The construction of President Hồ’s Torch on Phú Quý Island began on February 19, 1980. After three months of construction, it was inaugurated on May 19, 1980—coinciding with President Hồ Chí Minh’s birthday.
The Construction of the Torch
After the liberation of Southern Vietnam, to honor the immense contributions of President Hồ Chí Minh, the Politburo (4th term) initiated a campaign to bring Hồ Chí Minh’s symbolic torch to light up every corner of the country. Phú Quý, an outpost island isolated in the middle of the sea, lies 54 nautical miles (approximately 100 km) from Phan Thiết. The journey to the island was extremely challenging, especially during rough seas. Yet, with deep reverence and gratitude toward the beloved leader, the soldiers and people of Phú Quý organized the torch procession to the island and gathered efforts to transport materials up to the summit of Mount Cấm to construct the Hồ Chí Minh Torch. Construction began on February 19, 1980, and after three months, the monument was inaugurated on May 19—the birthday of President Hồ.
Over the next 30 years, the monument deteriorated significantly due to the harsh coastal climate—especially on the windy summit of Mount Cấm. In response, Phú Quý mobilized local officials, soldiers, residents, and benefactors to contribute funds, labor, and materials for its restoration and enhancement. The people of the island, along with many successful Phú Quý natives living afar, generously contributed time, money, and resources. Donations for the monument totaled around 1.2 billion VND and more than 8,000 workdays. In 2011, Phú Quý District officially re-inaugurated the Hồ Chí Minh Torch monument.
The Meaning of President Hồ’s Torch
The torch stands 19.5 meters tall—a reference to May 19, the birthday of Hồ Chí Minh. The torch site includes a ceremonial plaza featuring a statue of the President, sculpted by Da Nang artisans from a single block of white Non Nước marble. The pathway from the base of Mount Cấm to the monument winds along the mountain slope for about one kilometer. It includes a paved section and two stairway segments constructed from stone steps.
The Hồ Chí Minh Torch is a monument of deep significance to the island’s people. It serves as a site for local officials and residents to pay tribute to the President, especially during national holidays and major local events. The monument also plays an important role in educating and reminding future generations to unite in building a prosperous and strong Phú Quý—worthy of its role as the country’s frontline island. Today, the torch is not only a political and spiritual gathering place but also an unmissable attraction for visitors exploring Phú Quý.
From the summit of Mount Cấm, one can take in a panoramic view of the beautiful jade island of Phú Quý. It brings to mind a quote from a document by the Vietnam People’s Navy, which records an event in 1961 when President Hồ visited Quảng Ninh to honor General Trần Hưng Đạo’s victory over the invading Mongol forces on the Bạch Đằng River. During his visit, President Hồ remarked:
“In the past, our country had only forests and nights. Today, we have daylight, sky, and sea. Our coastline is long and beautiful, and we must join hands to protect it.”
More than half a century later, President Hồ Chí Minh’s timeless words remain etched in the hearts of soldiers and citizens across the nation—especially among the sailors of the Vietnam People’s Navy. Stationed in distant island outposts, they remain ever ready to fight and sacrifice for the sacred, inviolable sovereignty of Vietnam’s seas and islands.
