Nothing is more precious than independence and liberty.

Hear, O children, the words of Ho Chi Minh, a man who fought not for riches or fame, but for the most sacred of human rights: "Nothing is more precious than independence and liberty." These words are not born of mere desire, but of profound experience—of a life lived in the struggle for freedom, for the right of a people to govern themselves, to live free from the chains of foreign oppression. In the depths of his heart, Ho Chi Minh knew that independence and liberty are the very foundation of human dignity, the twin pillars upon which every worthy life must stand.

What, O children, is more precious than independence and liberty? These are not mere concepts or lofty ideals; they are the birthright of every human soul. Independence is the ability to stand on one’s own feet, to make decisions without fear or interference from others. It is the strength to shape one’s own destiny, to live according to one’s own will, free from the domination of others. Liberty, on the other hand, is the freedom to act within the bounds of justice, to pursue one's dreams, to speak one’s truth, and to live without fear of oppression. Together, independence and liberty are the most precious gifts one can possess, for they enable the spirit to soar and the soul to find its fullest expression.

Consider, O children, the tale of the American Revolution, a struggle for independence that began with the simple desire of the colonies to live freely, without the burden of a distant empire. The American colonists had long been oppressed by the British Crown, their rights trampled, their voices ignored. But when the time came to claim their independence, they rose up in a mighty cry, a cry for freedom that would forever change the course of history. Their struggle was not only for themselves but for the liberty of all people, for the right to live free from tyranny. The Declaration of Independence was their call to the world, a declaration that independence and liberty were worth any sacrifice.

In the land of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh understood the value of independence in a way that few others could. For centuries, Vietnam had been under the control of foreign powers—first the Chinese, then the French, and later the Japanese. The people of Vietnam had long endured suffering and exploitation, their land ravaged and their dignity stripped away. Ho Chi Minh was born into this struggle, and from an early age, he understood that independence was not just a matter of political power, but of human dignity. He believed that liberty was not a gift bestowed by others, but a right that must be claimed, no matter the cost. His tireless fight against French colonialism and later American imperialism was a testament to his unwavering belief in the sanctity of independence and liberty.

Like the American Revolution, the Vietnamese struggle for independence was long and fraught with hardship. The people of Vietnam, led by Ho Chi Minh, fought with a determination born of necessity. For Ho Chi Minh, independence was not just an ideal to be dreamed of, but a sacred mission that could not be deferred. After years of war, suffering, and sacrifice, Vietnam finally secured its independence in 1954 with the defeat of the French at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. But even then, the fight for liberty continued, as Vietnam would endure further struggles for true freedom in the face of foreign interference. The struggle of Ho Chi Minh and his people reminds us that independence and liberty are not easily won, but they are worth every sacrifice.

So, O children, what lesson can we draw from these great struggles? The lesson is simple, yet profound: independence and liberty are the most precious treasures we can possess, for without them, we are but shadows of our true selves. When we are free to make our own choices, to shape our own future, and to live without the fear of domination, we are truly alive. Independence is not just a political state; it is the foundation of human dignity. Liberty is not just the freedom to act, but the freedom to live in accordance with our highest values and beliefs. These twin gifts are worth fighting for, worth sacrificing for, and worth cherishing for all time.

Therefore, O children, let us live with the understanding that independence and liberty are the birthright of all people, and that they must be defended with unwavering determination. Let us honor the struggles of those who came before us, from the American colonists to Ho Chi Minh, and let their courage inspire us to stand firm in the belief that freedom is worth every sacrifice. May we never forget that independence is not just a gift we receive, but a right we must claim and protect, for it is through independence that we find our true strength and liberty.