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A sleepless night – because tomorrow the homeland calls.
From the afternoon of April 29th, the atmosphere began to liven up. People flocked to the central area of Ho Chi Minh City, spreading out tarpaulins, setting up tents, and arranging chairs along streets such as Le Loi, Nguyen Hue, and Nam Ky Khoi Nghia... Everyone hoped to secure a good seat to easily observe the parade, the air show, and the spectacular cannon firing that followed.
Tens of thousands of people flocked to the center of Ho Chi Minh City to witness these historic moments.
Mr. Tran Van Son's family flew in from Nghe An two days earlier. He shared, his eyes still sparkling with excitement: "I brought both my sons so they could see the helicopter carrying the national flag flying overhead and share in this atmosphere of national pride."
Along with the city's residents, thousands of people from other provinces across the country also arrived early. They sat together amidst the bustling night streets, each sharing a common feeling of pride and anticipation.
Foreign tourists join in the joy of the Vietnamese people.
Along with the city's residents, thousands of people from other provinces across the country also arrived early.
A sea of flags and flowers, radiating national pride.
On the morning of April 30th, the entire city seemed to burst into life in the early morning sunlight and the vibrant colors of flags. The marching footsteps of the armed forces, police, students, veterans, and others mingled with resounding applause. Each time a troop passed, each special vehicle rolled by, each time a helicopter soared overhead carrying the national flag and the Party flag – each time the cheers erupted.
On the morning of April 30th, the entire city seemed to light up in the early morning sunlight and the vibrant colors of the flags.
Some people were moved to tears when they saw the veterans, their hair now white, their shoulders adorned with medals, walking with their heads held high in their old uniforms. A nation that wants to go far must always remember its beginnings. And today, Ho Chi Minh City has fully revived that memory, with the very heartbeat of millions of people.
Every time we saw the veterans walking by, there was applause and words of thanks from the young people below... it was a very touching atmosphere.
Connecting yesterday and today with gratitude and responsibility.
More than just a day of memories, April 30th this year was also a day for youth. After the parade, hundreds of young people stayed behind to pick up trash, collect plastic bottles, and clean up sections of sidewalks. Some groups of students wore shirts printed with the Vietnamese flag, and there were even young children whose parents taught them how to keep public spaces clean.
After the parade, hundreds of young people stayed behind, working together to pick up trash, collect plastic bottles, and clean up sections of the sidewalk.
Images of young people taking photos with soldiers, handshakes, smiles, and words of gratitude – these are the clearest evidence of the close bond between the military and the people, like fish and water. It's a holiday that is not only complete within the nation but also sows beautiful seeds for the future.
The image shows young people taking photos with soldiers.
A holiday that is not only complete within the nation, but also sows beautiful seeds for the future.
Peace is a simple, yet precious thing.
Amidst the loudspeaker announcements, the resounding laughter echoing through the streets, and the clear blue sky with fighter jets flying overhead in perfect formation – everyone understood that peace was truly beautiful! And today, the presence of millions of people together is the strongest affirmation of the nation's spirit of unity, pride, and aspiration for progress.
These are historic moments that everyone will surely remember forever.
April 30th is not only an occasion to reflect on history. It is also a mirror to reflect on today, so that the younger generation understands that the peace we enjoy today was bought with the blood and sacrifices of our ancestors.
As midday approached, tens of thousands of people were still reluctant to leave. Perhaps it was because everyone wanted to hold onto something more – a piece of memory, a moment of quiet reflection, a glance exchanged between strangers, yet all sharing the same flag.
A peaceful sky, carrying with it national pride.
More than just a parade, it was a day when hearts beat in unison – the rhythm of pride, of unforgettable memories, and of a nation that has chosen a path forward with tolerance and a yearning for peace.
