During his time searching for ways to liberate Vietnam, President Ho Chi Minh made friends with many French people. No matter who they were - ordinary people, scholars, politicians or opponents - President Ho Chi Minh always left a special and indelible impression on them. It's already been a century since the patriotic young man set foot in France but those special feelings for him remain intact in the hearts of our French friends until today.
Montreau Park in Montreuil,15 km from Paris, is a place many Vietnamese people visit when they have the chance to come to France.
In the park, one can find a bust of late President Ho Chi Minh that has been placed by the city's authorities to commemorate his 115th birthday.
Jean-Pierre Brard, a former mayor of Montreuil, greatly contributed to the building of the bust. He has a lot of admiration for the late President. During his time as a mayor and after he retired, he always did special favours for Vietnam through many development projects.
Jean-Pierre Brard, Mayor of Montreuil from 1984 to 2008 said: Each time a high ranking level delegation visits France they make sure to pass through Montreuil. Vietnamese people come to the park to commemorate Ho Chi Minh on occasions such as his birthday. To me, Ho Chi Minh is a great personality, a scholar, a patriot and a thinker.
The Museum of Living History is located near the park. The museum has space to display items related to the late President.
Eric Lafon, Director of Science, Museum of Living History, Montreuil said: We want to introduce a special person to the visitors. He came to France to find ways to liberate his country.
A documentary entitled 'Ho Chi Minh, Aspirations for Peace' by French director Dominique de Miscault is a valuable film that reflects President Ho Chi Minh's desire for peace as well as the good sentiments and respect that the French and other foreign friends had for the great national leader.
Dominique De Miscault, French Journalist, Artist said: In the documentary, I interviewed journalist Leo Figuerre. He had met President Ho Chi Minh many times and he knows the battle of the Vietnamese people very well. Ho Chi Minh was a kind-hearted and profound person.
During the time Ho Chi Minh was in France, he always received support from his French friends. Even later, during the two resistance wars, he still received the support of his loyal French friends, many of whom were always willing to devote their lives to Vietnam.
