The special affection of Dong Nai people for great Uncle Ho

The atmosphere of the Lunar New Year (Tet) of the Horse 2026 at the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee’s headquarters this year is very special. For the first time, the public is welcomed here to offer incense at Uncle Ho's Temple and to visit and take photos amidst the brilliant spring scenery.

This is not only the joy of the new spring but also a vivid testament to the bond between the Party and the people, turning a solemn place into a warm and affectionate common home.

Remembering Uncle Ho in springtime

The decision to open the Provincial Party Committee’s compound to allow residents to pay tribute to Uncle Ho during the traditional Tet holiday carries the significance of a great spiritual support, a place to educate people about revolutionary traditions and inspire the aspiration to contribute; it is a profound message about the close bond between the provincial Party Organization and the local people.

A miniature landscape celebrating Tet 2026, brilliant in front of the Provincial Party Committee’s headquarters. Photo: Cong Nghia

In the early spring atmosphere, the fact that people are free to enter the place where important policy decisions are made, to light incense before the spirit of President Ho Chi Minh right at the "heart" of the Provincial Party Committee, is the most concrete proof of the "people as the root" ideology that Uncle Ho consistently emphasized during his lifetime. At the moment the gate opens, the distance between state agencies and people's lives seems to disappear, leaving only the harmony of hearts beating in unison with patriotism, all turning towards the nation’s beloved Father.

Duong Thi Thu Huong, a resident of Bien Hoa ward, offers incense to Uncle Ho. Photo: Cong Nghia

Nguyen Van Nam (residing in Bien Hoa ward), upon hearing the news via Dong Nai online Newspaper about the Provincial Party Committee's policy to open its doors, put aside his family affairs to bring his whole family to offer incense. From his childhood, the image of "great yet simple" Uncle Ho had deeply imprinted on his mind.

Stepping into the Provincial Party Committee’s compound for the first time, he could not hide his amazement at the solemn yet cozy space of Uncle Ho's Temple. Standing before the majestic bronze statue of Uncle Ho, gazing at his benevolent face, Nam was moved to tears.

In a quiet corner of the courtyard, veteran Tran Van Hung (Trang Dai ward) reverently entered to offer incense. For this "old soldier," the fact that the Provincial Party Committee opened its doors was not just an event, but a transformation in leadership thinking. The once "closed guarded" place where important policy decisions of the province were made behind high walls and closed gates, has now removed barriers, widely opening its doors to welcome the people.

Tran Van Hung expressed his wholehearted support: "The Provincial Party Committee’s decision to open its gates to the public shows that the provincial leadership is truly 'close to the people, respecting the people.' When officials know how to open their hearts, how to welcome people into their 'home' during the Tet reunion days, that is the most practical way to bring the Party closer to the people, strengthening unwavering faith in the Party's leadership."

Thanks to Uncle Ho, the Party is closer to the people

Duong Thi Thu Huong, a resident of Bien Hoa ward, brought a moment of emotional quietness on the spring day. She couldn't help but feel choked up seeing that next to Uncle Ho's statue, the statues of General Vo Nguyen Giap and heroine Vo Thi Sau were also solemnly enshrined - immortal figures of the nation and outstanding children of the "Eastern red soil" now gathered here in the people's reverence.

Always thoughtful, Huong also personally prepared extra incense sticks to show her respect. However, upon entering Uncle Ho's Temple, the meticulous and thorough preparation by the Organizing Committee warmed her heart. Even though she didn't use them, she still asked to leave her incense sticks at the altar - a small gesture representing a bit of the people's warmth, so that the fragrant smoke would always spread, warming Uncle Ho's worship space.

The Provincial Party Committee compound is brilliantly decorated to welcome people to celebrate Tet 2026. Photo: Cong Nghia

Joining the crowd, the image of Tran Quoc Tuan and his wife (residing in Tan Trieu ward) gently guiding their two children into the Uncle Ho's Temple left a beautiful impression of generational continuity. Tuan considered this trip a vivid history lesson, a precious opportunity to "pass on the flame" to his children right in the solemn space of the Provincial Party Committee.

People offer incense to heroic martyr Vo Thi Sau. Photo: Cong Nghia

Standing before the statues of Uncle Ho, General Vo Nguyen Giap, and heroine Vo Thi Sau, he gently explained to his children the immense sacrifices made by their ancestors to achieve the independent spring of today. While every household was busy preparing for Tet, the fact that young people like Tuan took the time to bring their children to commemorate Uncle Ho demonstrates that, no matter how hectic life gets, sacred spiritual values remain the most peaceful "quiet moments" that anchor the souls of Vietnamese people.

Provincial Party Committee Member, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism LE THI NGOC LOAN:

"Following the directive of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, the Culture sector has determined that this is not only a political task but also a great honor to welcome the people into the 'common home' of the Provincial Party Organization. The Department has closely coordinated with the Provincial Party Committee Office to arrange a team of professional guides, deeply knowledgeable about Uncle Ho's life and career, as well as the history of the Dong Nai Provincial Party Organization, to introduce to the people. We emphasize the spirit of dedicated and thoughtful service, treating every visitor as a distinguished guest, ensuring that the people have the most meaningful, warm, and safe experiences during the spring days."

Ha Huy Giap Street in front of the Provincial Party Committee headquarters is adorned with brilliant flags and flowers. Photo: Cong Nghia

The Provincial Party Committee’s space these days are also filled with the colors of spring through the lens of Pham Thi Hoa (residing in Tran Bien Ward). She could not hide her surprise at the beauty of the provincial's highest leadership office, meticulously cared for, with lush greenery, harmonious miniature landscapes, and especially the brilliant yellow apricot trees in full bloom. For her, this beauty lies not only in the natural scenery but also in the attentive service attitude of the welcoming officials, transforming the concrete office buildings into a cultural park, a springtime attraction rich in traditional educational meaning.

Many people, after offering incense at Uncle Ho's Temple, expressed a shared hope that the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee would maintain and expand this activity on important occasions such as anniversaries of the Party's founding day, National Day, or Uncle Ho's birthday, to behold Uncle Ho's image, and to see the Party's will and the people's hearts beat in unison, standing united in fulfilling Uncle Ho's last wishes.

 

Many families, especially young people, are excited to set foot in the Provincial Party Committee headquarters for the first time. Photo: Cong Nghia

By Cong Nghia – Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha