The plane carrying Uncle Ho – a historical mark in the middle of the National Achievements Exhibition

VHO - The IL-14 aircraft with registration number VN-C482 that once carried President Ho Chi Minh on business trips during the anti-American resistance war is becoming the center of attraction for tens of thousands of people at the National Achievements Exhibition with the theme "80 years of journey of Independence - Freedom - Happiness" in Dong Anh, Hanoi.

The IL-14 aircraft with registration number VN-C482 that once carried President Ho Chi Minh is on display at the National Achievements Exhibition. Photo: Nguyen Linh

Amidst the vast and colorful space of the National Achievements Exhibition, where thousands of valuable artifacts and documents about the glorious journey of the nation converge, the IL-14 aircraft with registration number VN-C482 stands tall as a special "historical witness".

It is not only an artifact that reminds of a heroic period, but also a sacred symbol associated with the image of Uncle Ho during important working trips for the cause of national liberation and unification.

People lined up neatly to visit and take photos with the IL-14 plane that once carried President Ho Chi Minh. Photo: Nguyen Linh

This aircraft was provided by the Soviet Government to President Ho Chi Minh in early 1957, and was one of five IL-14s that Vietnam received when the civil aviation industry was still in its infancy.

From then on, VN-C482 became the means of transporting Uncle Ho and high-ranking leaders on business trips across the country, overcoming bombs and bullets during the fierce war years.

After completing its historic mission and stopping flying in 1981, the IL-14 was preserved at the Vietnam Aviation Museum.

This time, with the coordination of the Civil Aviation Authority, the aircraft was moved to the Vietnam Exhibition Center (Dong Anh, Hanoi ) for display from August 28 to September 15, 2025, giving the public a rare opportunity to see it with their own eyes.

The IL-14 aircraft has a maximum speed of 415 km/h, an operating altitude of 6,500 m, and a flight range of 1,700 km. Photo: Nguyen Linh

In front of the time-worn aircraft cabin, veteran Bui Xuan Tinh from Nghe An's eyes lit up with emotion.

He slowly said: “Back then, we only heard that Uncle Ho went on business trips by plane, but we never saw him with our own eyes. Now standing in front of the plane that was once associated with him, I feel as if I am seeing a part of my memory again. For us soldiers, Uncle Ho is always a great source of encouragement, to overcome all hardships and sacrifice for the Fatherland.”

Not only those who experienced the war, the young generation and people today also feel proud when standing before this artifact.

Ms. Nguyen Diem Huong, a resident from Thanh Hoa who came to Hanoi to visit, emotionally shared: “I brought my child along so he could see the plane that carried Uncle Ho. The history lessons we often hear in class are now right before our eyes, so close and sacred. This is not only a tour but also a vivid lesson about national traditions.”

After being retired in 1981, the IL-14 was preserved at the Vietnam Aviation Museum before being put on display. Photo: Nguyen Linh

The image of people lining up neatly to visit, take pictures, and listen to explanations about the IL-14 further shows the special attraction of this historical artifact.

The artifacts not only remind us of a difficult period, but also arouse the nation's pride, solidarity and aspirations for a new journey.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/may-bay-cho-bac-ho-dau-an-lich-su-giua-trien-lam-thanh-tuu-dat-nuoc-165752.html