Officials and residents of Van Don Special Administrative Zone held an incense and flower offering ceremony on Ngoc Vung island to mark the 64th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's historic visit on Nov. 12, 1962.
The delegation was led by Mr. Cao Tuong Huy, a member of the Standing Committee of the Quang Ninh Party Committee, Secretary of the Van Don Party Committee and chairman of the special zone's People's Council.
Representatives of the local Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee joined officers from the Ngoc Vung Border Guard Station and local residents at the President Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site.
During the ceremony, participants paid tribute to the late president and recalled his visit to the island 64 years ago, when he met with soldiers, residents and other central government leaders.
The visit took place as northern Vietnam was working to rebuild and develop its economy, strengthen national defense and establish a secure base for the country's development.
On Ngoc Vung, an island of strategic importance, President Ho Chi Minh spoke with soldiers and residents about their daily lives and work.
He encouraged them to increase agricultural production, grow rice, sweet potatoes and trees, develop fishing activities, improve health care and provide education for children.
He also emphasized the importance of cooperation between the military and local communities, urging soldiers to support residents in agricultural production and cooperative development while encouraging residents to assist the armed forces in national defense.
Before leaving the island, Uncle Ho planted a banyan tree to commemorate his visit. The tree remains a symbol of the historic occasion and a treasured landmark for generations of island residents.
Sixty-four years later, his visit and guidance continue to hold special meaning for the people of Ngoc Vung and the wider Van Don area.
Local authorities said the anniversary serves as a reminder of the importance of community solidarity, economic development and national defense.
Van Don aims to build on that legacy by improving living standards, strengthening cooperation between residents and the armed forces, and combining economic growth with the protection of Vietnam's maritime borders and island sovereignty.
