Flags that never get old

On September 2, 1945, at Ba Dinh Square, when President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the red flag with a yellow star fluttered in the autumn sky. Throughout the years of resistance, the image of the flag was always present at the front line, becoming a spiritual support, encouraging our army and people to overcome hardships, reclaiming every inch of land, every village.

Veteran Ban Van Thang (in group 2B, Bac Kan ward) respectfully folds the national flag at his home.

One early autumn morning, we arrived at residential group 11B, Bac Kan ward, Thai Nguyen province, the asphalt road was straight and clean, with two rows of red flags with yellow stars fluttering brightly on both sides. This image reminded us of the historic moment of September 2, 1945 at Ba Dinh Square, when the national flag fluttered, opening a new era for the nation. At group 11B, the National Day atmosphere was also bustling. The group had 210 households, and every house hung the flag very early.

Mr. Vi Van Toai, Head of Residential Group 11B, said: On National Day and major holidays, the group flies the national flag properly and solemnly. Along with that, people are mobilized to clean the environment and beautify the urban landscape.

At group 2B, we went to veteran Ban Van Thang’s house to hear the story about the national flag. His spacious two-story house is nestled at the foot of the hill in a fresh and peaceful atmosphere. He is 72 years old this year but still healthy, with bright eyes.

Mr. Thang poured a cup of tea while recounting his years in the army. In 1972, after getting married, he enlisted in the army. The first unit he was stationed in was C73 of the former Bac Thai province, performing guard duty. After that, he was stationed in many places such as Hanoi and Ninh Binh. From February to June 1975, he participated in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign in the Southeast battlefield.

During the years of fighting, he and his unit always carried the national flag with them, so that every time the unit won an area, that flag would be planted there. When peace was restored, on every National Day, he hung the national flag in front of his house as a reminder of the heroic times.

Residential cluster No. 3, group 11B, Bac Kan ward, decorated with national flags to celebrate National Day September 2.

More than 200km from the center of Thai Nguyen province, Khau Dang village, Bang Thanh commune, is home to 36 households, 100% of whom are San Chi people. Despite difficult living conditions, sparse housing, some isolated on a hill, the people here still carefully prepare to celebrate National Day. Since the beginning of August, people have swept the village roads, cleared weeds, and selected tall, straight, and sturdy bamboo trees to hang flags.

Mr. Hoang Van Thanh, Head of Khau Dang village, shared: The night before, I announced the flag hanging on the village's Zalo group, the next morning all households strictly followed the order, some households replaced the old flags to ensure solemnity.

The national flag with its red background symbolizes revolution and resilience, and its five-pointed yellow star symbolizes the unity of all classes of people. No matter the moment, the flag still flies brightly, becoming an unchanging symbol of patriotism, the desire for independence and the Vietnamese spirit.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202509/nhung-la-co-khong-bao-gio-cu-96849d5/