On Thursday, the 130^th death anniversary of the talented Vietnamese general Ong Ich Khiem took place at his tomb in the Hoa Tho Commune Cemetery in Da Nang’s Hoa Vang District.

Ong Ich Khiem was born on 21 December 1829 in Phong Le Village, Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province (now called Phong Bac Residential Area, Cam Le District, Da Nang).  He was known for his intelligence and tenacity.  He was also a talented general, and was well versed in strategic planning.  He held key positions under the Nguyen dynasty, and made a significant contribution to the country.

Ong Ich Khiem's tomb

Ong Ich Khiem died on 19 July 1884 in Binh Thuan Province.  He was then buried at his birthplace in Phong Le Village.  Later, he was reburied in the Hoa Tho cemetery.  Several upgrades of Ong Ich Khiem’s tomb have been implemented since national reunification in 1975.  In 2001, the tomb was recognised as a national historic site by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.  Ong Ich Khiem’s tomb is now regarded as a place for educating the younger generations about patriotism and the national tradition of “when drinking water, remember its source”.