Amid COVID-19 pandemic, the number of participants was reduced without speeches delivered and festivals, only hosts and guests watched national flag fluttering on the relic site.

The Geneva Agreements on Vietnam signed in 1954 divided Vietnam into North and South with the 17th Parallel where the Ben Hai River runs through the central province of Quang Tri as a borderline for 21 years. Throughout this prolonged period, the Hien Luong Bridge symbolized the division, expectations and the pain of loss and separation. Hien Luong bridge is also the witness of victory, that led to the national reunification in Spring 1975.

War ended long time ago and Hien Luong Bridge stood the test of time to remind people about the country’s tragic but ultimately victorious past. Le Cong Huong, a resident in Hien Luong hamlet, Hien Thanh commune, Vinh Linh district, was emotional. He said: “Although this year’s flag hoisting ceremony is simple to avoid large gatherings, its implications are unchanged. Every year on Reunification Day April 30, this must be done to make people more understand how significant the ceremony is.”

Following the flag hoisting ceremony, officials and people of Quang Tri paid incense tribute to martyrs at Truong Son National Martyrs’ Cemetery, Road No9 National Martys’ Cemetery, and Quang Tri citadel.