During the April 30 holiday, which commemorates the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2026), groups of swimmers have been gathering along coastal areas to capture images with the red flag bearing a yellow star. Many swim in open waters or dive beneath the surface, creating vivid scenes set against clear blue seas.
The activity has become especially popular in the Quy Nhơn Đông coastal area, including Nhơn Lý, Kỳ Co and Hòn Khô, where the contrast between the bright red flag and the expansive ocean has drawn attention on social media.
Nguyễn Ngọc Hóa, a local resident, said the initiative reflects a modern expression of patriotism. “April 30 is a major national holiday, so my friends and I wanted to bring the national flag to the sea as a way to express our love for the country,” Hóa said, describing the flag as a sacred symbol that deepens national pride.
Tourism operators in the area have also embraced the trend. Đặng Tiên Toán, director of Gia đình và Những người bạn Joint Stock Company, said the company organizes freediving experiences that allow visitors to take underwater photos with the national flag near coral reefs.
According to Toán, the initiative aims not only to celebrate the spirit of April 30 but also to promote awareness of marine protection and reinforce connections to Vietnam’s coastal heritage.
While earlier generations associate the holiday with memories of conflict and sacrifice, younger Vietnamese are increasingly expressing patriotism through travel, shared experiences and social media. Despite the shift in form, the underlying message remains consistent: pride in the nation and appreciation for peace.
Against the backdrop of sea and sky, the image of the national flag has become a powerful visual symbol during the holiday, turning leisure activities into moments of reflection and connection.
