A sleepless night – because tomorrow the Fatherland calls my name
From the afternoon of April 29, the atmosphere began to get lively. People flocked to the central area of Ho Chi Minh City, spreading tarps, setting up tents, and arranging chairs along streets such as Le Loi, Nguyen Hue, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia... Everyone wanted to secure a good seat, easy to observe the parade, the aircraft display and the eye-catching cannon fire that followed.
Tens of thousands of people flocked to downtown Ho Chi Minh City to await historic moments.
Mr. Tran Van Son's family flew in from Nghe An two days before. He shared, his eyes still shining with excitement: "I brought my two sons along, so they could see with their own eyes the helicopter raising the national flag flying across the sky, and join in this proud atmosphere of the whole country."
Along with the city’s residents, thousands of people from other provinces across the country also arrived early. They sat together in the middle of the bustling night, all carrying the same feelings 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.
Full of flags and flowers, shining with national pride
On the morning of April 30, the whole city seemed to light up in the early morning sunlight and the brilliant colors of flags. The marching footsteps of the armed forces, police, students, veterans… were accompanied by resounding applause. Each time the army passed by, each special vehicle rolled, each time the helicopters soared overhead, dragging the national flag and the Party flag – each time cheers erupted.
On the morning of April 30, the whole city seemed to light up in the early morning sunlight and brilliant flags.
Some people were moved to tears when they saw the veterans with white hair, shoulders full of medals, walking with their heads held high in their old uniforms. A country that wants to go far must always remember its starting point. And today, Ho Chi Minh City has revived that completely, with the beating of millions of hearts.
Every time I see the images of veterans passing by, I hear applause and words of thanks from the young people below... the atmosphere is very emotional.
Connecting yesterday – today with gratitude and responsibility
Not only a day of memories, April 30 this year is also a day of youth. After the parade, hundreds of young people stayed behind, picked up trash, collected plastic bottles, and cleaned up every section of the sidewalk. There were groups of students wearing shirts with the Vietnamese flag printed on them, and there were also children whose parents taught them how to keep public places clean.
After the parade, hundreds of young people stayed behind to pick up trash, collect plastic bottles, and clean up every section of the sidewalk.
The images of young people taking pictures with soldiers, handshakes, smiles, and words of thanks – are the clearest evidence of the close bond between the army and the people, like fish and water. A holiday not only complete in the heart of the country, but also sows beautiful seeds for the future.
Image of young people taking pictures with soldiers
A holiday not only complete in the heart of the country, but also sows beautiful seeds for the future.
Peace is simple, but precious
Amidst the loudspeakers, amidst the cheerful laughter echoing throughout the streets, amidst the clear blue sky with fighter planes flying over in perfect formation – everyone understood: how beautiful peace is! And today, the presence of millions of people together is the strongest affirmation of the spirit of solidarity, pride and aspiration of the nation.
Historic moments that everyone will surely remember forever
April 30 is not only an occasion to look back at history. It is also a mirror for today, so that the younger generation can understand that the peace of the present is exchanged for the blood and bones of our ancestors.
As noon approached, tens of thousands of people were still in no hurry to leave. Perhaps because everyone wanted to hold on to something more – a part of a memory, a moment of silence, a look exchanged between strangers, but sharing the same flag.
Peaceful sky, carrying national pride
Because more than a parade, it is a day when people's hearts beat as one – the beat of pride, of unforgettable memories, and of a country that has chosen the path of tolerance and the desire for peace.
