THE MAN WITH THE YELLOW FLAG
The annual Four Days Marches story of Ruud van Gisteren.
Every July, when the sun rises over Nijmegen and thousands of walkers gather for the Four Days Marches, one man stands out in the crowd. Not because he walks faster, or because he carries special gear, but because of the bright yellow flag with three red stripes that waves gently above the sea of backpacks.
His name is Ruud van Gisteren, and for more than a decade he has turned the Four Days Marches into something more than a physical challenge. For him, it is a journey of memory, culture, charity, and human connection.
A Flag With a Story
Ruud carries the flag of the Republic of Vietnam — the heritage flag of the Vietnamese diaspora. Every day, dozens of walkers approach him with the same question:
"What flag is that?"
Ruud never rushes his answer. He explains that the yellow background represents the ancient Vietnamese people, and the three red stripes symbolize the three historical regions of Vietnam. He tells them how the flag became a symbol of freedom, loss, and identity for millions who fled their homeland after 1975.
For many walkers, this is the first time they have heard this history. For Ruud, it is a way to keep the story alive.
Walking for a Purpose
Ruud doesn't walk only for himself. Each year he joins the Vierdaagse Sponsorloop, raising funds for Vietnamese war victims and vulnerable communities through the NSVL Foundation. His steps become donations, and his miles become support for the people who need it most.
He shares updates with his supporters, showing:
- the villages he passes,
- the people who cheer him on,
- and the kindness he receives along the way.
Food, Friendship, and the Road
One of Ruud's traditions is documenting the food he receives during the march. Not fancy meals, but simple, heartfelt offerings from volunteers, families, and sometimes members of the Vietnamese diaspora who recognise his flag.
A cup of soup in Groesbeek. A slice of fruit in Elst. A warm bánh mì from a Vietnamese family in Wijchen. A pancake in Cuijk.
Every bite is a reminder that the Four Days Marches are not simply a walk— they are a celebration of community.
A Moment of Silence
Despite the music, excitement, and crowds, Ruud always finds a moment of peace. Somewhere along the route he steps into a small church, removes his backpack, takes a deep breath, and lights a candle.
It is his personal ritual:
- to remember loved ones,
- to honour the Vietnamese people he walks for,
- and to give himself a quiet moment of reflection.
The cool air of the church, the silent pews, and the gentle glow of the candle give him renewed strength for the miles ahead.
Sharing the Journey
Every year, Ruud documents his experiences—not to show off, but to share the beauty of the Four Days Marches with people who have never walked it. His photographs and stories capture:
- the landscapes,
- the crowds,
- the yellow flag,
- the food,
- the churches,
- and the humanity of the event.
Through his posts, people learn not only about the march itself, but also about the history of Vietnam, the meaning of the diaspora flag, and the importance of charity.
Why Ruud Walks
Ruud's Four Days Marches are a blend of:
- culture,
- memory,
- solidarity,
- charity,
- and human connection.
He walks to keep a story alive. He walks to support people far away. He walks to show that one person, one flag, and one journey can touch thousands of lives.
Every year, when he crosses the finish line in Nijmegen, the yellow flag still waves proudly—a symbol of resilience, identity, and hope.
And Ruud smiles, knowing that next year he will return once again, ready to walk another journey.
