Hanoi unveils ‘Vietnam with Heart’ monument celebrating 65 years of sisterhood with Hue, HCMC

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has inaugurated a monument named “Vietnam with Heart” at Thong Nhat Park in Hai Ba Trung Ward to mark the 65th anniversary of sisterhood between Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City (October 8, 1960 – October 8, 2025).

The structure is also an artistic tribute to the 71st anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2025). It will become a new attraction for residents and visitors to the capital.

Made of reinforced concrete and glazed ceramics, the monument features a heart placed before the word “Vietnam”, crafted from thousands of ceramic rice grains and hundreds of peach and apricot blossoms. The red blossoms form the shape of Vietnam’s map.

At its center is a bronze drum surrounded by a stylized dove, symbolizing Vietnam’s deep cultural heritage and desire for peace.

Artists Nguyen Thu Thuy, Nguyen Thanh Tung and Nguyen Thanh Ha from the New Hanoi Arts Company created the monument, with sketches by Nguyen Dang Tuan from Quang Tri Province.

Artist Thuy, who also designed the Ceramic Road along the Red River in Hanoi and the Ceramic Flag on Truong Sa Islands, said: “The bronze drum inside the dove’s outline shows the Vietnamese people’s enduring wish for peace.”

“On both sides of the word ‘Vietnam’ are geometric patterns inspired by Dong Son motifs. The surface features famous landmarks and historical sites representing the North, Central and South regions,” she told the inauguration ceremony on October 12.

The artwork highlights Vietnam’s cultural and natural treasures, from Hanoi’s Khue Van Cac (the Pavilion of the Constellation of Literature), One Pillar Pagoda and Long Bien Bridge, to Hue’s Imperial Citadel and Truong Tien Bridge, Danang’s Golden Bridge and Hoi An Ancient Town and Ho Chi Minh City’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market and Independence Palace.

According to Le Thi Anh Mai, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, the city’s art council praised the monument for its clear concept, artistic value and harmony with the park’s urban landscape and public space.

On October 8, 1960, at Ba Dinh Club in Hanoi, the Hanoi–Hue–Saigon Sisterhood Committee, led by former Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Tran Duy Hung, held a ceremony to establish the sisterhood among the three major cities.

The event affirmed the Vietnamese people’s firm determination to unite the nation, marking a historic milestone for the three cities and inspiring people across the country.

It encouraged Hanoians to build a socialist capital and motivated the people of Hue, Saigon and the southern region to fight for national independence and reunification, which culminated in the great victory of April 30, 1975.

Construction of Thong Nhat Park began in 1958 and was completed in mid-1961. The project was built entirely through voluntary labor by tens of thousands of Hanoians, including officials, workers, intellectuals and students.