THE INDEPENDENCE PLACE - "Golden Footprint on Vietnam's Timeless Scrolls" "Golden Footprint on Vietnam's Timeless Scrolls"

On a quiet afternoon, with gentle sunlight shining through the window, I sat next to my grandfather, listening to the story of the tumultuous time he went through. His voice was deep and warm, mixed with sighs and distant eyes, as if recalling the days of sadness, loss, and pride of a nation. He talked about the Independence Palace, once a symbol of power, and its fall, with fierce battles, protests, and historic life-and-death decisions. His vivid memories painted a clear picture of the past, making me feel like I was more than just listening and living through each moment...

Turning back to gaze at the city in the afternoon sunlight, I silently give thanks to the heroes who sacrificed their lives to build this magnificent city. The gate of Independence Palace appears before my eyes, peaceful and bustling now, but how many of us can truly forget those sorrowful days? In the past, this place stood as a symbol of power and division, marking the endless struggles for our nation's independent future. The Palace Gate, a historical witness to the turning point of the country, is where the image of the tanks in 1975 still echoes through the space, breaking through the final barricades, carrying the fate of the homeland into a new chapter, sowing seeds of hope for a future of complete peace. "Old scene, new emotions", today, the gate of Independence Palace remains, standing tall amidst the sky and clouds. Yet somewhere deep within us, we understand that the anxiety and tension of war have long since given way to pride and gratitude as we walk through the lush green grounds, where anyone can come to reflect and feel the resilience, peace, and unity of Vietnam.

And in this place filled with historical memories, where artifacts continue to live on with time, waves of nostalgia and emotion swept over me with every word he spoke. Each artifact here, from the ancient walls to the tank that once charged through the gate of Independence Palace, stands as a silent witness to a sacred chapter in the nation’s past. Remembering what he told me, and now standing in the very place he spoke of, recalling the heroic historical footage of the nation, and being in the presence of these witnesses to history, emotions surged within me, flooding my heart with intensity. It felt as though the blood of my entire body was rushing toward this warm, pulsing heart. The more I saw, the more I felt admiration and pride for the nation’s glorious imprints.

All of these artifacts, once thought to have been forgotten by time, now weave before my eyes a vivid and heroic historical tapestry. The history of our nation is a story of relentless progress, each step forward a testament to the resilience and indomitable spirit of the generations before us, those who “sacrificed for the Fatherland to survive.” Now, in times of peace, these artifacts serve as exhibits for visitors, but they also serve as a bridge connecting the valiant and tragic moments of our forefathers with today’s generations. They remind us that freedom and peace were not easily won, and that the unity we enjoy today came at the cost of countless lives lost on this beloved S-shaped land. As part of the younger generation, we must be grateful and strive to preserve the heroic historical values of our nation.

Standing in the vast main hall, I felt so small amidst the grandeur of the space. The echoes of history’s waves seemed to resonate from the past. Each step on the gleaming marble floor made me sense the solemnity of a place that was once the center of power and fateful decisions. The afternoon sunlight streamed gently through the tall glass windows, illuminating each tile and brightening the entire space, yet somehow casting a serene and contemplative atmosphere. Every corner, every chair, every brick seemed to hold stories from a bygone era, the days of great authority when the fate of a nation was decided here. Now, standing in this space where the sunlight touches my eyes, I feel a profound peace and immense pride. Pausing to listen to the sound of footsteps, I recall how, in those days, every step was hurried and burdened with the weight of carrying the nation’s destiny on their shoulders. Today, in contrast, each step is slow and reflective. The contrast between the past and the present becomes all the more vivid as the modern light of peace shines upon the imprints of those difficult days of struggle. The once heavy air of the main hall now feels like a quiet reminder of the brave sacrifices of our ancestors, allowing today’s generations, like myself, to freely walk these grounds and reflect on the nation’s heroic past.

It was right here that I felt as if I were immersed in a space rich in history, a place that preserves the marks of pivotal moments that shaped the nation’s destiny. He told me about the grand hall, with its elaborately decorated walls and ceilings, where countless meetings and landmark decisions had taken place in the past. Today, the halls of the Palace no longer echo with the sounds of tense political negotiations; instead, the footsteps of visitors from all over the world can be heard as they come to learn about history. The architecture of Independence Palace exudes an extraordinary solemnity; whether in the past or present, the rooms such as the President’s Office, Reception Room, Library, and Screening Room still retain a dignified beauty mixed with a sense of antiquity. The transformation from a space of political power to a living historical exhibit allows us to deeply feel the journey of the nation from war to peace, from suffering to prosperity. Even seemingly inanimate objects like the table, chairs, or red carpet carry countless stories of ups and downs, reminding each of us of the value of independence and freedom.

