The monument “Determined to Brave Death for the Survival of the Fatherland” is located in the Vạn Xuân Flower Garden, near the Ba Kieu Temple (next to Hoan Kiem Lake) in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Prior to 1954, this location housed a memorial dedicated to vicar Alexandre de Rhodes, one of the prominent peop who introduced the current writing system to the Vietnamese people.
In late December 1946, in response to the aggressive and usurping actions of the French colonialists, a national resistance erupted. In accordance with President Ho Chi Minh's call for a national resistance, the army and people of Hanoi fiercely fought for over 60 days and nights, defending every street, corner, and house. The French forces encountered strong resistance and suffered heavy losses. During those more than 60 days and nights of "living or dying with our capital," the outstanding residents of Thang Long-Hanoi composed an epic that embodied the patriotic spirit of the new era, and they were bestowed the beloved nickname "Capital Regiment." Later, to commemorate the National Resistance Day, Hanoi city built the Monument of Comrade Cảm Tử Quân, featuring the inscription "Determined to Brave Death for the Survival of the Fatherland” taken from a letter of encouragement written by Uncle Ho.
The monument depicts the image of a national soldier and a Hanoi girl dressed in traditional custome in a fighting stance, embodying unwavering spirit and courageous determination of the capital's soldiers and people in the early days of the resistance against the French. Over 70 years have passed, yet Uncle Ho's call for national resistance seems to retain its practical and historical significance. It not only symbolizes the spirit of resistance of the people of Hanoi but also reflects the spirit of resistance that pervades our entire nation, not just limited to the people of Hanoi. It represents the determination to fight for the nation, even if it means sacrificing everything.
With the rich historical and cultural traditions of our nation in the struggle against foreign invaders and in defending the country, along with the heroic spirit of the army and people who pledged "Determined to Brave Death for the Survival of the Fatherland", they stood up together to fight against colonialists, imperialists, and traditional education to pass on this ancient oath as a message from our ancestors to future generations: "Use your strength to protect the country."
Nearly 30 years have passed since the construction of the monument until the liberation and reunification of the country's South, which is a long period of time. However, the value of the heroic and noble image of the sacrificing soldier endures with time. It represents the connection of the strength of the Vietnamese people to the day of complete and total victory, merging into a unified whole.
Despite the ups and downs of life and the passage of time, it stands tall like the revolutionary spirit of the past soldiers. It resides not only in the subconscious of the capital's residents but also leaves a profound impression on domestic and international tourists alike
