VI
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Against the night sky, the rhythmic, resounding footsteps of the marching contingent echoed. Approximately 13,120 people, representing the armed forces and various segments of the population, gathered for the dress rehearsal, recreating the heroic spirit of the Vietnamese nation during the time when they "marched across the Truong Son Mountains to save the country."
The marching contingent marches in formation past the reviewing stand during the rehearsal.
The rehearsal was organized on a large scale, involving 35 contingents of armed forces jointly organized by the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Public Security, along with 11 marching contingents from Ho Chi Minh City. The marching contingents lined up in neat rows: from the Navy, Air Force, Border Guard, Mobile Police, Traffic Police, to the city's militia and youth volunteers... Each contingent wore its own distinctive uniform, symbolizing the strength, will, and heroic traditions of each force.
Command vehicle, flag bearer vehicle of the entire army
At the forefront, the military flag bearers led the parade with the bright red national flag fluttering, followed by a contingent of generals, colonels, officer cadets, female soldiers, and female police officers, all with a strong yet graceful appearance, marching in unison to the rhythmic military music. The perfectly straight lines of soldiers, their resolute gazes, and the synchronized chanting of slogans resonated like a rolling wave, deeply moving the spectators.
Block of Party flags and national flags
Behind them, 11 marching contingents representing various segments of Ho Chi Minh City's population—including veterans, workers, farmers, intellectuals, businesspeople, women, and youth—also successively passed the reviewing stand. Their radiant faces and the sky filled with flags and flowers conveyed a message: Today's city stands firm on the feet of those who once fought, built, and preserved this land.
Women's Military Band
The rehearsal was not only a technical and formation check but also the final "training" step to ensure accuracy, synchronization, and solemnity for the official April 30th celebration. Under the bright spotlights illuminating the sky, every gesture of raising the hand in salute, every step forward, was meticulously reviewed and adjusted by the organizing committee, down to the smallest detail, to ensure a perfect parade.
Officers representing the five branches of the armed forces.
Liberation Army soldiers' contingent
Army Officer Corps
Logistics and Engineering Officers
Naval Officers' Unit
To facilitate the rehearsal, many central streets in Ho Chi Minh City, such as Le Duan, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, and Pasteur, were temporarily closed. People flocked to both sides of the streets to watch, and despite limited access, they fully felt the surging pride. Loud applause and bright eyes under the night sky – all seemed to blend with the marching troops, adding strength to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the great victory.
Cyber Warfare Task Force
Women's Peacekeeping Unit
Images of veterans during the rehearsal.
The rehearsal for the parade on the evening of April 25th was not only a way to check the organization, but also an opportunity for the people of Ho Chi Minh City, the sons and daughters of the South, the stronghold of the Fatherland, to rekindle their heroic memories and look towards the future with all their faith and national pride. Every step, every flag in the night seemed to encapsulate the message: 50 years ago, we made history; today, we continue to write new chapters of history, more glorious and proud than ever before.
