Flags never go out of style.

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 on the front lines, becoming a source of spiritual support, encouraging our army and people to overcome hardships and reclaim every inch of land, every village.

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

One early autumn morning, we arrived at residential area 11B, Bac Kan ward, Thai Nguyen province. The paved road was straight and clean, lined on both sides with rows of red flags with yellow stars fluttering brightly. This image evoked memories of the historic moment of September 2nd, 1945, at Ba Dinh Square, when the national flag was hoisted, ushering in a new era for the nation. In residential area 11B, the National Day atmosphere was also vibrant. The area has 210 households, and every house displayed a flag very early in the morning.

Mr. Vi Van Toai, head of residential group 11B, said: "During National Day and other major holidays, the group properly and solemnly displays the national flag. In addition, residents are mobilized to clean up the environment and beautify the urban landscape."

In Hamlet 2B, we visited the home of veteran Ban Van Thang to hear his story about the national flag. His spacious two-story house nestled at the foot of a hill in a fresh and peaceful setting. Although 72 years old, he remains healthy and has bright eyes.

While pouring a cup of tea, Mr. Thang recounted his years in the military. In 1972, after getting married, he enlisted. His first unit was C73 in the former Bac Thai province, serving as a security guard. He was later stationed in various locations such as Hanoi and Ninh Binh. From February to June 1975, he participated in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign in the southeastern battlefield.

During the years of fighting, he and his unit always carried the national flag with them, so that whenever the unit captured an area, the flag would be planted there. After peace was restored, on every National Day, he would hang the national flag in front of his house as a reminder of that glorious era.

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

Located more than 200km from the center of Thai Nguyen province, Khau Dang village in Bang Thanh commune is home to 36 households, all of whom are San Chi people. Despite difficult conditions, with houses scattered sparsely and some isolated on a hillside, the villagers are meticulously preparing to celebrate National Day. From the beginning of August, everyone has been sweeping the village roads, clearing weeds, and selecting tall, straight, and sturdy bamboo poles to hang flags.

Mr. Hoang Van Thanh, Head of Khau Dang village, shared: "The night before, I announced the flag-hanging ceremony on the village's Zalo group. The next morning, all households complied seriously, and some even replaced their old flags to ensure solemnity."

The national flag, with its red background symbolizing revolution and resilience, and its five-pointed golden star representing the unity of all people, always flies proudly, becoming an unchanging symbol of patriotism, the aspiration for independence, and the Vietnamese spirit, regardless of the circumstances.

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