The flag-raising ceremony for national reunification was organized by Quang Tri province to mark the 51st anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and national reunification (30/4/1975).

Among those attending the flag-raising ceremony were General Secretary and President To Lam; Nguyen Duy Ngoc, head of the Central Organization Commission; Le Minh Tri, head of the Central Internal Affairs Commission; Phan Van Giang, deputy prime minister and general, minister of national defense; and Luong Tam Quang, general, minister of public security.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nguyen Van Phuong, secretary of the Quang Tri Provincial Party Committee, stated that after the 1954 Geneva Accord, the Ben Hai River at the 17th parallel became a temporary military demarcation line, with the expectation of a general election to reunify the country. However, due to the schemes and destructive actions of the American imperialists and their puppet regime, the accord was not implemented, and the country endured 21 years of division, with the pain of a split nation and a divided homeland.

In this context, Quang Tri, along with the military and people nationwide, fought resiliently and indomitably, steadfastly protecting the demarcation line and thwarting schemes to expand the war into the north. "Under the enemy's bombs and bullets, the flag proudly flying on the Hien Luong flagpole became a symbol of faith and the will for reunification of the two regions, north and south", Mr. Phuong said.

General Secretary and President To Lam and delegates release doves on Hien Luong Bridge. *Photo: VNA*

Inspired by this spirit, the Vietnamese military and people achieved many glorious victories, associated with landmarks such as Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, Vinh Moc Tunnels, Gianh Ferry Terminal, and Victory Road 20, helping to affirm the truth: "Vietnam is one, the Vietnamese people are one; rivers may run dry, mountains may erode, but this truth will never change".

The Quang Tri secretary expressed that while the war has receded, memories of those heroic and tragic years remain vivid in the hearts of all Vietnamese, especially the people of Quang Tri. "Hien Luong - Ben Hai will forever be a sacred symbol of the will for reunification, the aspiration for peace, and unwavering faith in the day when north and south reunite as one family", he said, expressing gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh, the heroic Vietnamese mothers, fallen heroes, families of meritorious individuals, war invalids, sick soldiers, and compatriots and soldiers nationwide who contributed and sacrificed for peace, national independence, and the people's happiness.

Subsequently, General Secretary and President To Lam and Party and State leaders met and spoke with former armed police officers from the demarcation line and students, and together released doves on Hien Luong Bridge.

On the same morning, General Secretary and President To Lam offered incense in commemoration of General Vo Nguyen Giap at his tomb in Phu Trach commune. For over 30 years as Commander-in-Chief of the Army, General Vo Nguyen Giap's name is associated with victories in the two resistance wars against France and America, as well as the cause of national construction and defense.

General Secretary and President To Lam offers incense in commemoration of General Vo Nguyen Giap. *Photo: Communist Party Information Portal*

In Bac Gianh ward, General Secretary and President To Lam offered incense at the special national relic site of Gianh Ferry Terminal.

The Gianh Ferry historical relic is located on National Highway 1, connecting the two banks of the Gianh River. The ferry terminal was first built in 1886 and restored in 1954. It was a vital transportation hub during the resistance war against America, known as a "coordinate of fire", where hundreds of cadres and soldiers sacrificed to maintain the transportation lifeline supporting the battlefield.

At Truong Son National Martyrs' Cemetery, General Secretary and President To Lam observed a moment of silence, offered incense, and laid flowers in commemoration of the fallen heroes. Truong Son Martyrs' Cemetery is home to 10,263 martyrs' graves.

Dac Thanh