Flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day at San Francisco City Hall

lễ thượng cờ kỷ niệm 80 năm Quốc khánh Việt Nam tại tòa thị chính San Francisco

Delegates attend the flag-raising ceremony at San Francisco City Hall. (Source: Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco)

The ceremony was chaired by Hoang Anh Tuan, Consul General of Vietnam in San Francisco, with the participation of representatives of local authorities, the Vietnamese community, consuls general of several ASEAN countries, businessmen and international friends.

The event has profound political and diplomatic significance, recalling the journey of fighting for independence, building and developing the country, while affirming Vietnam's increasingly prominent role in the international community as well as in the comprehensive cooperative relationship with the United States.

Symbol of Vietnam-US ties

At exactly 11:30 a.m., to the majestic sound of the national anthem, the red flag with a yellow star was raised and proudly fluttered in front of San Francisco City Hall Square. That sacred moment moved many overseas Vietnamese, as if they were reliving the historic moment at Ba Dinh Square in 1945.

Speaking at the ceremony, Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan emphasized: “Today's important event is not only an opportunity for us to commemorate the contributions of President Ho Chi Minh and previous generations in the cause of fighting for independence, building and defending the Fatherland, but also an opportunity to honor the great achievements that the Vietnamese people have achieved over the past 80 years. Vietnam today is a dynamic developing country, playing an active role in the international community, a friend and trusted partner of many countries, including the United States."

The Consul General also thanked the government and people of San Francisco for creating conditions for the ceremony to take place right in the heart of the city: "Vietnam values and wishes to continue to deepen the multifaceted cooperative relationship with the city of San Francisco, the state of California and the United States in general."

On behalf of the local government, Ms. Penny Coulter, Chief of Protocol of the City of San Francisco, delivered a speech congratulating the 80th National Day of Vietnam.

Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan speaks at the ceremony. (Source: Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco)

“We appreciate the presence and contributions of the Vietnamese community in San Francisco and the Bay Area,” she emphasized. “You not only enrich the city’s diverse cultural identity, but also contribute significantly to our common prosperity.”

Ms. Coulter affirmed that San Francisco always opens its doors to Vietnam, wishing to cooperate more closely in trade, investment, education and cultural exchange. In particular, she emphasized the influence of Vietnamese culinary culture: "Pho, nem, banh mi - these dishes have become an indispensable part of San Francisco's culinary life, loved by the people here and proudly introduced to international friends."

The bridging role of the Vietnamese community

A key highlight of both speeches was the recognition of the contributions of the Vietnamese American community in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Over the past decades, this community has not only preserved its national identity in a foreign land but also played an important role as a bridge between Vietnam and San Francisco, the state of California and the entire Western United States.

Successful Vietnamese-American businessmen, scholars, artists, engineers, and scientists in San Francisco, the Bay Area, and the West Coast of the United States have created an image of a dynamic, creative, and integrated Vietnam. They have spread Vietnamese culture, spirit, and values throughout American society, while also contributing to strengthening the friendship between the two countries.

Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan and Ms. Penny Coulter, Chief of Protocol of the City of San Francisco at the ceremony. (Source: Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco)

Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan commented: "The Vietnamese community in San Francisco and the Bay Area is the pride of the country, a vibrant bridge contributing to deepening the Vietnam-US relationship."

The ceremony was also an occasion to review the 80-year journey of building and developing the country - from the Doi Moi in 1986 to the process of comprehensive international integration. Vietnam's outstanding socio-economic achievements, along with its increasingly important role in the Asia-Pacific region, were recognized and highly appreciated by international delegates.

A successful American business guest said: “Vietnam today is a prime example of a country that both maintains its traditional identity and actively integrates into the international order. Vietnam’s success demonstrates the harmonious combination of national character and global vision.” Consul General Hoang Anh Tuan also shared his vision for the future: “On the road ahead, let us together ensure that the next 80 years of the Vietnam story will be a story of peace, progress and cooperation – not only between our two countries but also for the common benefit of all people.”

The flag-raising ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day at San Francisco City Hall ended with pride and emotion, leaving a strong impression on the participants.

The moment the red flag with yellow star fluttered in front of San Francisco City Hall not only reminded us of glorious history but also opened up hope for a future of solidarity, prosperity and cooperation.

In the early autumn sunlight of San Francisco, that sacred image is like an affirmation: The journey of the past 80 years is a solid foundation for Vietnam to confidently step into the future, with aspirations for peace, development and global integration.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/le-thuong-co-ky-niem-80-nam-quoc-khanh-viet-nam-tai-toa-thi-chinh-san-francisco-326851.html