The Vietnamese flag was carried into the air by two large hot air balloons in HCM City on Thursday on the occasion of the National Day (September 2).  --Photo VNA/VNS

Giant 1,800sq.m flag flown in HCM City to celebrate Vietnam’s National Day

HCM CITY (Vietnam News/ANN) -- An enormous Vietnam flag was flown into the sky by hot air balloon in HCM City on Thursday as a highlight of the city’s activities to celebrate the 77th anniversary of National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2022).
The 1,800sq.m flag was carried by the two large balloons that were 25-30m in height from the bank of the Saai Goon River, in addition to eight other smaller ones that also took to the air at the same time.
Thousands of people gathered at Bạch Dang Wharf Park, Thuu Thiem Tunnel, and Thuu Duc City to witness the rare sight.
Voo Trọng Nam, deputy director of HCM City’s Department of Culture and Sports, said the flying of the balloons itself is not complicated nor is it dependent much on weather conditions, but carrying the flag with them is another matter that required optimal conditions and smooth coordination among the entire team.
This is the first time the city has ever held such an activity, and it is expected to leave an indelible impression in the public on this special day, Nam said.
The programmeme also included performances of six paragliders and many water sports activities on the Sai Gon River.
Several other cultural and art performances were also held across the city on the occasion.
Earlier, HCM City had decided not to hold firework shows as usual, as this year’s September 2 holiday coincides with the first anniversary of the bleak suffering that the city underwent in 2021 during the height of the intense COVID-19 outbreak that left thousands of people dead.
The money will go into supporting and bettering people’s lives, according to the city’s authorities.

(Latest Update September 5, 2022)