(VOVWORLD) - Marking 50 years since national reunification (April 30, 1975), millions of Vietnamese at home and abroad are turning their attention to Ho Chi Minh City, where a state-level grand ceremony took place.
 People line the streets in Ho Chi Minh City wearing red and waving flags as a military parade passes to mark reunification day, April 30, 2025. (Photo: Luong Y/VTC) |
Crowds gathered early along the city’s main roads where the parade and procession passed. Many wore red shirts, waving national flags and liberation banners. The attendees told VOV:
“I feel very happy, the atmosphere is filled with patriotic energy. Everyone is very excited. The soldiers participating in the parade are very brave and resilient. The formation is even and beautiful. I love Vietnam very much.”
“We arrived at 1 a.m. to soak in the energy with everyone else. The parade was grand, and it brought that heroic Vietnamese spirit to life, especially for the younger generation. It made me feel even prouder to be Vietnamese.”
Across other provinces and cities, many shared similar feelings of pride and emotion as they followed the celebrations on TV, radio and online.
“Watching the parade and all the activities around the anniversary, I see that no matter the era, the Vietnamese people remain united, resilient and strong. I’m proud to be Vietnamese.”
“Even here in the remote Northwest, we always look forward to this national holiday. Seeing the parade and the marching troops fills us with pride. As part of the younger generation who didn’t live through the war years, we still remember and respect our national history and all it stands for.”
 Applause erupts during the military parade in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: Luong Y/VTC) |
More than 100 overseas Vietnamese also took part in the parade in HCM city. Many said the occasion carried deep meaning for them.
“I feel so honored and proud to join the celebrations, especially to actually march in the parade. The joy, the spirit of the people in Ho Chi Minh City and across the country, it’s overwhelming.”
“Coming back to Vietnam to attend this ceremony is a huge honor, not just for me, but for all of us overseas. Being part of the 50th anniversary celebrations makes me feel deeply connected to the country’s progress. It’s a strong sense of national pride, and we’re ready to contribute to Vietnam’s growth in the years to come.”