In this familiar space, though the scenes remain unchanged, my emotions have shifted somewhat. The artifacts, once weighed down by the burden of power and life-or-death decisions, have now transformed into solemn words, guiding visitors step by step through each stage of the wartime era. They appear vividly before my eyes, carrying the echoing sounds of the past. The deafening roar of bombs tearing through the sky, reverberating as if penetrating the walls, awakened a trembling feeling within me. The stories and images of the Ngo Dinh Diem regime emerged like a cold hand tightening around the hearts of the Vietnamese people. It felt as though my throat was constricted, suffocating with every oppressive policy and brutal crackdown, each one adding another layer of chains to

the bare feet of the people. Every page of history from that regime was written in blood and tears, a betrayal of the ideals of freedom and independence that the people longed for.

Though many years have passed, that sense of outrage toward the irrationality and cruelty of such a dark period in the nation's history remains undiminished. Immersed in these lingering emotions, a gentle, clear resistance song suddenly echoed, full of hope, as if dispelling the suffocating atmosphere. It transported me back to the present, where I now deeply cherish the precious peace we have today. The feeling of blending the past with the present, of what has passed and what is still unfolding, in the soft light of time and profound gratitude, the exhibition area of Independence Palace stands as a painting of memories, evoking the echoes of the past.

As I stepped onto the first floor, it felt like I was traveling back in time, returning to the early days of Norodom Palace, which once stood as a symbol of power in Saigon under French colonial rule. Through four main themes—ranging from the process of urban development during the colonial period to stories about Norodom Palace, prominent figures of the city, and the dynamic rhythm of Saigon’s life—every detail came to life in a vivid and captivating way. As I approached the staircase, I was amazed to witness the turbulent historical journey of Vietnam from 1937 to 1954, recounted through significant international events, evoking a feeling that was both familiar and foreign.

The second floor of the museum seemed to lead me into another space, where history unfolded not only through the rise and fall of the Ngo Dinh Diem regime but also through the stories behind the glimmer of power. More than 60 authentic photographs took me on an exploration of Ngo Dinh Diem’s life from when he became president, revealing the division of power within the Ngo family, shrouded in many mysteries. Additionally, we get to learn more about familiar names like Ngo Dinh Nhu, Ngo Dinh Can, and Tran Le Xuan, each with their own fate and power, intertwining to create a complex political landscape. Moreover, the photographs of Ngo Dinh Diem standing with soldiers after defeating the Binh Xuyen forces in May 1955, or the moment when Nguyen Thanh Phuong and Trinh Minh The brought their troops to cooperate and were warmly welcomed by Diem, made me ponder the depths of history. And then, the atmosphere seemed to quiet down as I stood before materials that recreated the bombing of the Independence Palace on the morning of February 27, 1962, the political crises of 1963, leading to the coup that ended the Ngo Dinh Diem regime—a period where every detail left a profound mark.

For domestic tourists—the children of this S-shaped land—they feel even more proud and moved by the nation’s heroic history. This place is not only an impressive architectural structure but also a witness to many significant historical events, which deepens the visitors’ appreciation for the sacrifices and the strength of unity of the Vietnamese people.

The Independence Palace is not only renowned among domestic visitors; international tourists are also highly impressed and often include it on their must-visit list when traveling to Vietnam. Thanks to its unique architecture, detailed historical documents, and significant historical meaning, visitors can gain a profound sense of the Vietnamese people’s relentless fighting spirit and learn more about the country’s formation and development throughout various historical stages.

Under the golden sunlight in the heart of the city, Independence Palace emerges like a painting rich in history and art, evoking memories of the nation’s most significant moments. Regarded as the origin of Ho Chi Minh City, with its rise and fall throughout the history of resistance against foreign invaders, the Palace houses many rare artifacts, some over a hundred years old, bearing witness to countless glorious events of a courageous nation. With its unique architecture, vast grounds, and ancient interior, visitors not only get to admire the beauty of a historical monument but also immerse themselves in stories of the past, journeying back to a time of sorrow yet immense heroism in Vietnam’s history. So, when you have the chance to visit this magnificent city, be sure to stop by Independence Palace to feel the very breath of history for yourself.

This is the sound you will hear in the exhibition area simulating the wartime sounds of that erea. Scan this QR code and listen to those sound frequencies!