(VOVworld) – Vietnam Television for the first time broadcast live a flag salute ceremony in Big Truong Sa island, Khanh Hoa province and a flag raising ceremony at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi. This is part of activities nationwide to respond to “Vietnam’s Seas and Islands Week 2013”.

Flag salute ceremony in Truong Sa (Photo: VNA)

In a solemn atmosphere, the flag was gradually raised up at Ba Dinh Square. At the same time, soldiers in Truong Sa Island voiced their pledges to construct and defend the nation. Truong Sa soldiers marched in a parade. Through the ceremony, the soldiers and citizens had an opportunity to exchange with students at Ba Dinh Square. Nong Hong Hanh is a student from Cao Bang province: “I have participated in many flag salute ceremonies but this time is very special. As a student from the mountainous district of Cao Bang, it's my honor  to participate in the flag salute here in Hanoi which took place at the same time with the flag salute in Truong Sa islands.”