Hiền Lương Flagpole: A symbol of the aspiration for reunification at the 17th parallel
The Hiền Lương flagpole is not only a historical monument by the Bến Hải River but also a sacred symbol of the aspiration for peace and national reunification. Located at the 17th parallel – a place that once divided the country for more than two decades, the flag flying on the Hiền Lương flagpole has become the faith, will, and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese nation.
Hiền Lương Flagpole - A symbol of the aspiration for reunification at the 17th parallel
Today, when visiting this place, tourists not only learn about a special historical period but also have the opportunity to pause and deeply feel the value of independence, freedom, and national unity.
1. Where is the Hiền Lương border flagpole located?
The Hiền Lương Flagpole is located in Hiền Lương hamlet, Hiền Thành commune, Vĩnh Linh district, Quảng Trị province, Vietnam. This is part of the special national historical site of the Hiền Lương – Bến Hải banks, spanning the Bến Hải River, which was chosen as the temporary boundary at the 17th parallel according to the Geneva Agreement in 1954. The Bến Hải River is about 100 km long, originating from the Trường Sơn mountain range and flowing into the East Sea at Cửa Tùng, creating an important historical landmark in central Vietnam.
Photo: The flame igniting the faith and will of the nation
This location is close to National Route 1A, about 20 km north of Đông Hà city (the capital of Quảng Trị) and about 90 km from Huế. The historical site spans two districts, Vĩnh Linh and Gio Linh, including both the northern and southern banks of the Bến Hải River. Thanks to its convenient location, tourists can easily access it by motorbike, car, or tour from neighboring provinces. If you are planning a trip to Quảng Trị, this is a must-stop to better understand the national history.
2. The history of the Hiền Lương flagpole associated with the 17th parallel
The history of the Hiền Lương Flagpole is closely linked to the 17th parallel – the boundary line that divided Vietnam into two regions, North and South, after the Geneva Agreement on July 20, 1954. Initially, this was only a temporary boundary awaiting the general election for reunification in 1956, but due to the schemes of the US - Diệm regime, the country had to endure division for 21 years, leading to the resistance war against the US for national salvation.
Photo: Hiền Lương Flagpole: An immortal symbol of national pride
The first flagpole on the northern bank was erected in 1954 using a 12-meter high casuarina tree, flying a red flag with a yellow star measuring 3.2x4.8 meters. In the south, the Ngô Đình Diệm government responded with a 15-meter high pole, later raised to 30 meters and then 35 meters. This led to the famous "flag contest": the North continuously raised the height of the pole to assert its will for reunification. In 1957, a 34.5-meter high steel pole was erected; by 1962, it reached a peak of 38.6 meters with a flag area of 134 m², becoming the tallest flagpole at the 17th parallel. From 1956 to 1967, the North hung 267 flags that were destroyed by bombs and weather.
In 1967, American planes bombed and destroyed the flagpole and the Hiền Lương bridge, but within one night, our troops rebuilt a new pole, and the flag continued to fly. Concurrently, there was a "loudspeaker contest": both sides installed large loudspeakers (up to 500W) for propaganda, with the North broadcasting the Voice of Vietnam program for 14-15 hours a day, drowning out the American loudspeakers. These events turned Hiền Lương into a symbol of the relentless struggle for national reunification, witnessing the sacrifices of thousands of soldiers and compatriots.
3. The historical significance and national spirit of the Hiền Lương flagpole
The Hiền Lương Flagpole is not only a historical witness but also carries profound meaning about the spirit of the Vietnamese nation. It represents the pain of the country's division, where millions of families were separated, but at the same time, it is also a symbol of the aspiration for reunification and indomitable will. In the "flag contest," the North always keeping the flag flying higher is not only a material struggle but also an assertion of sovereignty and belief in victory.
Photo: The great historical value of the Hiền Lương flagpole
This monument educates the younger generation about the tradition of patriotism and sacrifice for independence and freedom. It reminds us of the historical lesson: the division caused by foreign powers and the strength of national unity that led to the Great Spring Victory of 1975. Today, the Hiền Lương Flagpole is a source of inspiration for national spirit, contributing to the awareness of protecting territorial sovereignty, especially in the context of the East Sea.
4. What is special about the Hiền Lương flagpole today?
Today, the Hiền Lương Flagpole has been restored and has become the center of the special national historical site of the Hiền Lương – Bến Hải banks, which was ranked in 2013. The current flagpole is 28 meters high, made of steel pipes with a cable system and winch, flying a red flag with a yellow star measuring 9.6x4 meters, simulating the old pole that was 38.6 meters high.Notable features include:
- Restored Hiền Lương Bridge: 183.65 meters long, 5.5 meters wide, painted half green (north bank) and half yellow (south bank) with a 1 cm white line marking the boundary, recreating the image of division.
- Exhibition house “17th parallel and the aspiration for reunification”: Preserving 53 documents and artifacts about the Geneva Agreement, the struggle, and the 500W loudspeaker.
- Statue complex “Aspiration for reunification”: An area of 2,700 m², featuring a statue of a southern mother (7.7 meters high) and her son (5.5 meters) made of green stone, symbolizing the belief in reunion.
- Loudspeaker system and police station: Restored to the original model, helping visitors visualize the "loudspeaker contest."
- Ferry docks: Such as Cửa Tùng and Tùng Luật docks, with a memorial shaped like a boat overcoming waves.
5. Experience visiting the Hiền Lương – Bến Hải historical site
Visiting the Hiền Lương – Bến Hải historical site is an emotional journey, helping you recall the national history. It is easily accessible via National Route 1A, with ideal visiting times from morning to afternoon to avoid the heat. Entrance fee is 50,000 VND/person.Notable activities:
- Explore the bridge and flagpole: Walk across the bridge, take photos of the waving flag, and feel the historical boundary.
- Visit the exhibition house and monument: View artifacts, listen to stories about the "flag contest" and "loudspeaker contest."
- Visit the ferry docks and police station: Understand the secret transport route supporting the South.
- Educational activities: Suitable for families and students, with a festival area and a peaceful lake.
Photo: Combine visiting other monuments in the area
The Hiền Lương flagpole and the Bến Hải River are not only historical witnesses of a time when the country was divided but also an immortal symbol of the aspiration for peace, independence, and national unity. Each step visiting here is a moment to pause and understand the value of history, cherish the great sacrifices of our ancestors, and feel proud of the journey of reunification of Vietnam. If you want your journey to explore the Hiền Lương Bridge – Bến Hải River to be complete, rich in emotions, and guided by authentic historical stories, choose the Hiền Lương Bridge – Bến Hải River tour with Sovaba Travel. With a scientific itinerary, knowledgeable tour guides, and dedicated service, Sovaba Travel will accompany you on this meaningful journey back to the roots. Contact us now to start the trip, touch the historical memories, and preserve unforgettable emotions at the historic 17th parallel.