The central province of Quang Tri held the annual flag-raising ceremony at Hien Luong Bridge across Ben Hai River, which divided north and south Vietnam during the war, on April 29 to mark the 40th anniversary of the liberation of the south and national reunification (April 30, 1975-2015).
Hien Luong Bridge is 178 m long but it took 21 years for Vietnamese people from the north and the south to be united. The bridge is witness to the Vietnamese people's fierce but glorious struggle and a reflection of their desire for and belief in victory.
Historical relic sites located on both banks of the river have been recognized as special national historical relics.
Quang Tri was one of the most devastated localities during the war by thousands of tonnes of bombs and shells. The province was also well known for the fierce 81-day-and-night battle at the ancient Quang Tri Citadel.
Besides the flag-raising ceremony, a range of activities are being held to mark the special anniversaries. Before the ceremony, a recreation of the reunification scene on Hien Luong Bridge was enacted by artists from the southernmost province of Ca Mau and Lang Son border province. An art festival is slated for April 29, featuring songs on the theme of "Reunification".
