In the days preceding Tet, a visit to Phu Lac fishing village (Hoa Hiep ward) unveils a vivid scene, amid warm golden spring sunlight alongside the immense blue stretch of sea, the bright red national flags stand out while fluttering briskly in the wind.

The naval force presenting National Flags for fishermen aboard a fishing vessel.

At Phu Lac Fishing Port, boat owner, Ms. Tang Thi Diep busily prepares for her first offshore trip this year. Over many years, besides offerings presented to the Sea Deity, she has consistently brought along two national flags so that, after the ritual, she can replace the old ones with new banners. Watching the deep red flags flutter in the spring sea breeze, she entrusts her hopes and faith toward favorable voyages ahead while expressing wishes for a peaceful, prosperous New Year for her family along with fellow residents in the coastal village.

For fisherman, Mr. Le Van Chi, with over 20 years spent at sea, the National Flag flying across open waters functions not merely as an identifying symbol but also as a sacred flame igniting faith plus patriotism. Across the immense ocean, the red flag bearing a yellow star streaming from the bow of his vessel continually recalls his homeland along with the cherished mainland.

Recently, during the program titled “Spring Joining Hands to Safeguard the Sea - Tet Strengthening Military-Civilian Bonds,” the Naval Academy presented 200 National Flags for fishermen in Phu Lac coastal village as well as residents in Hoa Hiep Ward. Rear Admiral, Mr. Nguyen Huu Thoan, Political Commissar at the Naval Academy, noted that through such flag-presentation activities, the navy aims to convey a message about solidarity linking the armed forces with the people. Fishermen at sea are never alone, since the Fatherland together with the naval force always stand beside them.

Rear Admiral Nguyen Huu Thoan along with Mr. Tran Minh Tri joining fishermen as well as naval personnel in a flag salute aboard a fishing boat at Phu Lac Fishing Port.

As part of the program, the Naval Academy also conducted legal awareness sessions regarding maritime sovereignty, islands, plus the prevention of illegal, unreported, unregulated (IUU) fishing, thereby improving legal compliance among fishermen while encouraging responsible, sustainable fisheries.

Mr. Tran Minh Tri, Deputy Head from the Provincial Commission for Communication, Education as well as Mass Mobilization, affirmed: “Each flag handed directly toward fishermen carries the trust, responsibility, plus sentiments from the Party, the State, along with the armed forces for those who steadfastly remain at sea across the fishing grounds day after day. The National Flag flying on every vessel serves not only as spiritual support strengthening fishermen’s resolve to venture offshore, but also as a symbol affirming national sovereignty throughout the country’s maritime zones".

Translated by HAI LOAN