More than 100 international delegates, individuals and organizations that made significant contribution to Vietnam’s struggle for independence, national reunification, and the cause of national construction and defense, attended.
Deep gratitude for profound bonds
At the meeting, President of Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Do Van Chien expressed joy at meeting with, greeting, and paying gratitude to international friends who supported and contributed to the cause of national liberation, reunification, construction, and defense of the socialist Vietnam. He conveyed his heartfelt thanks, along with the warmest and most sincere sentiments to foreign friends.
According to him, throughout every stage of the revolution, the Party, State, and people of Vietnam have always treasured and been deeply grateful for the profound bonds and invaluable support from international friends and peoples. This included the faithful solidarity of the Lao and Cambodian people, the wholehearted support of the people from Chinese, Soviet, Cuban, and other socialist countries, as well as the backing of peace-loving people worldwide.
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Comrade Do Van Chien speaks at the event. |
During the period of national reconstruction, international friends assisted Vietnam in building numerous projects, factories, schools, and hospitals, contributing actively to the country’s development. Notably, even those who had once stood on the “opposite side of the battlefield” overcame past prejudices to contribute to Vietnam’s efforts in overcoming the consequences of war and building a prosperous and happy life.
“The victory of the August Revolution was the crystallization of ardent patriotism, unyielding determination, and the strength of great national unity under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh. It was also a triumph of lofty international solidarity, a shared joy for peace- and justice-loving people across the world,” comrade Do Van Chien affirmed.
Priceless treasure
In the spacious yet intimate hall, emotional stories and vivid memories of bygone times filled the air. Elisabeth Helfer Aubrac, the daughter of revolutionary Raymond Aubrac and foster daughter of President Ho Chi Minh, shared moving reflections on the affection she held for Vietnam’s beloved leader.
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VFF President Do Xuan Chien hands over Friendship Order to three individuals. |
For Elisabeth, President Ho Chi Minh was like a member of her own family, a figure who accompanied her childhood with warmth and care. “On August 15, 1946, when President Ho Chi Minh held me, a newborn daughter of his friends Raymond and Lucie Aubrac, in his arms and agreed to be my godfather, he bound our family to the extraordinary history of Vietnam. A history of courage, of the longing for freedom, and of human dignity... When my parents actively engaged in movements supporting Vietnam, as a little girl, I could only send drawings, and later letters, to my godfather. Year after year, no matter how difficult it was, he always found a way to send me a token of his love and affection,” Elisabeth recalled.
As a university student, Elisabeth and her siblings joined movements calling for an end to the unjust war, giving her more opportunities to connect with her foster father. The last meeting between her father, Raymond Aubrac, and President Ho Chi Minh was in 1967. At that time, Elisabeth sent her godfather a symbolic gift, a stone egg, representing a bright future for Vietnam. In return, President Ho Chi Minh sent her a piece of silk for her wedding dress. To this day, Elisabeth still cherishes that gift as a priceless treasure.
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Groups and individuals honored with the Prime Minister’s Certificate of Merit |
Though many years have passed and both her father and her beloved godfather have passed away, the bond with Vietnam still runs deeply in Elisabeth’s family. “Our family remains closely connected to Vietnam. My husband has taught Vietnamese students for more than 40 years at the French - Vietnamese Center for Management Education in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. When Vietnamese students come to France, we always welcome them to our home as family members,” she said.
At the event, international delegates expressed their respect for President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese people, sharing memories of their involvement in supporting Vietnam during its struggles for independence as well as in the country’s efforts to build, defend, and develop.
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Gifts presented to delegates |
This gathering, held on such a momentous national occasion, reflected the profound gratitude of the Party, State, and people of Vietnam for the solidarity and invaluable support of peace-loving peoples worldwide. It also conveyed a message of Vietnam’s enduring loyalty, steadfastness, and appreciation for the assistance of international friends, affirming the country as a friend, a trusted partner, and an active, responsible member of the international community.
Translated by Tran Hoai