Teachings,” “Youth Follow in Uncle Ho’s Footsteps,” and “Lam Thao Youth Study and Emulate Ho Chi Minh’s Ideology, Morality, and Style.” These movements have nurtured many outstanding young individuals — worthy of being called “Uncle Ho’s Good Children.”

To further improve accessibility, the Lam Thao District Youth Union has digitized information at the site, enabling the public to easily look up data on historical relics.

Mr. Cao Xuan Huy, Secretary of the District Youth Union, stated, “Lam Thao District is proud to be one of the places Uncle Ho visited. The Memorial House has become a symbolic ‘red address’ where we regularly hold ceremonies, offer incense, and admit new members. By digitizing the site, we aim to spread awareness of our homeland’s historical and cultural values and inspire young people with Uncle Ho’s revolutionary spirit.”

As time passes, the places where Uncle Ho once set foot continue to radiate warmth and inspiration. His teachings, moral example, and unwavering ideals remain a powerful force, urging every citizen to fulfill their responsibilities in each new era. For today’s youth, these “red addresses” are more than historical sites — they are beacons, nurturing ambition and patriotism and inspiring future generations to live with purpose and contribute to the nation’s development and defense.

Thu Huong