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On the morning of April 29, at the Hiền Lương – Bến Hải Special National Historic Site in Quảng Trị Province, a flag-raising ceremony titled “Unification of the country” was held to mark the 51st anniversary of the complete liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2026).
General Secretary and President To Lâm attended the ceremony. Also present were Politburo members, members of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, leaders of the Government and the National Assembly, leaders of central ministries and sectors, leaders of Military Region 4, Quảng Trị Province, and a large number of people and visitors.
Quảng Trị Provincial Party Committee Secretary Nguyễn Văn Phương delivered a speech recounting the historical path since the Geneva Accords in 1954, when the Ben Hai River at the 17th parallel became a provisional military demarcation line and the country was divided for 21 years. In that context, Quảng Trị and people across the country bravely fought to defend the line and uphold the belief in national unification.
The speech said the flag on the Hiền Lương flagpole, raised amid bombings and rain, became a symbol of the will for unity. From that spirit, the army and people achieved many feats associated with historic sites including the Quảng Trị Citadel, the Vinh Moc Tunnels, Gianh Ferry, and Route 20 Quyết Thắng, contributing to the victory in the cause of national liberation.
The flag-raising ceremony was described as a commemorative activity to honor generations who sacrificed for independence, freedom, and territorial integrity, while reaffirming the historical value and sacred significance of Hiền Lương – Bến Hải in the process of national reunification.
After the ceremony, General Secretary and President To Lâm and accompanying officials met with former border police and armed forces personnel, students, and released doves on the historic Hiền Lương Bridge.
During the Quảng Trị visit, To Lâm and the Central delegation paid respects at the tomb of General Võ Nguyên Giáp, at the Gianh Special National Historic Site, and at the Truong Son National Cemetery. At each destination, the delegation observed a moment of silence, paid tribute to heroic martyrs, met with officers and soldiers and youth volunteers who sacrificed for the cause of national liberation and unification, and signed the memorial book and offered incense in a solemn ceremony.
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