Ho's Legacy in Vietnam
"Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom."
-Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh by William J. Duiker
-Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh by William J. Duiker
Determination and Vision
"We have been fighting for our independence for more than 25 years, and of course we cherish peace, but we will never surrender our independence to purchase a peace with the United States or any party."
-Ho Chi Minh and his dedication to reunification. presidency.ucsb.com Ho ignited the Vietnamese nationalism that existed in Vietnam's past.
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Ho died September 2nd, 1969. He didn't live to see unification, but his determination was left with his followers.
"They'll agree not to get grabby. But I have no faith in collective leadership. They will all claim the mantle of Ho Chi Minh, and they will start to get grabby. He(Ho Chi Minh) was the hoop that held the staves of the barrel in round. Now that hoop is gone." -U.S. analyst Douglas Pike, predicting Hanoi's leaders will argue and be less effective. content.time.com. The U.S. doubted their unity, but believed varying opinions and Ho's death would divide Hanoi. The fact that this didn't happen, and America eventually left Vietnam depicts Vietnamese endurance.
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An Exalted Leader
Ho is highly respected in Vietnam for his determination and love for the country. He is an "Uncle", peace, and builder to many Vietnamese people.
"Now you don’t call me as Excellency. Call me Uncle."
- Ho Chi Minh, recalled by one of his assistants Ta Quang Chien. Vietnam War: Primary Sources. Ho was embalmed and put into a mausoleum. To honor him more, Saigon was renamed after Ho.
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Propaganda posters, statues, and portraits of Ho are everywhere in Vietnam. In rare cases, there are shrines dedicated to Ho. |
A Nation's Confidence and Victory
The first step of Vietnam becoming a nation was Ho's Declaration of Independence. Vietnam's victory in the First Indochina War revealed its power as a new nation.
"At first we couldn't believe it. The Europeans, so big and strong with all their tanks and airplanes, beaten by us. Humble little Vietnamese. Fathers, school teachers, factory workers. We were so proud."
-Nat Ang Vhu, a civil servant in the French administration, testified the victory over France strengthened Vietnam nationalism. War In Indochina: Documentary on the First War in Vietnam. Ho's propaganda triggered bravery, patriotism, unity, and specifically the atmosphere of nationhood in Vietnam.
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"The French were physically bigger and had many weapons, but we had something we could use against them; our courage. We were determined to fight to the end, because they came here to steal our land."
-Vietminh Army Captain, Chung Van Lo, says the Vietminh soldier were confident. War in Indochina: Documentary on the First War in Vietnam. The courage of the Vietnamese allowed Vietnam to gain victory over more weapon-advanced nations.
"There were a lot of emotions at that moment[when Saigon fell to North Vietnam]...The war was over.
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Peace reestablished and above all, we became the true masters of our own country, our own land; independent...the most glorious moment in our[Vietnam's] history."
-Ambassador Ha Be Lan, said Vietnam was a nation after the Vietnam War. The Fall of Saigon Documentary.
-Ambassador Ha Be Lan, said Vietnam was a nation after the Vietnam War. The Fall of Saigon Documentary.