A soldier salutes the flag at the A Pa Chải flagpole. — VNA/VNS Photos Xuân Tư

ĐIỆN BIÊN — The northern mountainous province of Điện Biên on Wednesday held a flag raising ceremony and installed a plaque for the A Pa Chải flagpole in Sín Thầu Commune, Mường Nhé District.

The works, at the westernmost point of the Fatherland, commemorate the 71st anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory (May 7, 1954 - 2025).

The flag raising ceremony on the A Pa Chải Flagpole.

With a total investment of VNĐ31 billion (US$1.1 million) from different legal sources, construction of the flagpole started in November 2023 on a mountain peak 1,459m above sea level.

The summit is part of the Khoang La San mountain range, about 1,387m from the zero point at the Việt Nam - Laos - China border junction.

The A Pa Chải flagpole project was completed under a decision issued on May 4, 2023, by the Điện Biên Provincial People's Committee.

The national flag flies on the A Pa Chải Flagpole.

The flagpole total area is 407sq.m, including the surrounding walking path, the flag-raising yard and flower garden. The flagpole is in the centre, symbolising the solidarity of ethnic groups gathered around the 'sacred fire' of the nation.

Looking down from above, the area is stylised like a blooming ban flower (Bauhinia variegata, or mountain ebony) that has become a symbol for the northwest mountains and forests.

The flagpole is 45.19m high, while the total flag area is 37.5sq.m. It takes about 519 steps to reach the top.

The flagpole body is shaped like an octagon, showing a balance of solidity, firmness and majesty as the Fatherland sacred flagpole.

The flagpole base is highlighted by five reliefs depicting typical images of northwest culture and ethnic motifs, following five main themes, including the legend of the Mother Gourd – a legend of the Khmu ethnic group.

In addition, the flagpole top is covered with stone reliefs showing the late President Hồ Chí Minh with the northwest ethnic groups.

The flagpole has a total height of 45.19m.

Chairman of the Điện Biên Provincial People's Committee Lê Thành Đô emphasised that the A Pa Chải national flagpole was ‘the westernmost point of the Fatherland’.

It is not only an architectural work with profound historical, cultural and political significance, but also a symbol affirming the Fatherland’s sacred territorial sovereignty.

This is also an attractive cultural and tourist destination that promotes the socio-economic development of the locality.

He recommended the A Pa Chải Border Guard Station manage and protect the flagpole, ensuring security and order, while also organising flag-raising ceremonies when there were events.

The provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will coordinate those events for domestic and international tourists.

Local authorities and people of all ethnic groups will promote their roles and responsibilities, maintaining environmental order, promptly detect and report to local authorities any signs and acts of encroachment on the flagpole, preserving the symbol of national sovereignty.

Soldiers perform at the flag-saluting ceremony on the A Pa Chải Flagpole.

After the ceremony attaching the plague, delegates moved to the A Pa Chải flagpole yard to participate in the flag raising ceremony.

This was not only a sacred ceremony, but also a great source of spiritual encouragement for all Party members, armed forces and the people of all ethnic groups in Điện Biên Province.

This was also an opportunity for everyone to remind each other of their responsibility to protect territorial sovereignty, maintain border security, spread love for the Fatherland, and the will to be self-reliant.

Delegates perform the ceremony to attach plague to the A Pa Chải Flagpole.

The A Pa Chải monument will be a sacred place to educate the revolutionary tradition for the young generation, affirming national sovereignty in the border area.

The project will become a highlight for the Điện Biên – westernmost A Pa Chải tourist route, creating a great driving force for tourism development. — VNS