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While the Lunar New Year brings quiet streets as people return to their hometowns, these April days are different. Streams of people from all over the country pour into Ho Chi Minh City, gathering under the national flag. Here, in every glance and smile, one sees pride, joy, and profound gratitude towards the generations who wrote this glorious chapter in history.
"Spring in Ho Chi Minh City is the most beautiful spring in my hometown."
Crowds of people flocked to the center of Ho Chi Minh City to witness the dress rehearsal of the military parade firsthand.
Starting in mid-month, places like Nguyen Hue pedestrian street and Bach Dang wharf became the center of excitement. Locals and tourists flocked there, taking souvenir photos next to historical cannons and soldiers in their neat uniforms. Revolutionary music echoed through the city, and at times of heightened emotion, large groups of people, young and old, and foreign tourists, embraced each other and sang loudly, "As if Uncle Ho were present on this joyous day of great victory," "The country is filled with joy," and so on.
Revolutionary music echoed through the city, and at its peak, large groups of people, young and old, foreign tourists, embraced each other and sang loudly, "As if Uncle Ho were present on this joyous day of great victory."
The artillery battery, consisting of 15 large cannons, each weighing approximately 4 tons, was placed on a 90-meter-long red carpet along Ton Duc Thang Street, creating a majestic and sacred scene.
Preserving memories with the soldiers.
The festive atmosphere permeates every aspect of life. Every morning on their way to work, people look up at the sky, waiting for the moment when helicopters fly overhead carrying Party flags and national flags, and Su-30Mk2 aircraft perform aerobatic maneuvers, then drop heat traps, splitting into three directions in the sky. Below, thousands of people are overwhelmed and cheering. In the afternoon, all the streets become bustling again as people flock to Le Duan Street – dubbed the "hottest street" these days – to admire the magnificent parade formations.
A formation of 10 helicopters hoisted a flag over the Bitexco building (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City).
The marching contingents "walked among the people".
As evening falls, the streets become bustling again as people flock to Le Duan Street – dubbed the "hottest street" these days – to admire the magnificent parade formations.
Connecting. Bach Dang Wharf in April – where memories meet the present in every handshake, every hastily taken photograph, every warm smile.
In particular, the nights of April become more dazzling than ever with 3D Mapping light shows, outdoor music festivals, drone shows, artistic fireworks… All are free, but the quality and scale make anyone who witnesses it exclaim that this is a "National Concert" of pride, memory, and gratitude.
Many art programs were held.
The 3D Mapping light show attracted a large number of locals and tourists.
The highlight of the series of events was the 50th anniversary celebration, featuring a 21-gun salute to the stirring national anthem, followed by a large-scale parade and march involving 13,000 people, from the military, police, and militia to mass organizations, students, and young people. In the city's skies, military helicopters and modern fighter jets carrying Party and national flags soared, leaving viewers with emotions difficult to express in words.
The red flag with a yellow star flies proudly across the skies of Ho Chi Minh City.
Amidst the throngs of people on the streets, it's easy to spot elderly veterans with graying hair and chests full of medals, silently watching each parade formation pass by. Perhaps, in their eyes, the memories of a time of bloodshed remain intact, and today, in peacetime, they see the younger generation following in their footsteps, confident, strong, and proud.
These unsung heroes have written the epic of history.
It wasn't difficult to spot young children in traditional costumes, or young people wearing shirts emblazoned with "Independence - Freedom - Happiness," holding national flags, and mingling with the bustling crowds. At that moment, the entire city seemed like a vibrant film: laughter, songs, the bright red of the flags—all blended together, painting a picture overflowing with love, unity, and national pride.
The future generations of the nation also share in the national atmosphere.
T-shirts with the slogan "Independence - Freedom - Happiness" are being chosen by many young people during this historic April.
Many locals and tourists choose to check in at locations with historical significance.
These April days, walking down the street, one's heart feels refreshed by the flow of memories and faith. It is then that we most deeply feel the meaning of the word "peace"; when all boundaries of regions and origins vanish, leaving only two endearing words: "compatriots".
Amidst the vibrant colors, the resounding drums, music, and the roar of airplanes in the high sky, everyone realizes how fortunate they are. Fortunate to have been born and raised in a peaceful country, in a city that not only bears the name of a great leader but also embodies unceasing aspirations for progress.
The colors of peace have painted the most beautiful picture of Ho Chi Minh City in the past half-century.
April in Ho Chi Minh City – a month of memories, pride, and profound gratitude. And in every heart, these days, love for the country is rekindled, burning brightly – like a sacred flame that never goes out.
