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President Ho Chi Minh was not only the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people but also a shining symbol of the spirit of national liberation struggle and an outstanding cultural figure, solemnly honored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). His name and great achievements have transcended national borders, becoming an endless source of inspiration for those who cherish peace and justice around the world.
As May arrives, avenues, roads, parks, and landmarks named after President Ho Chi Minh across the globe are bustling with thousands of overseas Vietnamese and tourists. They come not only to express their profound respect and gratitude to the great leader, but also to learn about his life and revolutionary career, and the cultural and ideological values he left for humanity.
Avenues named after President Ho Chi Minh in Africa.
To express their profound gratitude and commemorate the great contributions of President Ho Chi Minh – who paved the way for the national liberation struggle of millions of colonial people around the world – the people of Angola have taken a profoundly meaningful and respectful action. They have named the largest, most beautiful, and most magnificent avenue in Luanda, the capital of this beautiful African nation, after him. This avenue is called Avenida Ho Chi Minh, a symbol of admiration and solidarity between the people of Vietnam and Angola.
Respect and admiration for this world cultural figure.
Avenida Ho Chi Minh is not only a vital transportation artery of the capital Luanda but also a testament to the profound influence of Ho Chi Minh's ideology beyond Vietnam's borders. This avenue connects with another historically significant road, the October Revolution Road, and extends straight to Luanda International Airport.
The road holds significant economic importance for Angola.
Many tourists and overseas Vietnamese visit this place to express their admiration.
The most special and captivating feature of the avenue is its final point, where visitors can gaze upon the breathtaking panoramic view of Luanda Bay, one of Africa's most enchanting natural seascapes. The majestic beauty of nature, combined with the avenue's dignified name, creates a space that is both solemn and poetic, a reminder of a great leader and a lasting friendship.
Ho Chi Minh monument in Moscow
Standing majestically in Ho Chi Minh Square, next to the "Academic" metro station in Moscow, Russia, is the unique monument complex dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh. This monument complex was erected on May 18, 1990, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth. It is a very familiar place for Vietnamese people in the Russian Federation during holidays, festivals, and family celebrations. Vietnamese expatriates in the Russian Federation frequently visit this place to lay flowers before the Ho Chi Minh monument.
Sculptor Tsigal analyzed the circle of the statue as the sun symbol of Vietnam, implying that the sun of Ho Chi Minh always shines upon the strong Vietnamese man who is rising up.
The main part of this bronze and granite complex is the benevolent, smiling face of Uncle Ho within a giant circle. Below the circle is a statue of a vibrant Vietnamese youth in a standing pose. Behind the circle are two curved bamboo poles. The base of the monument bears President Ho's immortal quote in Russian: "Нет ничего дороже независимости, свободы" (Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom).
Statue of President Ho Chi Minh in Saint Petersburg, Russia
On June 30th, the Saint Petersburg city government (Russia), in coordination with the Vietnamese side, solemnly held a ceremony to inaugurate the statue of President Ho Chi Minh, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's first visit to Petrograd, now Saint Petersburg (June 30, 1923 - June 30, 2023).
The bronze statue of President Ho Chi Minh, majestic yet endearing, stands at the intersection of Ho Chi Minh Street and Prosveshcheniya (Enlightenment) Avenue in St. Petersburg. He is seated comfortably, his right hand holding a book, facing east towards Vietnam.
St. Petersburg Governor Aleksander Beglov shared, "President Ho Chi Minh was truly a national leader of Vietnam. He did everything to bring our two nations closer together. I believe that the younger generation will open a new chapter in history, creating new opportunities from his achievements."
According to the decree, the previously unnamed square at 15 "Enlightenment" Avenue, Vyborg district, will henceforth be named Ho Chi Minh Square, after the great leader of the Vietnamese revolution and also after the sister city of Saint Petersburg. The square is located next to Ho Chi Minh Street and has been named that way since 1978. It is also situated next to the Ho Chi Minh Monument, which was inaugurated in 2023 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's arrival in Russia.
According to information from the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of the end of 2023, 76 landmarks and structures around the globe bear the name of President Ho Chi Minh, the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people and a symbol of the spirit of national liberation struggle worldwide. The presence of these landmarks not only demonstrates his profound influence but also symbolizes the admiration and respect from international friends for the values he left behind.
With his immense stature and profound humanistic values, not only on important holidays but throughout history, Vietnamese people across the country have always expressed their deep gratitude to him. Actions, songs, meaningful deeds – all are expressions of boundless gratitude and admiration for President Ho Chi Minh, who has become an indispensable part of the hearts of every Vietnamese person.
