One of the most remarkable highlights was the “I Love My Fatherland” Journey and the flag-raising ceremony at the A Pa Chải border marker in Sín Thầu commune, jointly organized on August 16 by the provincial Youth Union, the Vietnam Youth Federation in Điện Biên, the A Pa Chải Border Post, and Nà Tấu Prison. Amidst the majestic mountains of the westernmost point of the country, the red flag with a golden star fluttered proudly, carrying the aspirations of the younger generation. In a solemn atmosphere, delegates and young union members performed the flag salute ceremony and sang the resounding National Anthem. Mùa Chiến Thắng, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the provincial Youth Union, shared that the program was not only a form of communication and patriotic education but also an occasion to nurture faith and create excitement among officials, youth union members, and the people, strengthening trust in the Party’s leadership on the path of building and defending the nation.

During this journey, the delegation also carried out practical acts of support that warmed the hearts of border residents. The organizers presented 100 national flags and 100 portraits of President Hồ Chí Minh to households in Sín Thầu commune, with the wish that each home along the border would become a “living milestone” affirming the sacred sovereignty of the nation. In addition, 15 meaningful gifts were given to students and people in difficult circumstances, while 30 blue volunteer shirts were presented to young people in the commune, encouraging them to continue their path of contribution.

Following this vibrant start, the provincial Youth Union urgently launched the project “The Road of National Flags” to mark Independence Day. Implemented in cooperation with the Điện Biên Tourism Co., Ltd. and “Thổ địa” - the project not only aimed to foster patriotism but also to create scenic highlights and attract tourists. To bring the idea to life, the provincial Youth Union mobilized local youth to participate. On August 23, nearly 50 young people from Mường Thanh Ward planted almost 200 flags, creating a 500-meter-long road of flags in Khá and Pom Loi villages. On August 26, another 300-meter stretch of flag road was completed, leading from provincial road ĐT.143 into the terraced fields of Phù Lồng village in Pu Nhi commune. With rows of national flags neatly planted on both sides, these works created impressive landscapes, showcasing the collective effort of the youth to beautify their homeland.

The enthusiasm of Điện Biên’s young generation was not confined to on-site activities but was also powerfully spread through creative communication campaigns. Responding to the call of the Central Youth Union Secretariat to raise funds to present national flags, the Provincial Youth Union collaborated with the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) in the “Proud Vietnam” campaign. Special telecom packages were introduced for young union members, with VND 10,000 from each subscription donated to the National Flag Fund. This innovative initiative combined technology with the pioneering spirit of the youth to realize noble goals, helping bring millions of national flags to remote border and island regions.

In addition, Điện Biên youth actively responded to the “Proud Vietnam” media campaign launched by the Hồ Chí Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee. The provincial Youth Union promoted widespread participation among officials, youth members, and children across the province by encouraging them to simultaneously install the “Proud Vietnam” digital identity on their computers and mobile phones. Sharing the campaign’s significance, Quàng Mạnh Hải, Deputy Head of the Youth Affairs Board under the provincial Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, said that the sacred red of the national flag blending with the green of youth, symbolizing peace, aspiration, and devotion, had created an impressive highlight, spreading love for the homeland and national pride both in workplaces and online. The campaign was not only a form of communication but also a reminder for the younger generation to uphold courage, aspirations, and responsibility in building and defending the beloved nation.

The spirit of Independence Day was also vividly expressed through grassroots youth union activities across the province. On the morning of August 19, members of the Youth Union of the provincial Center for Culture and Cinema took photos to support the “I Love My Fatherland” media campaign. Mai Thị Thu Hằng, Secretary of the Youth Union of the Center, shared that 80 years ago, the Declaration of Independence resounded at the historic Ba Đình Square, opening a new era for the nation. Eight decades later, that flame of aspiration still burns brightly in the hearts of today’s generation, empowering young people to continue writing heroic chapters with intellect, courage, and Vietnamese pride. Though modest, the activity carried symbolic meaning, serving as a reminder of the young generation’s responsibility to follow in their predecessors’ footsteps and embody the spirit of solidarity, pioneering, creativity, and volunteerism in building a prosperous and civilized homeland.

From A Pa Chải at the country’s border to local youth unions across the province, Điện Biên’s youth activities were not temporary commemorative events but vivid proof of a generation filled with ambition, responsibility, and profound love for the homeland. The patriotic flame lit by these passionate hearts is shining and will continue to shine, contributing to a developing Điện Biên and a strong, prosperous Vietnam moving forward.