On the morning of April 30, 2025, a solemn Flag-Raising Ceremony titled “Reunification of the Homeland” was held at the Hien Luong Flagpole, part of the Hien Luong – Ben Hai Special National Relic Site in Quang Tri province. The event commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025) and the 53rd anniversary of the Liberation of Quang Tri Province (May 1, 1972 – May 1, 2025).
Flag-Raising Ceremony “Reunification of the Homeland” at Hien Luong – Ben Hai (Photo: Trang Nhi)
Attending the ceremony were comrades: Nguyen Dang Quang, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council; Ha Sy Dong, Acting Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee; Dao Manh Hung, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province; along with members of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, the Standing Committee of the People’s Council, leaders of the People’s Committee, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, the Provincial National Assembly Delegation, leaders of departments, agencies, mass organizations, armed forces, districts, towns, cities, and a large number of people from both within and outside the province.
Delegates Attend the “Reunification of the Homeland” Flag-Raising Ceremony at Hien Luong – Ben Hai (Photo: Trang Nhi)
In a solemn and emotional atmosphere, the sacred red flag with a golden star was hoisted to the top of the flagpole as the majestic sound of the national anthem echoed across the skies above the Ben Hai River. Thousands of local people, war veterans, and visitors stood in silence, deeply moved and proud, as they sang together “Tien Quan Ca” – the sacred marching song of the Vietnamese nation.
Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee, Mr. Hoang Nam, delivers a speech at the ceremony (Photo: Trang Nhi)
In his address, Vice Chairman Hoang Nam emphasized: "Quang Tri – the beloved heartland of Central Vietnam – a place soaked with the blood and tears of generations of heroes, once stood as the frontline connecting the North and South. It was a steadfast fortress defending the socialist North, supporting the Southern front, and opening a strategic corridor for the Indochinese countries."
He recalled that the 1954 Geneva Agreement temporarily divided the country at Hien Luong Bridge, causing deep pain and heartbreak among the Vietnamese people. The American imperialists betrayed the agreement, turning the South into a military base and inflicting countless tragedies upon the nation.
Amidst those painful years, the flag on Hien Luong flag tower flew high with unwavering pride – an immortal symbol of the Vietnamese people's indomitable spirit and their unyielding desire for national reunification. Thanks to that steadfast belief and heroic will, the people and soldiers of Quang Tri, alongside the entire nation, forged legendary victories: Vinh Linh stood as an iron bastion; Gio Linh, Trieu Phong, Hai Lang, Cam Lo, and Dong Ha fought with resilience; The Quang Tri Citadel witnessed 81 days and nights of unyielding resistance; Route 9 – Khe Sanh resounded with epic victories; Con Co Island bloomed with heroic glory
Quang Tri made a worthy contribution to the nation's ultimate triumph – the historic Spring Victory of 1975 – a brilliant chapter in Vietnam's thousand-year journey of nation-building and defense.
Though the war has passed, Hien Luong – Ben Hai, once a symbol of division, now shines as a beacon of hope – representing the unbreakable faith in reunification, peace, and progress.
With that legacy in heart, the Party, government, and people of Quang Tri are determined to stand united, innovate, and strive to build a stronger and more prosperous province, worthy of the sacrifices of generations past and the trust of the entire nation.
Art Performances at the Ceremony (Photo: Trang Nhi)
At the event, a variety of impressive cultural performances were presented, creating a majestic and emotional atmosphere. These artistic acts left a profound impression on both local residents and visitors, celebrating the heroic spirit and cultural richness of Quang Tri.
IPA
