Flag- raising ceremony in Quang Tri marks National Reunification Day

One of the major activities within the festival is a flag-raising ceremony at Hien Luong Bridge across Ben Hai River, which divided North and South Vietnam during the war.

During the American War,  Quang Tri was one of the most devastated localities by thousands of tonnes of bombs and shells. The province was also well known for the fierce 81-day-and-night battle at Quang Tri Citadel.

In his speech at the flag-raising ceremony, Quang Tri Secretary Nguyen Van Hung recalled the wartime years when the province was the fiercest battlefield and the direct home-front of the southern battleground.

Despite being blasted with dozens of tonnes of bombs, ammunition and toxic chemicals, the people of Quang Tri remained steadfast and held onto their land until the final victory.

The province was liberated in 1972 and, after 47 years since liberation, Quang Tri has gradually overcome its difficulties to record significant achievements in all fields.

The flag-raising ceremony was an occasion to look back on the memories of a heroic period, honour the brilliant feats and pay tribute to the enormous sacrifices of the previous generations.

After the ceremony, Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh paid a visit to the Truong Son National Cemetery, Route 9 Cemetery and the ancient citadel of Quang Tri.