In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City lies a somber reminder of Vietnam’s tumultuous past: Di tích Khu trại giam Bệnh viện Chợ Quán. Behind the unassuming facade of this former hospital ward lies a story of resilience, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to fight for their nation’s freedom. Di tích Khu trại giam Bệnh viện Chợ Quán, established in 1862 as a hospital, later became a prison used by the French colonial regime to detain political prisoners. Among them was a young revolutionary named Trần Phú.
Arrested in 1931, Trần Phú’s health rapidly deteriorated under the harsh conditions of his imprisonment. Transferred to Di tích Khu trại giam Bệnh viện Chợ Quán on August 26, 1931, he was held in a cell within the confines of this former hospital. Despite his failing health, Trần Phú’s spirit remained unbroken.
On September 6, 1931, after just ten days at Di tích Khu trại giam Bệnh viện Chợ Quán, Trần Phú passed away at the young age of 27. His final words, whispered to a fellow inmate, became a rallying cry for the Vietnamese people: “Hãy giữ vững chí chiến đấu”, or “Keep firm the will to fight”. Today, Di tích Khu trại giam Bệnh viện Chợ Quán stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by Trần Phú and countless others who fought for Vietnam’s independence. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring human spirit in the face of oppression and the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of freedom.