Leveraging the cultural values of ancient Eastern region, Hai Duong today embodies the essence of Vietnamese culture, forged over thousands of years of history while retaining its own distinctive identity, particularly its tradition of academic excellence and scholarly achievements. During the feudal era, Hai Duong produced 472 doctors and 11 first doctoral candidates, and Mo Trach Village (Binh Giang) earned the title of “Doctorate Village” with 36 doctorates, marking the highest number of doctorates nationwide. Nam Sach District, known as the “Book Repository of the South,” also led in the number of doctorates. Mao Dien Temple of Literature (Cam Giang) stands as a testament to the scholarly tradition of the Eastern region, including members of the Vu clan. We take pride in the core values passed down by our ancestors: “Kindness and Wisdom”—a legacy of academic success, career establishment, and contributions to the homeland and the nation.
The Vu – Vo Clan Council of Vietnam and the Vu – Vo Clan Council of Hai Duong Province, together with the nationwide clan, offered ceremonial tributes at the Mo Trach Historical Site to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Supreme Deity Vu Hon (the 8th day of the first lunar month, Year of the Dragon 2024).
To preserve and promote the cultural values of our clan, worthy of Hai Duong’s status as a sacred ancestral land that houses three historical relics of the Vu – Vo Clan in Vietnam, efforts have been made to restore and enhance the ancestral sites. These include the Tomb and Shrine of Deity Ancestor Vu Hon, the first recorded Vu clan member in Vietnamese history; the ancient Dong Dom Cemetery, the resting place of Ancestror Vu Tien Oanh; and the Tomb of Ancestral Mother Nguyen Thi Duc. The Vu – Vo clans across the country, including those in Hai Duong, have collectively contributed to the expansion and beautification of these sacred sites, honoring our ancestors with gratitude and reverence.
The Vu – Vo Clan Council of Vietnam and the Vu – Vo Clan Council of Hai Duong Province offered incense at the ancient Dong Dom Tomb.
Over the past five years, the Standing Committee, the Executive Committee, and the Vu – Vo Clan Councils at the provincial and district levels, including towns and cities, have truly formed a unified organization, voluntarily fostering solidarity, responsibility, and discipline in clan activities. Initially, Hai Duong had only 7 out of 12 districts, towns, and cities with established district-level Clan Councils. However, following the 2nd Congress, the Executive Committee led, directed, guided, and successfully coordinated the organization of the Representative Congresses for Binh Giang District (2019) and Nam Sach District (2022). After the congresses, the clan organizations in Binh Giang and Nam Sach became highly effective, with notable achievements contributing to strengthening unity and connecting with the nationwide clan for ancestral worship.
In an effort to implement the Resolutions of the 2nd Clan Representative Congress and to mark achievements leading up to the 3rd Provincial Representative Congress for the 2024–2029 term, the Vu-Vo Clan Council has actively mobilized efforts in Chi Linh City, the ancestral homeland, to establish a provisional Executive Committee. The goal is to organize the first Vu – Vo Clan Representative Congress of Chi Linh City at the earliest possible time.
To date, 11 out of 12 districts, towns, and cities in Hai Duong have established clan councils, including one provisional council preparing for a congress and one district with a clan liaison committee. Following the Executive Committee’s directive to build a four-tier clan organizational structure, Hai Duong has actively encouraged the formation of commune-level and ward-level clan councils (clan liaison committees). Notably, Thanh Mien District has successfully established 11 out of 17 commune-level clan councils. Some communes have maintained active operations for over a decade, such as Lam Son Commune, Chi Lang Bac Commune, and Thanh Mien Town. Although recently founded, the Binh Giang District Clan Council has recognized the importance of commune-level clan organization, connecting smaller clan branches at the village and commune levels. As a result, 7 out of 16 communes in Binh Giang now have established clan councils or liaison committees, with notable examples including Co Bi Commune and Sat Town. Additionally, commune-level clan councils have been set up in Hai Duong City, Thanh Ha, Kim Thanh, and Cam Giang, with exemplary cases such as An Thuong Ward (Hai Duong City), Tan Viet Commune (Thanh Ha), and Dai Duc Commune (Kim Thanh)…
To engage younger generations in clan activities, the provincial council successfully established and recognized the Vu – Vo Youth Club of Hai Duong in 2023 as an official affiliate. Various specialized clubs have also been formed, including the Nam Sach Vu – Vo Business Club, the Nam Sach Vu – Vo Educators’ Association, and the Hai Duong Cultural and Arts Club. These organizations have since been actively contributing to the overall development of the clan in Hai Duong Province.
To further promote the clan’s historical and cultural traditions and encourage young members to pursue academic and professional success, the Hai Duong Provincial Clan Council has successfully organized ceremonies to honor accomplished entrepreneurs and outstanding students. These events, held at Mo Trach Relic Site (2022) and Dong Dom Cemetery (2023), served as occasions for ancestral veneration and tribute to Deity Ancestor Vu Hon and Ancestor Vu Tien Oanh. Additionally, fundraising initiatives for the Scholarship and Talent Promotion Fund have garnered contributions ranging from 110 to 120 million VND, alongside hundreds of millions of VND raised for clan activities, COVID-19 vaccine funds, flood relief efforts in Central Vietnam, and direct financial aid to disadvantaged Vu – Vo families, including the families of Mr. Vu Van Nghia, Ms. Vu Thi Tinh (Tu Ky), Mr. Vu Ba Dang (Nam Sach), Mr. Vu Van Khay (Thanh Mien), and Mr. Vu Xuan Nam (Cam Giang). These meaningful actions have left a profound impact on society, reflecting the values of kinship, solidarity, and mutual support.
President of the Vu – Vo Clan Council of Vietnam, Vu Minh Giang, and President of the Vu – Vo Clan Council of Hai Duong Province, Vu Dinh Thuat, presented flowers to congratulate the Representative Congress of the Vu – Vo Clan of Binh Giang District.
The Standing Committee of the Vu – Vo Clan Council of Hai Duong Province convened a meeting to implement plans for organizing the 3rd Representative Congress of the Vu – Vo Clan of Hai Duong Province on May 25, 2024.
To conclude the 2nd term’s activities, the Hai Duong Provincial Vu – Vo Clan Council has scheduled the 3rd Provincial Clan Representative Congress for September 20, 2024. This major event will embody the collective will and aspirations of the entire clan, reaffirming unity, responsibility, and a commitment to strengthening the clan’s organization and legacy, bringing honor to the Vu – Vo Clan of Vietnam.
VU CHI NGHIEM
Standing Vice President, Vu-Vo Clan Council of Hai Duong Province
