Today the world mourns the passing of Ho Chi Minh, revolutionary who liberator of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Born in 1890, he lived to be 79 years old before his death on September 2, 1969. A tireless leader, principled patriot, and unrivaled revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh devoted his life to the liberation and unification of his country, both in war and peace. He fought against the Japanese during World War II, and later against the French Colonial powers in Indochina, eventually leading his long-suffering people to independence in 1954. A recognized symbol of the nationalist movement, he is credited with leading the North Vietnamese to victory in the Vietnam War. The immense contributions of Ho Chi Minh to the safeguarding of Vietnamese independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed, not just in Vietnam, but around the world.