On the evening of November 17, Nguyen Van Nen, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, hosted a meeting with Olivier Parriaux and Bernard Bachelard - two of the three Swiss citizens who, in 1969, raised the flag of the National Liberation Front of Southern Vietnam atop Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. This symbolic act protested the Vietnam War and supported peace for the Vietnamese people.  

During the meeting, the two Swiss citizens humbly shared: "What we did was not a heroic feat but an expression of solidarity with the Vietnamese people - opposing war and supporting peace in Vietnam."  

Olivier Parriaux recounted the story of raising the flag on the spire of Notre Dame Cathedral, an act that symbolized their support for Vietnam’s fight for justice and peace.  

Secretary Nguyen Van Nen expressed heartfelt gratitude and warmly welcomed the two guests to Ho Chi Minh City. He remarked that their courageous act had long been admired through stories and media accounts: "We deeply understand that your action was not for personal gain but for a greater cause - peace, justice, and the fight for the Vietnamese people's independence."  

Nen noted the immense risks involved, highlighting the bravery and decisiveness of the individuals who undertook such a daring action.  

On behalf of the city’s leadership, Nen extended sincere appreciation to all international friends who supported Vietnam's struggle for independence and unification, including the two Swiss citizens.  

During the meeting, the two Swiss guests presented 10 copies of their book, titled "Le Viet Cong au sommet de Notre-Dame" (The Viet Cong Flag atop Notre Dame), to city leaders.  

In return, Secretary Nguyen Van Nen awarded the Ho Chi Minh City Badge to Olivier Parriaux and Bernard Bachelard, recognizing their historic contribution.  

On January 18, 1969, during preliminary discussions for the Paris Peace Accords, an unexpected event occurred. The next day, the flag of the National Liberation Front of Southern Vietnam was seen flying atop Notre Dame Cathedral, stirring considerable attention across Paris.  

The act, though initially anonymous, gained widespread recognition for its boldness. It wasn’t until 2023, during the 50th anniversary of the Paris Peace Accords, that the identities of the individuals involved were revealed through their self-published book, "Le Viet Cong au sommet de Notre-Dame."  

Ho Van