As the national anthem resounded, students arriving late at the gate of Thai Thinh Secondary School (Dong Da District, Hanoi) instinctively stopped, stood upright, and raised their hands in salute. Only after completing the flag ceremony from outside the gate did they respectfully ask to be allowed into the school.

This touching scene was captured on the morning of April 28 by a parent, right as the school's morning flag-raising ceremony was taking place.

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A group of late students respectfully saluting the flag outside the school gate. 

Speaking with VietNamNet, Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong, Principal of Thai Thinh Secondary School, said the school had organized a special flag-raising ceremony that day to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

A parent, witnessing the moment, sent the photograph to Mr. Cuong after the ceremony concluded.

"Our school always reminds staff, teachers, and students that when the flag ceremony is in progress, everyone must stand still wherever they are and turn their eyes toward the national flag. It seems the students have deeply internalized this," Mr. Cuong said.

"Even though they knew they were late, they didn’t rush into the school but solemnly performed the flag salute outside before requesting entry. It was around 7:30 a.m. A parent who had also arrived late stood and joined the ceremony. Another parent captured the moment."

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Students at Thai Thinh Secondary School performing the flag salute inside the schoolyard on the morning of April 28. 

Mr. Cuong added that although these students were late, their actions reflected a profound sense of respect and discipline.

"It shows that the students have absorbed the school's values of respect and collective spirit. This moment was not staged, but naturally captured by a parent, highlighting the students' genuine seriousness and sense of belonging," he said.

Mr. Cuong also shared that during these days, the school has been emphasizing the significance of April 30 with all students and staff.

"We want every teacher, staff member, and student to always remember to be grateful for the sacrifices of previous generations, to take pride in our nation, and to be confident in building the future," he concluded.

Thanh Hung