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EN
During the days of rehearsals for the parade and march celebrating National Day on September 2nd, people from all over the country flocked to the capital hoping to witness firsthand the majestic troops, the moment the red flag with a yellow star fluttered in the Hanoi sky, and immerse themselves in the solemn and sacred atmosphere of this great celebration.
Hanoi's streets are adorned with colorful flags and flowers.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai Yen (sitting third from the left)
Throughout the central streets of Hanoi, the red of the national flag mingled with the vibrant colors of flowers and banners, creating a festive atmosphere that permeated every corner. People stood close together on both sides of the road, many children carried on their parents' shoulders, waving flags to the rhythm of the lively drums.
To arrive in Hanoi before the road closures, Ms. Yen and her relatives set off from Thai Nguyen at 8 a.m. Around 10 a.m., she arrived in Hanoi and noticed that the streets where the parade and procession would pass were already packed with people. She decided to move to the Trang Thi street area, finding a spot to queue for the rehearsal. Despite the unfavorable weather in the days leading up to the ceremony, with heavy rain due to Typhoon No. 5, Ms. Yen affirmed that she would patiently wait: "I can get better if I get sick, but this is a once-in-80-years event, so I can't miss it."
At house number 11A Trang Thi Street, to provide more comfort for people waiting, especially in the unpredictable weather, the homeowner proactively prepared chairs for those attending the rehearsal.
Chairs were provided by the host, allowing people to line up neatly and comfortably.
Mr. Phan Khoi, the owner of a pottery shop on Trang Thi Street, said he felt saddened and disgusted by the online advertisements selling seats to watch the parade. Witnessing many people from provinces and cities flocking to Hanoi, enduring the sun and rain and waiting for up to 12 hours, he understood even more the hardships they faced.Therefore, he decided to prepare seating for the public and posted a "free seating" notice to reassure people about coming to watch.
In addition, he prepared handheld red flags with yellow stars so that everyone could join together to decorate the streets of Hanoi in red on the day of the grand celebration, while also cheering on and supporting the soldiers participating in the parade and march. Not only that, he also thoughtfully prepared drinks, decorated his shop so that people could take photos for free, and even opened his restrooms for people to use when needed. He expressed: "I help in any way I can, hoping that people will feel warm-hearted and have beautiful experiences when they come to the capital, witnessing firsthand the sacred moment of the 80th anniversary of National Day."
Many people chose seats, took pictures, and expressed their appreciation for the owner's kindness. Ms. Vu Phuong Thao (far right) shared her feelings after watching the parade: "Amidst the vibrant life of the capital, I witnessed the hospitality of the people of Hanoi."
These simple yet heartwarming gestures have contributed to creating a harmonious and hospitable picture of Hanoi during these special days, where the spirit of solidarity and national pride spreads strongly.
