[Photos] Twenty-five years of Flag-Raising Ceremony at Ba Dinh Square
May 19, 2026 marks 25 years since Unit 275 under the President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Command began conducting the national flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies at Ba Dinh Square (May 19, 2001–May 19, 2026).
In the sacred atmosphere of Ba Dinh Square, at exactly 6:30 a.m., the national anthem resounds as the red flag with a yellow star flies proudly in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a solemn image deeply etched in the hearts of generations of Vietnamese people.
The daily flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies attract large numbers of residents and international visitors, especially during national holidays, Tet, and major commemorative events.
The main entrance to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is opened before the flag-raising ceremony begins.The honour guard assembles behind the Mausoleum to complete all preparations.The honour guard assembles behind the Mausoleum to complete all preparations.
At 5:53 a.m., accompanied by the song “Advance Under the Military Flag” composed by Doan Nho, the honour guard of 34 officers and soldiers marches into the square. The 34 personnel symbolise the 34 members of the Viet Nam Propaganda Unit of Liberation Army, the forerunner of the Viet Nam People’s Army.Over the past quarter-century, in all weather conditions, the disciplined footsteps, precise military movements, and solemn bearing of the officers and soldiers of Unit 275 have not only helped preserve the dignity of the nation’s political heart, but also nurtured patriotism, national pride, and citizens’ sense of responsibility toward the Fatherland.The national flag unit marches solemnly up the steps beneath the flagpole and attaches the flag.The national flag flies in the early morning sunlight.
The national flag flies in the early morning sunlight.Company 1 of Unit 275 has the honour of carrying out the ceremony over the past 25 years.As the national flag is raised and the national anthem played, the soldiers stand at attention and salute, while residents and visitors pause their activities, watching the national flag slowly rise to the top of the pole and joining in singing the national anthem.After the flag salute ceremony, the honour guard marches once around the front of the Mausoleum in review formation.Throughout 25 years of conducting the flag-raising ceremony at Ba Dinh Square, regardless of circumstances or weather conditions, the officers and soldiers of Unit 275 have remained steadfast and resolute, performing every movement with precision and solemnity, demonstrating the spirit and strength of the Viet Nam People’s Army.
Politburo member and Permanent member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee Tran Cam Tu on May 19 presented 80-year Party membership badges to veteran Party members in Da Nang, marking the 136th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh.
