The crimson red of the flag against the blue sea.
In recent years, Cua Lo ward has launched a movement to present national flags to fishermen venturing out to sea to exploit marine resources. Carrying these national flags helps the fishing fleets gain more morale, steer more confidently, stay connected to the sea, and join hands in protecting the sacred sovereignty of the nation's seas and islands.
The colors of the flag signal good news.
Among the fishing boats returning to shore these days, the fleets of Mr. Mai Thanh Toan from Doan Ket Hamlet and Mr. Nguyen Van Hong from Thanh Cong Hamlet (Cua Lo Ward) achieved a catch of over 14 tons of fish, earning over 400 million VND. As soon as the boats docked, the leaders and the Farmers' Association of Cua Lo Ward respectfully presented the fishermen with national flags, congratulating them on their successful fishing trip.
The tradition of donating national flags to fishermen has been implemented by Cua Lo ward for several years. Mr. Nguyen Tien Loi, an official of the Farmers' Association of Cua Lo ward, shared: "Previously, whenever Cua Lo fishermen caught a large haul of fish, they would hoist the national flag high upon returning to announce the good news from afar. From the shore, just seeing the red flag with a yellow star fluttering atop the boat was enough for the fishermen to know for sure that the boat had hit a school of fish, and the joy quickly spread throughout the fishing village. Since then, 'hoisting the flag' has become a habit for those who go to sea."
By 2015, the awarding of "Emulation Flags" was officially launched by the Farmers' Association of the former Nghi Thuy ward (now merged into Cua Lo ward), and in recent years it has become a regular movement, linked to the program "Farmers competing in excellent production and business, uniting to help each other get rich and sustainably reduce poverty". Over the years, more than 100 boats and ships have been awarded emulation flags, with many fishing vessels receiving them multiple times a year.
Mr. Tran Van Luu from Binh Minh hamlet, one of the fishermen who has received the national flag many times, shared: “Every time the boat docks and we are presented with the national flag, I feel a surge of pride. Immediately, I and my fellow crew members hoist the new flag on the bow of the boat so that everyone can see it. For me, it is not only a joy for my family, but also a shared achievement of the entire fishing village. The flag serves as a reminder for us to always steer steadily, to be united, and to persevere in our work at sea.”
TAccording to statistics, Cua Lo ward currently has about 250 boats and ships, with an average annual catch of 19,000 tons of seafood. Of these, over 120 large-capacity vessels regularly go out to sea for extended periods. On average, each fishing trip brings in 300-400 million VND per vessel; after deducting expenses, fishermen still earn a profit of around 100 million VND, helping them to stabilize their lives.
Stay strong in your beliefs.
The flags, presented and flying with each voyage, are not only sacred symbols of the Fatherland, but also a great source of encouragement, instilling faith and strength in fishermen amidst the vast ocean. During voyages encountering rough seas and strong winds, the image of the red flag with a yellow star shining brightly in the ocean constantly reminds the crew members to maintain control of the helm and to unite in overcoming challenges.
Fisherman Phung Ba Thu emotionally shared: “Going to sea is very difficult; sometimes the waves are big, and the boat sways as if it's about to capsize. At those times, looking up at the bow of the boat and seeing the national flag flying, we remind each other to be strong and overcome the waves together. For me, the national flag not only instills faith but also reminds me of my homeland, my family, and the sacred responsibility of safeguarding the sovereignty of our seas and islands. Now that the government has presented me with a new flag right when the boat docked, I feel even more proud and determined to stay at sea for the long term.”
Speaking with reporters, Mr. Cao Minh Tu, Chairman of the People's Committee of Cua Lo Ward, affirmed: "Each national flag is not only a spiritual reward, but also a message: The government always stands alongside fishermen. Each ship flying the red flag with a yellow star is a 'living landmark,' contributing to affirming the sovereignty of the nation's seas and islands. In the future, the ward will expand this model, not only awarding flags to ships with high yields but also to exemplary collectives and individuals who comply well with regulations and bravely rescue at sea."
In reality, the awarding of "Emulation Flags" not only serves as encouragement but also provides an opportunity for the government to become closer and more connected with fishermen. Through these meetings, local authorities can listen to their concerns, share their difficulties, and work together to find solutions, in line with the spirit of "respecting the people, being close to the people, understanding the people, learning from the people, and being responsible to the people" that the locality always strives for.
It is known that in the coming time, in addition to donating national flags, Cua Lo ward will continue to implement many practical activities such as disseminating laws and policies on fisheries exploitation, organizing health training, providing free medical check-ups, donating life jackets, lifebuoys, flashlights, raincoats, essential medicines, etc. These gifts, though simple, are essential safety equipment and provide strength to fishermen on each trip out to sea.
On Independence Day, when thousands of red flags with yellow stars brightly illuminate the harbor and flutter on the ships, the values of independence, freedom, and territorial integrity are further reinforced, becoming a driving force that motivates fishermen to stand firm at the forefront of the waves.
