Soldiers and people on Bach Long Vi island attend the flag salute ceremony on February 10, 2024.

The sacred annual ceremony, held on the first day of the new lunar year, demonstrates soldiers and people’s patriotism, responsibility, and determination to fulfill their mission of safeguarding the homeland.   

In Truong Sa town in the central province of Khanh Hoa, the flag salute ceremony was followed by a ritual to pray for favorable weather, peace, safety, and prosperity. Other activities include martial art performances and folk games. 

The flag salute ceremony also took place on Bach Long Vi island in the northern city of Hai Phong, and many border guard stations across Vietnam.