STATEMENT ON THE SYMBOL OF THE VIETNAMESE NATIONAL FLAG – YELLOW BACKGROUND WITH THREE RED STRIPES

UNITED COUNCIL OF VIETNAMESE IN HOMELAND AND OVERSEAS

STATEMENT ON THE SYMBOL OF THE VIETNAMESE NATIONAL FLAG – YELLOW BACKGROUND WITH THREE RED STRIPES

In Vietnamese cosmology, yellow symbolizes the homeland and national sovereignty, while red represents the indomitable spirit of resistance against northern invaders. From the earliest period of Chinese domination, the Trưng Sisters “raised the yellow flag in revolt” against Governor Tô Định to restore independence. Subsequent dynasties, particularly the Nguyễn, continued to use yellow as a symbol of sovereignty and authority.

According to worldstatesmen.org, the Yellow Flag with Three Red Stripes appeared around 1890–1920. Later, it evolved into the Long Tinh Kỳ (Dragon Flag) with a single red stripe.

In 1945, Emperor Bảo Đại declared independence and established the Trần Trọng Kim government. The national flag was yellow with three red stripes, the middle stripe broken, called the Ly Hexagram Flag (Unicorn Flag). It remained until the Việt Minh seized power in August 1945.

In 1948, the Yellow Flag with Three Red Stripes was officially recognized as the national flag of the State of Vietnam, and from 1954 it became the national flag of the Republic of Vietnam, also known as the Phoenix Flag.

After 1975, the communists forcefully took over South Vietnam, violating the Paris Agreement and imposing dictatorship nationwide. Although the Republic of Vietnam ceased to exist, the Yellow Flag with Three Red Stripes continued to live in the hearts of freedom-loving Vietnamese, especially in the South.

Overseas, the flag continues to fly and is recognized by many countries as the symbol of freedom, democracy, and the Vietnamese diaspora.

Thus, the Yellow Flag with Three Red Stripes is the sacred emblem of a free Vietnam:
– Yellow symbolizes national sovereignty and the skin color of the Vietnamese people.
– Three red stripes symbolize the three regions of the homeland, united in blood and indomitable spirit.

Hundreds of thousands of soldiers and compatriots sacrificed their lives to defend the national cause, of which the Yellow Flag with Three Red Stripes remains the enduring symbol.

DECLARATION

1. The Yellow Flag with Three Red Stripes is the symbol of the national cause, representing all freedom-loving Vietnamese, and is the flag of independence.
2. All Vietnamese, at home and abroad, have the duty to respect and preserve this flag.
3. Any act that insults this sacred flag must be condemned.

Respectfully,
Dated: September 9, 2025

On behalf of the United Council of Vietnamese in Homeland and Overseas

– Most Venerable Thích Không Tánh – Homeland Representative
– Dr. Võ Đình Hữu – Overseas Representative
– Dr. Đỗ Văn Hội – General Secretary

* https://www.worldstatesmen.org/Vietnam.html

HISTORY OF VIETNAM YELLOW FLAG