A proposal for a "Wall of Fame", which would be dedicated to famous Vietnamese people and national heroes, has been submitted to Ha Noi city's authorities by poet Nguyen Trong Van. According to the project, the 100m wall will use a section of the ancient citadel's wall, which is alongside Hoang Dieu Road. The 53-year-old author talks about his dream project. The "Wall of Fame" is really a very interesting idea. But the project does not seem feasible when it remains on paper?
I don't think so. On the contrary, the project is totally feasible to implement. However, it takes time for authorities to examine the project's feasibility as well as to implement it. For such a special project, a much more careful examination process is necessary.
It can be said that this type of memorial is not a new idea. Several provinces nationwide have monuments honouring the service of their sons, like the martyr monument.
Our nation's 4,000-year-old history has been sustained with knowledge and the blood of many generations of Vietnamese people. They are the ones who helped create "Vietnamese values", thus they are completely worth remembering.
Why do you think the "Wall of Fame" should be built in Ha Noi, but not in any other big city?
Ha Noi is the heart of the country and it is where international cultural exchange activities occur regularly. Definitely, Ha Noi is the symbol of the country.
However, the project may stir up a debate even after it is approved by the authorities? Who will be selected to be put on the wall?
I think it isn't difficult to select the great names from our history. These people must be the ones who have made great contributions to the foundation and development of the country. They may also be the founders of dynasties, or emperors who reigned during prosperous eras. The wall will also include national heroes, intellectuals, scholars, scientists, and so on.
The selection process will be conducted by a national selection committee. In order not to miss any historical period, the selection process should be historically linear.
Can you talk more about the details of the "Wall of Fame"?
It will be built alongside the Hoang Dieu Road and the "Wall of Fame" will use part of the brick section on the ancient citadel's wall, which starts at the West entrance and heads to the South to Doan Mon Gate. However, the wall will be renovated to improve its stability. The wall will also have a small tile roof on top of it.
There will also be a section that will be set up to offer a venue for visitors to read information about the great names, which will be carved into marble tiles.
What is the role of its location, which is next to the Ba Dinh historical complex?
The expected location would be in the Ba Dinh complex, which has Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Meeting Hall, and the Bac Son National Martyr Monument. This complex is linked to the complex of the Thang Long royal citadel, and other cultural relics in the area. I could envision a potential sightseeing tour being made for this area, so visitors would be able to learn more about our country.
Although you had hoped that the project would be a "meaningful gift" in order to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of the city. Currently, the project remains on paper. Do you regret the delay?
It would be great if the project was implemented this year. However, I think the "Wall of Fame" would not only celebrate this national event, but would also be used by future generations to future commemorate their ancestors. So it doesn't matter when the wall is built, as long as it's implemented as soon as possible. — VNS