Vietnam always remembers and honors international support for peace

Politburo member and Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen presents the City Badge to Mr. Olivier Parriaux and Mr. Bernard Bachelard. (Photo: PANO)

Olivier Parriaux and Bernard Bachelard were two of three Swiss citizens who risked their lives on January 19, 1969, to raise the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam on the cathedral’s tower. This act was a protest against the Vietnam War and a gesture of solidarity for peace for the Vietnamese people.

Holding a painting depicting this historical moment, created by an architect, Olivier Parriaux recalled the challenging feat of reaching the top of the tower, overcoming a gravity-defying void, all while under the surveillance of numerous U.S. helicopters. He and his team completed this mission in 30 hours.

On the morning of January 19, 1969, the flag of the National Liberation Front unexpectedly appeared, fluttering atop the iconic heritage site. The scene unfolded before a large gathering of journalists from various international news agencies covering the initial days of peace talks for Vietnam in Paris. This symbolic event inspired peace-loving people worldwide and provided a significant morale boost to progressive youth movements advocating for an end to the unjust war in Vietnam.

Speaking at the meeting, Secretary Nguyen Van Nen expressed deep gratitude to all friends who supported Vietnam’s struggle for independence and unification, particularly Olivier Parriaux, Bernard Bachelard and their comrades.

The Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee shared that he had read the story of these two individuals and had long admired and respected their courageous act. He emphasized that their action of hoisting the flag of the National Liberation Front atop the Notre-Dame Cathedral tower in Paris was a noble gesture symbolizing the dedication, sacrifices, and contributions of international friends in the fight for peace, justice and support for Vietnam's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and unity.

Mr. Nen highlighted that continuing the tradition of "gratitude for the past," the Vietnamese people, now living in peace and stability, will always remember and honor the enduring support and contributions of international friends who persistently fought for Vietnam's peace. He affirmed that the noble deeds of these three Swiss citizens will serve as an inspiration for younger generations in Vietnam to learn more about the nation's heroic history and its righteous struggles for independence and global peace.

At the event, Mr. Nen presented the Ho Chi Minh City Badge to Olivier Parriaux and Bernard Bachelard in recognition of their significant contributions./.