During the days of the parade rehearsal and march to celebrate the National Day on September 2, people from all over the country flocked to the capital with the desire to see with their own eyes the heroic troops, the moment the red flag with yellow star fluttered in the sky of Hanoi and immerse themselves in the solemn and sacred atmosphere of the great festival.
Hanoi streets are bright with flags and flowers
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai Yen (sitting 3rd from left to right)
On the central streets of Hanoi, the red of the national flag mixed with the bright colors of flowers and banners with slogans spread the festive atmosphere to every corner of the street. People stood close together on both sides of the road, many children were carried on their parents' shoulders, waving their flags to the rhythm of the drums.
To be in Hanoi before the road closure, Ms. Yen and her relatives departed from Thai Nguyen at 8:00 a.m. Around 10:00 a.m., she arrived in Hanoi and noticed that the streets where the parade and marching procession passed were all packed with people. She decided to move to Trang Thi Street, find a place to line up and wait to watch the rehearsal. Although the weather in the days leading up to the big ceremony was not favorable, with heavy rain due to the influence of storm No. 5, Ms. Yen affirmed that she would still patiently wait: "If you are sick, you can still recover, but it is a once in 80 years event, so you cannot miss it."
At house number 11A Trang Thi, to make people feel more comfortable while waiting, especially in the unpredictable weather, the homeowner proactively prepared chairs for those who came to watch the rehearsal.
Chairs are prepared by the host, helping people line up and sit comfortably.
Mr. Phan Khoi, owner of a pottery shop on Trang Thi Street, said he felt sad and disgusted by the information about selling seats to watch the parade online. Witnessing many people from provinces and cities flock to Hanoi, waiting in the sun and rain for up to 12 hours, he understood the hardship even more.So he decided to prepare for people to come and watch and posted a "free seat" notice to make people feel more secure when coming to watch.
In addition, he also prepared red flags with yellow stars in hand for everyone to decorate the streets of Hanoi in red on the great day, and at the same time cheer and support the soldiers participating in the parade. Not only that, he also thoughtfully prepared drinking water, decorated the store so that people could take free photos, and even opened the door for people to use the restroom when needed. He expressed: "I will help whatever I can, I just hope that people will feel warm and have beautiful experiences when coming to the Capital, witnessing with their own eyes the sacred moment of the 80th anniversary of National Day."
Many people chose to sit, take pictures and appreciate the owner's gesture. Ms. Vu Phuong Thao (far right) shared her feelings when watching the parade: "Amidst the bustling life of the capital, I saw the hospitality of Hanoi people."
Those simple but warm gestures have contributed to creating a picture of a harmonious and hospitable Hanoi on special days, where the spirit of solidarity and national pride spread strongly.
