Ho Chi Minh Room - an important cultural institution in military barracks

In military barracks, after intense training sessions on the drill ground, activities in the Ho Chi Minh Room are always eagerly anticipated by officers and soldiers. This cultural space not only educates troops on history and tradition but also serves as a venue for cultural exchange and recreation, fostering camaraderie and a strong sense of unity among comrades.

Battalion 208 of Regiment 736, under the Dong Nai Provincial Military Command, is stationed in Loc Hung commune, Dong Nai province. In 2022, its Ho Chi Minh City room was invested in and constructed, covering a total area of 360 square meters, in accordance with the standardized model of the General Department of Politics.

Inside the Ho Chi Minh Room, information boards are arranged to educate about the history and traditions of the Party, the army, and the battalion. Alongside photo boards, the room is also equipped with panels, slogans, a seating area combined with bookcases and newspapers, as well as computer systems to support study and research for the unit’s officers, staff, and soldiers.

Officers and soldiers of Battalion 208 of Regiment 736 introduce the unit's Ho Chi Minh Room. Photo: Xuan Luong

A distinctive feature of the Ho Chi Minh Room is that, in addition to its educational role, it also functions as an important cultural space within each military unit. Here, officers and soldiers can participate in cultural, artistic, recreational, and entertainment activities after long hours of study and intense training on the drill ground.

Ho Chi Minh Room serves as a significant cultural institution within military barracks. Here, both officers and soldiers can participate in engaging and enriching cultural and artistic activities. Photo: Xuan Luong

After nearly two years of military service, soldier Hoang Xuan Dung (Company 2, Battalion 208, Regiment 736) has formed a strong bond with the unit’s Ho Chi Minh Room. For him, it serves not only as a place for study but also as a venue for exchange cultural activities, where he can celebrate his own birthday and join in birthday parties with his comrades and teammates.

“I feel very happy and honored to take part in cultural and artistic activities at the unit’s Ho Chi Minh Room. Thanks to these activities, my comrades and I gain more motivation to successfully fulfill our assigned duties,” soldier Hoang Xuan Dung shared.

Birthday party for soldiers at Ho Chi Minh Room. Photo: Xuan Luong

According to Major Dao Van Hieu, Deputy Political Commissar of Battalion 208 under Regiment 736, ideological work is considered crucial for officers and soldiers, especially those who are newly recruited. From the very first days of reception, the unit organized visits and study sessions in the Ho Chi Minh Room to introduce its purpose and significance. This initiative helps soldiers gain a deeper understanding of the unit's traditions while providing a space for activities, exchanges, and fostering comradeship.

At Battalion 208, the Ho Chi Minh Room is fully equipped with a variety of materials that support the spiritual and cultural life of soldiers, provided by superiors in accordance with regulations. Additionally, the unit has proactively mobilized extra resources to enhance the diversity and vibrancy of the Ho Chi Minh Room. It has also organized numerous cultural and artistic activities, games, and offered a wide selection of books and newspapers, ensuring that the Ho Chi Minh Room remains an inviting space that encourages active participation from both officers and soldiers.

In 2024, the team from Battalion 208, Regiment 736 won first prize at the Ho Chi Minh Room Contest organized by the former Binh Phuoc Provincial Military Command. In 2025, the unit will represent the Dong Nai Provincial Military Command at the military region-level Ho Chi Minh Room Contest.

“The Regiment Party Committee consistently emphasizes the importance of the Ho Chi Minh Room in educating and enhancing the awareness of officers and soldiers. Recently, the unit has made significant strides in movement activities, regularly participating in contests and achieving commendable results. The unit has received high praise from Military Region 7 and the Dong Nai Provincial Military Command for its leadership, direction, and effective promotion of cultural institutions within the unit to educate and train soldiers for strong outcomes,” stated Senior Lieutenant-Colonel Pham Huu Thang, Political Commissar of Regiment 736 under the Dong Nai Provincial Military Command.

Colonel Nguyen Nhu Truc, Deputy Chief of Political Affairs of Military Region 7 (second from left) judges the Ho Chi Minh Room Contest at Battalion 208, Regiment 736. Photo: Xuan Luong

By Xuan Luong, Gia Tu – Translated by Huyen Trang, Minho