Origin of International Children's Day on June 1
June 1 is known as International Children's Day, an occasion to honor and protect children's rights worldwide. Few know that this day originated from a heartbreaking story during World War II, associated with two places: Lidice and Oradour.
The Lidice tragedy (former Czechoslovakia)
In the early morning of June 1, 1942, Nazi German forces surrounded the village of Lidice (former Czechoslovakia, now the Czech Republic). They captured 173 men, 196 women, and children. Of these, 66 were killed, 104 children were sent to concentration camps, 88 died in gas chambers, and 9 others were taken to serve the Nazis. This is one of the most brutal crimes against children in modern history.
The Oradour tragedy (France)
Two years later, on June 10, 1944, Nazi Germany surrounded the town of Oradour (France). They herded 400 people into a church, including many women and over 100 children, then set the church on fire, killing everyone inside. This event further fueled global outrage and demands to protect children.
The birth of International Children's Day
To commemorate the hundreds of innocent children brutally killed by Nazi Germany, in 1949, the Women's International Democratic Federation decided to designate June 1 as International Children's Day. The goal was to demand that governments take responsibility for children's lives, reduce military budgets to increase education budgets, and protect and care for children. Since 1950, June 1 has officially become Children's Day. In reality, this day is mostly celebrated in a few dozen socialist countries, and Vietnam continues to maintain June 1 as International Children's Day.
Meaning of International Children's Day
International Children's Day is not only an occasion for children to play and receive gifts but also a reminder of society's responsibility to protect and care for the future generation. It is a day for the community to review efforts to protect children's rights and promote practical activities to improve children's material and spiritual lives.
In Vietnam, June 1 is also associated with Children's Day, a festival where children nationwide receive special attention. They not only receive loving wishes from grandparents, parents, and relatives but also meaningful gifts. For parents, this is an opportunity to express love for their children.
International Children's Day in Vietnam
Vietnam was the first country in Asia and the second in the world to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the first international legal document comprehensively addressing children's rights based on the principle that children have the right to special care, protection, and assistance. This shows the deep concern of the Party and State for the nation's future generation.
Right after gaining independence, June 1 and the Mid-Autumn Festival (August 15 lunar calendar) annually became joyful festivals for children nationwide. Especially during the fierce resistance war against French colonialism, on the first International Children's Day (June 1, 1950), President Ho Chi Minh still thought of children nationwide and sent congratulatory letters to young pioneers and children. Since then, every year on Children's Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, children nationwide eagerly await President Ho Chi Minh's congratulatory letters.
President Ho Chi Minh always cared for and taught children to become good citizens. His Five Teachings for young pioneers and children have become educational content for the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization, guiding generations of Vietnamese youth to strive and mature.
Activities on June 1
On this day, in many localities nationwide, recreational, cultural, and sports activities for children are widely organized. Children participate in folk games, watch performances, and receive gifts from organizations, unions, and families. This is also an occasion for authorities and organizations to award scholarships, books, and school supplies to disadvantaged children, demonstrating the spirit of mutual love.
International Children's Day on June 1 is an occasion for each adult to remember childhood, beautiful memories, and more importantly, to be aware of our role in protecting, caring for, and educating children, the future owners of the country.
