Sacred Lung Po flagpole

The image of the vibrant red flag with a yellow star atop the monument, fluttering in the vast blue sky of Lung Po (Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province), its reflection shimmering on the Mother River, is truly beautiful, sacred, and proud.

Located 70 km northwest of Lao Cai city center, the Lung Po flagpole is situated along a winding and treacherous road. It marks the first point where the Red River enters Vietnamese territory and is a landmark affirming Vietnam's national border sovereignty . Upon arriving, visitors are filled with pride as they witness the national flag fluttering proudly on the border, listen to border guards recount the history of their struggle to protect the sacred borders of the Fatherland throughout different periods of history, and gain a deeper understanding of the unwavering fighting spirit and the sacrifices made by the military and civilians along the northern border to defend every inch of land.

It is known that Lung Po – known in ancient Vietnamese as Long Bo – is a stream that was originally a small tributary of the Thao River, originating from the mountain range on the Vietnam-China border in the northern part of Nam Xe commune, Phong Tho district, Lai Chau province. The stream flows southeast through Nam Xe commune. Upon reaching Y Ty commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province, it changes direction to the northeast and flows to Lung Po village, A Mu Sung commune. Locally, it means "Large Dragon Hill," or "Dragon's Head," as the stream meanders around the hilltop resembling a dragon's head, emptying into the Lung Po village junction. There, it meets the flow of the Yuanjiang River (as it is called in China), which flows into Vietnam under the name Red River, marking the watershed between Vietnam and China at border marker 92. This is also the first point where the Red River enters Vietnamese territory. From here, the Red River flows tirelessly through Vietnam, passing through the midland palm forests and tea hills, then carrying alluvial deposits to build the fertile delta, a rich and prosperous land with a brilliant Red River civilization intertwined with the many ups and downs of the nation's history.

To honor the heroes who fell for the independence and sovereignty of the Fatherland's border, Lao Cai province constructed the Lung Po flagpole at border marker No. 92, at the foot of Dragon Mountain in Lung Po village. Construction began on March 26, 2016. The Lung Po flagpole is 41 meters high, with the main body measuring 31.43 meters, and is associated with the "Roof of Indochina" of the legendary Fansipan peak. The 2,100 square meter area was invested in and completed by the Lao Cai Provincial Youth Union on December 16, 2017. Climbing 125 spiral steps leads to the top of the flagpole, where a 25 square meter red flag with a yellow star, symbolizing the 25 ethnic groups living in Lao Cai province, proudly flies in the border breeze.

Within the grounds of the former Lung Po Border Guard Station, now stands the Ho Chi Minh Memorial House, a place of worship for the heroic martyrs and people of the ethnic groups of Bat Xat district who perished in the wars to protect national border sovereignty and defend the Fatherland throughout the long history of our nation's founding and defense. This is not only a project affirming national border sovereignty and paying tribute to the heroic martyrs who fell for the independence and sovereignty of the Fatherland, but also a place where every Vietnamese person can learn about history, cherish the past, and further love the S-shaped land of Vietnam.

Lung Po truly stands as a "lighthouse on the river," illuminating the entire border region. This project serves both to affirm the sovereignty of the Fatherland and to educate the younger generation about the tradition of remembering one's roots. It is also a project by the youth of Lao Cai to celebrate the successful conclusion of the 11th National Congress of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

The national flagpole at Lung Po once again reminds us of the heroic deeds and unwavering sacrifices of the soldiers and people of this border region who have kept the land peaceful and is a symbol of national pride. From the top of the flagpole, one can gaze far into the distance at the red hues of the Red River flowing below, and the vast green expanse of corn, banana, and cassava fields cultivated by the local people.

As the years pass, the image of the flag fluttering proudly in the sun and wind affirms that, no matter what difficulties arise, the national borders will always remain strong.

Source: http://baolamdong.vn/du-lich/202410/thieng-lieng-cot-co-lung-po-c88316a/