Vietnam Summer Camp 2025: An emotional homecoming for young overseas Vietnamese in President Ho Chi Minh’s homeland
WVR - On the afternoon of 23 July, as part of the ongoing activities of the Vietnam Summer Camp 2025, the delegation of overseas Vietnamese youth paid a visit to the Kim Lien Relic Site – the paternal and maternal hometown of President Ho Chi Minh, in Nghe An province.
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| The Vietnam Summer Camp 2025 delegation solemnly proceeds into the Kim Lien Relic Site with a wreath. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Covering an area of over 205 hectares, the Kim Lien Relic Site comprises multiple historical locations scattered between 2 and 10 kilometres apart. These include the Hoang Tru village complex (Chua village), President Ho Chi Minh’s maternal hometown; the Sen village complex, his paternal homeland; and the resting place of Madame Hoang Thi Loan, the President’s mother.
In 2012, the Kim Lien Relic Site was officially recognised as a Special National Historical Site. This distinction is a tribute from the Party, State and people of Vietnam to President Ho Chi Minh and affirms the site’s sacred status in the hearts of every Vietnamese and many international friends. The site also plays an important role in educating future generations about the exemplary life and revolutionary spirit of President Ho Chi Minh.
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| With deep reverence, the Vietnam Summer Camp 2025 delegation offered incense at the altar of President Ho Chi Minh. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Guided by the staff of the site’s Management Board, overseas Vietnamese youth participating in the Vietnam Summer Camp 2025 offered incense and flowers at the altar of President Ho Chi Minh. The visit allowed them to gain deeper insights into the early life and revolutionary journey of the great leader and left them feeling proud of their homeland, which gave birth to such an extraordinary figure.
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| Overseas Vietnamese youth and students listen as a guide at the Kim Lien Relic Site recounts stories from President Ho Chi Minh’s childhood in his homeland. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
At Kim Lien, the young delegates learned more about President Ho Chi Minh’s childhood. They visited his thatched-roof house, viewed simple household items from his early years and listened to touching stories about his life in Sen village.
In a solemn atmosphere, the delegation respectfully offered incense at the Memorial House of President Ho Chi Minh in Kim Lien, his paternal village.
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| Bui Hoang Ngoc, an overseas Vietnamese from Australia, poses in front of the house where President Ho Chi Minh spent his childhood. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Speaking to the World & Vietnam Report, Bui Hoang Ngoc, an overseas Vietnamese from Australia, proudly shared: “I currently live and study in Western Australia, where the Vietnamese community is still relatively small. But what touches me most is that every household displays and venerates a portrait of President Ho Chi Minh.
Just like in Vietnam, our community holds the highest respect for Uncle Ho. Today’s visit to both his paternal and maternal hometowns is a priceless experience that not every young overseas Vietnamese has the chance to enjoy”.
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| Nguyen Van Co admires household items preserved just as they were during President Ho Chi Minh’s time in his native village. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
For Nguyen Van Co, currently living and studying in Cambodia, the journey was also deeply meaningful:
“Visiting President Ho Chi Minh’s homeland not only enriches our knowledge of Vietnamese culture and history, but also gives us the opportunity to improve our Vietnamese language skills and gain a deeper understanding of our national roots”.
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| The delegation pays a visit to Hoang Tru Village, the maternal hometown of President Ho Chi Minh. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Many young overseas Vietnamese were visibly moved as they stood for the first time in front of the simple thatched house nestled among bamboo groves and betel nut trees-so modest, familiar and dear. The experience reinforced their sense of responsibility to live, study and work in ways worthy of the sacrifices made by President Ho Chi Minh and the generations of heroes who fought for the peace they enjoy today.
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| Young members of the overseas Vietnamese delegation explore the house where President Ho Chi Minh spent his early years. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
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| Young members of the overseas Vietnamese delegation explore the house where President Ho Chi Minh spent his early years. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
