The national flag was raised to the peak of the monument as the national anthemwas being played.
Participants observed a minute of silence in memory of those who laid downtheir lives for the independence and freedom of the Fatherland and happiness ofthe people.
The Hien Luong – Ben Hai special national monument is located at the foot of HienLuong Bridge across Ben Hai River.
Ben Hai River divided North and South Vietnam after the signing of the GenevaAccords in 1954. Though the river is just over 100m wide, it took 21 years forthe Vietnamese people on the two banks to be united.
The river and the bridge are witnesses to the Vietnamese people's fierce butglorious struggle against foreign invaders and a reflection of their desire forand belief in victory.
Quang Tri was one of the most heavily bombed areas during the anti-USresistance war. The province was also renowned for the fierce 81-day-and-nightbattle at the ancient Quang Tri Citadel.
Withinthe event’s framework, Quang Tri province launched a design contest for apeacesymbol, to be erected at the Peace Park in the Hien Luong – Ben Hai special nationalrelic site.
On theoccasion, a traditional boat race on Ben Hai River was held./.