(QBĐT) - In the early days of the new year 2025, at the harbors of the Roòn, Gianh, and Nhật Lệ rivers, fishermen are busily preparing fishing gear, provisions, and food for their first fishing trip of the spring. Among the essential items that fishermen prepare for their voyage to the open sea, there is one item that they consider a "sacred object," indispensable: the sacred national flag...
Staying at sea with fishermen
Following the Lunar New Year holiday of 2025, fisherman Nguyen Minh Tuan in Canh Duong commune (Quang Trach district) is busy preparing for his first fishing trip of the spring, marking the beginning of a year of favorable weather and abundant catches of shrimp and fish.
Fisherman Nguyen Minh Tuan currently owns three fishing vessels, including two large-capacity ships that fish in distant waters. Tuan says that every time he prepares his ships for a fishing trip, besides the crew, fishing gear, and checking the communication equipment, the national flag is an inseparable item on his family's boats.
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“In the vast ocean, sometimes we fish right up to the border of neighboring countries. As long as we can still see the red flag with a yellow star fluttering, it means we are still within our own territorial waters. These national flags are a solid foundation that gives fishermen confidence to stay at sea. They also serve as a reminder for us to abide by the Party's guidelines and policies, the State's laws and regulations, and not violate regulations on IUU fishing,” Tuan shared.
As a fishing boat owner participating in protecting the sovereignty and sovereign rights in our country's waters according to Government Decree No. 30/2010/ND-CP and Decree No. 130/2015/ND-CP, fisherman Ho Dang Toan in Duc Trach commune (Bo Trach district) has never gone out to sea without his fishing boat displaying the vibrant red flag with a yellow star.
Mr. Toan said: "In the vast ocean, the national flag is often damaged and faded by the waves and wind. Therefore, in addition to the national flags already displayed in the highest and most prominent position on the ship, we always keep several extra national flags on hand during our voyages so that we can replace them immediately when needed."
Fishermen's support system
Living their lives at sea, many fishermen have faced numerous dangers and storms, yet they remain courageous and have never considered abandoning their profession. This is because, for fishermen, seafaring is not only a means of livelihood for themselves and their families, but also a duty to protect the sovereignty of their homeland's seas and islands.
And in every voyage out to sea, fishermen always know that they are not alone. In the sovereign waters of the Fatherland, fishermen always have soldiers, fisheries inspectors, fellow fishermen, and the sacred red flag with a yellow star of the Fatherland as their support.
Fisherman Nguyen Ngoc Canh from Quang Phuc ward (Ba Don town) has been awarded the title of "Outstanding Vietnamese Farmer" and received the Third-Class Labor Medal for his outstanding achievements at sea.
| The red flag with a yellow star is a sacred symbol of the Fatherland, representing the nation's unwavering fighting spirit and determination to win. For fishermen, the image of the national flag flying aboard each vessel inspires them with willpower, strength, and confidence, helping them to venture out to sea, enriching their homeland and families. The presence of each vessel and the national flag at sea plays a crucial role not only in the development of the marine economy but also affirms the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland over its seas and islands. |
Speaking of the vibrant red flag with a yellow star always proudly displayed on the deck of his boat, Mr. Canh said emotionally, “During difficult times, the sacred national flag helps us to be more courageous and steadfast at sea. It is the motivation that drives every fisherman to strive to overcome rough seas and strong winds, both to develop the economy through fishing and to contribute to protecting the sacred sovereignty of our country's seas and islands.”
In the coastal areas of Quang Binh during these early days of the new year, at fishing festivals and fishing expeditions, in addition to offerings such as rice, salt, water, and other necessities, fishermen also place the national flag on the sacred altar, burn incense sticks, and pray for a year of favorable weather and abundant catches of shrimp and fish.
On this occasion, local authorities and relevant agencies, when attending and encouraging fishermen, present the national flag as a meaningful gift, conveying the message that fishermen should remain steadfast amidst the vast ocean. For fishermen, receiving the national flag is like being given renewed strength and confidence to venture out to sea, develop the economy, and contribute to protecting the sacred sovereignty of the nation's seas and islands.
Phan Phuong
Source: https://www.baoquangbinh.vn/phong-su/202502/thieng-lieng-co-to-quoc-tren-bien-2224287/
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