Festival marks 120 years since birth of national hero Uncle Ho

NGHE AN — About 1,000 artists gathered in Nghe An Province's Vinh City last Saturday night in a concert to mark the start of Sen Village Festival which is named after the birthplace of Ho Chi Minh, to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the late President (May 19).
The concert highlighted the development of Viet Nam's revolution in close association with his efforts to salvage his country, as well as people's deep love and respect to him.
Attending the festival were Politburo member and Standing member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Truong Tan Sang, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung, Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan, National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong and Chairman of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front's Central Committee Huynh Dam.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh stressed that the national festival this year was a significant cultural event recalling President Ho's great contributions to national independence.
Anh said the event provided a deeper insight into Ho's life and revolutionary career.
Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh, President Nguyen Minh Triet, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong and General Vo Nguyen Giap sent flowers to organisers of the event.
Nghe An Province also held a wide range of activities to mark the late leader's birthday, such as offering incense and flowers at his house. Provincial authorities also organised a youth camp, a procession and a film week.
The five-day festival aims to encourage Vietnamese people to learn and to follow his example, and to promote Nghe An Province to domestic and international friends.
On the same day, an exposition entitled "Ho Chi Minh's heritage in today's time" opened in Ha Noi.
On display at the exhibition – jointly organised by the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Viet Nam Revolution Museum, the Party Central Committee's Office, the Overseas Party Committee and the National Archives – were nearly 400 documents, objects, films and photos of Ho Chi Minh including those contributed by the overseas Vietnamese community.
Many documents and personal effects were on display for the first time. The exhibition will run until August 15.