In recent days, as Hai Duong and Hai Phong prepare for their imminent merger, transitioning to a two-tier local government model and abolishing district-level administration, the border area between Lai Cach town (Cam Giang) and Tu Minh ward (Hai Duong City) has become unusually bustling. The ‘Hai Duong See You Again’ sign has become a popular spot for locals to take commemorative photos. This area, once the western gateway to Hai Duong City, is now filled with residents and tourists stopping to capture a memorable picture with the ‘Hai Duong City Welcomes You’ sign. For many years, this familiar sign has been a cherished part of local memory, now transforming into a focal point during this historic moment of change.
The ‘Hai Duong See You Again’ Sign: A Symbol of Transition
The ‘Hai Duong See You Again’ Sign: A Symbol of Transition
In recent days, as Hai Duong and Hai Phong prepare for their imminent merger, transitioning to a two-tier local government model and abolishing district-level administration, the border area between Lai Cach town (Cam Giang) and Tu Minh ward (Hai Duong City) has become unusually bustling. The ‘Hai Duong See You Again’ sign has become a popular spot for locals to take commemorative photos. This area, once the western gateway to Hai Duong City, is now filled with residents and tourists stopping to capture a memorable picture with the ‘Hai Duong City Welcomes You’ sign. For many years, this familiar sign has been a cherished part of local memory, now transforming into a focal point during this historic moment of change.
The sign, once a simple marker of entry, now serves as a backdrop for emotional goodbyes. People are drawn to it, not just to record its existence before it potentially disappears, but to acknowledge its significance as a repository of shared experiences. It’s a place where personal histories intersect with the collective identity of Hai Duong, making its farewell all the more poignant. The sign stands as a symbol of transition, a tangible representation of the changes sweeping through the region.
Capturing Memories: Personal Reflections on the Merger
Capturing Memories: Personal Reflections on the Merger
The ‘Hai Duong See You Again’ sign isn’t just a landmark; it’s a backdrop for personal stories unfolding as the merger approaches. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Tien, a resident of Nam Sach town, brought her family to the sign to capture a piece of their history. “Hai Duong is where my children were born and raised. I want them to remember this name,” she shared, fearing the merger might erase a part of their identity.
Ms. Vu Vân Anh, who lives near the sign, gathered her friends for a commemorative photo shoot. For her, it’s about preserving a visual reminder of this transitional period. The pictures are more than just snapshots; they are time capsules filled with nostalgia for the familiar and hope for a prosperous future under the unified Hai Phong. These images, shared and cherished, will serve as a bridge connecting future generations to Hai Duong’s unique past.
Understanding the Merger: Hai Duong’s New Identity
Understanding the Merger: Hai Duong’s New Identity
Resolution No. 1669/NQ-UBTVQH15 outlines the administrative restructuring, detailing the integration of Hai Duong City into Hai Phong City. This involves abolishing district-level administration and establishing a two-tier local government model. Hai Duong City will be divided into new wards, including a reconfigured Tu Minh ward incorporating parts of Cam Giang.
The implications of these changes on local identity are profound. The “Hai Duong See You Again” sign, once marking the city’s western boundary, now stands within the expanded Tu Minh ward of Hai Phong. This shift redefines the sign’s significance; it is no longer a gateway to an independent city but a marker within a larger metropolitan area. The sign’s location, now an internal boundary, evokes a sense of loss for some residents, symbolizing the end of Hai Duong’s distinct administrative identity. The next chapter will explore the future of the sign.
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Final thoughts
According to Resolution No. 1669/NQ-UBTVQH15 of the National Assembly Standing Committee, after the abolition of district-level administration and the merger of Hai Duong province with Hai Phong City, the former Hai Duong City will become a part of Hai Phong City. Nine new wards will be established, including Hai Duong, Le Thanh Nghi, Viet Hoa, Thanh Dong, Nam Dong, Tan Hung, Thach Khoi, Ai Quoc, and Tu Minh. Specifically, the new Tu Minh ward will encompass the entire Cam Doai commune (Cam Giang), a portion of the old Tu Minh ward, and Lai Cach town. Consequently, this location will fall under Tu Minh ward of Hai Phong City, no longer serving as the city’s gateway after the merger. This administrative shift underscores the profound changes taking place, making the ‘Hai Duong See You Again’ sign a powerful symbol of transition and enduring local identity.