Racing against time to complete tasks

The A Pa Chải Flagpole project was started in November 2023, with a total investment of VND 31 billion. The flagpole stands at 1,459 meters above sea level, on the Khoang La San mountain range in Sín Thầu commune, about 1,400 meters from the border marker 0, where the borders of Vietnam, Laos, and China meet. To prepare for the Flag Raising ceremony, more than 120 people, including construction workers, local militia forces, and people from Sín Thầu commune, are working tirelessly to complete the final touches, ready for this important event.

Nguyễn Văn Vĩ, the head of the construction team from Company No.17 in Điện Biên, said: “Today, we will complete the installation of the staircases and the railing system along the road leading from the foot of the project site to the ceremony area. After that, the entire site will be cleaned and prepared for the flag raising ceremony and plaque installation on May 7. After the event, we will continue to mobilize manpower and machinery to finish the project and put it into operation by June 2025.”

Despite the harsh weather conditions and challenging terrain, hundreds of youth members, local militia forces, and the A Pa Chải Border Post’s officers and soldiers have been tirelessly assisting, carrying soil, moving sandbags, and planting trees around the flagpole area, contributing to completing the sacred landmark at the westernmost point of the country.

Sừng Xuân Hừ, Deputy Commander of the Sín Thầu commune’s Military Command, stated: “This morning, the local militia was mobilized again to assist the construction team in cleaning up the areas that have been completed, collecting broken bricks, and removing excess materials around the project site. We also transported more materials up the mountain to ensure that construction progresses on schedule to best serve the event on May 7.”

On the morning of May 6, Permanent Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Phạm Đức Toàn personally inspected and urged the construction progress and preparations for the flag raising ceremony and plaque installation at the A Pa Chải Flagpole.

Phạm Đức Toàn remarked that the A Pa Chải Flagpole is a project of special significance. The provincial authorities of Điện Biên wishes to hold the flag raising ceremony on May 7 to commemorate the 71st anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory. The provincial authorities has been closely overseeing the project, instructing the investor and construction unit to mobilize all resources, machinery, and manpower to accelerate progress. As of now, the project is over 90% complete and largely meets the requirements for the ceremony and plaque installation as planned. After the event, the provincial government will continue to instruct relevant units to expedite the completion of the remaining tasks, ensuring that the site becomes an attractive destination for locals and tourists to visit and explore the westernmost part of the country.

Ready for flag raising eeremony

In addition to the construction work, all preparations for the flag raising eeremony, including the stage setup, ceremonial decorations, and rehearsal of commands and rituals, have been completed 100%, ready for the solemn moment at the A Pa Chải Flagpole.

By noon on May 6, the Mường Nhé Power Company had completed the installation and connection of the electricity system for the flag raising eeremony at the A Pa Chải Flagpole. Phạm Bá Dũng, Director of the Mường Nhé Power Company, said: “Upon receiving the provincial authorities’s plan, our unit quickly coordinated with the Mường Nhé district People’s Committee and the A Pa Chải Border Post to implement the plan to ensure safe and stable electricity supply for the event. We have now completed the installation of two large generators to ensure backup power at the Mường Nhé district Guest House and the A Pa Chải Border Post. On the morning of May 6, we installed two more generators at the stage area at the foot of the project site and one at the ceremony area. The entire electrical system has been basically completed and is ready for the event on May 7.”

Under the intense sun at the westernmost point of the country, the Guard-of-Honor Team from the Điện Biên provincial Border Guard Command continues to practice with the highest determination to ensure the flag raising eeremony will proceed solemnly and successfully.

“The command has selected officers with good appearance, professional training, and excellent command skills to participate in the honor guard team. Since April 30, the team has been at the A Pa Chải Flagpole area for training. Despite the challenging weather conditions, with irregular rains and sunshine, the team has continued training with high responsibility, ensuring the progress of the ceremony while not affecting the construction progress of the project,” said Senior Colonel Nguyễn Văn Bội, Deputy Commander of the Điện Biên provincial Border Guard Command.

Captain Quàng Anh Quân, Officer for Public Affairs at the Department of Political Affairs under the Điện Biên provincial Border Guard Command, said with pride: “I am very honored to be selected for the Guard-of-Honor Team for the flag raising ceremony at the A Pa Chải Flagpole. Despite the many difficulties during training, we have maintained our spirit and determination to complete the task. Now, the entire team is ready for the sacred moment of the ceremony on May 7.”

The flag raising ceremony and the installation of the plaque at the A Pa Chải Flagpole not only commemorate the 71st anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory but also reflect on the glorious revolutionary tradition of the Party and the people of Điện Biên province through 116 years of building and development. The event also contributes to educating patriotism, igniting national pride, and raising awareness of the responsibility of each Vietnamese citizen, especially the people of Điện Biên, in protecting the country’s sovereignty and border security.