Ho Chi Minh City Plans Memorial to Honor COVID-19 Victims and Frontline Heroes
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A new symbolic space is envisioned in Ho Chi Minh City to commemorate the nearly 23,000 lives lost to COVID-19 and to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by medical personnel and emergency responders during the pandemic.
Ho Chi Minh City is moving forward with plans to construct a memorial dedicated to those who died during the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside a tribute to the healthcare workers and first responders who battled the virus. The project, conceived as a “quiet place” for reflection and remembrance, aims to capture the spirit of solidarity and resilience that defined the city’s response to the crisis.
A Central Location for Remembrance
The proposed site, located at No. 1 Ly Thai To Street in Vuon Lai District, was selected for its spaciousness and central location. According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Hau, secretary general of the Ho Chi Minh City Historical Society, the area is ideally suited to become a place where residents and visitors can pause, reflect, and express their gratitude. The existing parkland, already home to numerous mature trees, will be integrated into the memorial’s design to enhance the natural landscape.
The project is envisioned not merely as a historical record, but as a “humanistic manifesto” reflecting Ho Chi Minh City’s enduring capacity for recovery and community responsibility. Mr. Ho Tan Duong, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Design Association, emphasized that the memorial’s impact should be felt emotionally, stating that it “does not necessarily have to be grand, but it must touch people’s feelings.”
Design Concepts: Minimalism and Metaphor
Initial design concepts center around three minimalist areas: remembrance, gratitude, and renewal. These spaces are intended to symbolize rebirth and a renewed belief in the future. Architects suggest that the design should leverage natural elements – light, shadow, materials, trees, and water – to evoke introspection and emotional connection.
Architect Le Thua Trung Hung proposed locating the memorial area itself further from the street to minimize noise and create a more contemplative atmosphere. He envisions a design that blends past and present, reality and fantasy, to reflect the complexities of the pandemic experience. Others, like MC Quynh Hoa, hope the space will resemble a peaceful park where visitors can relax and pay their respects, perhaps by leaving flowers on public holidays.
A Focus on Resilience and Compassion
A recurring theme among stakeholders is the importance of focusing on the city’s resilience rather than solely on the pain of loss. Director Ca Le Hong urged designers to create a memorial that is “humane and compassionate and show the rise of the people of Ho Chi Minh City.” This sentiment was echoed by Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association Chairman Doan Hoai Trung, who believes the memorial should radiate the spirit of perseverance displayed during the crisis.
“When people visit this memorial park in the future, they will feel and understand the misfortune that occurred and at the same time be grateful and appreciate those who committed themselves to the life-and-death fight against the pandemic,” one senior official stated. Major General Nguyen Hong Son, former director of military hospital 175, underscored the importance of recognizing the contributions of medical and military personnel who were on the front lines of the pandemic response.
Beyond Remembrance: A Museum and Community Space
Discussions have also centered on the possibility of incorporating a museum into the memorial complex. Architect and associate professor Vu Hong Cuong suggested an underground museum to preserve artifacts and stories from the pandemic. Numerous artists and photographers have already pledged donations of artwork and images documenting the fight against COVID-19. Mr. Huynh Minh Hiep, Deputy Head of the Office of the UNESCO Center for the Study and Preservation of Vietnamese Antiquities, has offered a collection of thousands of pandemic-related memorabilia.
Ms. Le Tu Cam, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Cultural Heritage Association, advocated for a dynamic museum experience that moves beyond static displays. She envisions “storytelling sessions, exchanges with historical witnesses, white shirt soldiers, volunteers, soldiers and medics” to keep the memories alive. Professor Huynh Van Son from Ho Chi Minh City Pedagogical University emphasized the need for the space to serve as a community hub, offering support for orphans and career guidance for those impacted by the pandemic.
Planning and Integration with Urban Infrastructure
The project’s planners are also considering the surrounding urban landscape. Ngo Anh Vu, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Urban Planning, noted the proximity of Au Lac Park and the presence of two subway lines running beneath the site. He stressed the need for careful spatial planning to integrate the memorial with existing infrastructure and future public transportation expansion.
The memorial is intended to be a lasting testament to the collective experience of Ho Chi Minh City during the COVID-19 pandemic – a place of remembrance, gratitude, and hope for the future.
