HANOI, Vietnam — Vietnam staged its grandest public celebrations to date on Tuesday, commemorating 80 years since Ho Chi Minh declared independence from French colonial rule in 1945. An estimated 40,000 troops and civilians marched through Hanoi’s streets in a vibrant display of national pride, with hundreds of thousands of spectators braving the sweltering morning sun to witness the historic event.
The tightly choreographed parade, which state media hailed as unprecedented in scale, featured tanks, drones, and missile batteries rolling through the capital, while helicopters and planes roared overhead. A squadron of helicopters opened the procession, trailing Vietnam’s yellow-star flag and hammer-and-sickle banners, followed by a ceremonial artillery salute. Youngsters in traditional dress twirled giant floral tributes, and an honor guard of police goose-stepped in pristine white uniforms.
“It showcased Vietnam’s strength,” said Tran Nguyen Trung Chien, a 34-year-old spectator. “We the people welcomed them all—this showcased Vietnam’s high patriotism.”
The two-hour procession included Chinese and Russian troops marching alongside their Vietnamese counterparts, symbolizing solidarity among the nations. The event, centered at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, drew dignitaries including China’s National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji, former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel.
Hanoi’s top leader, To Lam, delivered a speech marking the occasion. “In this sacred moment, we respectfully remember our ancestors,” Lam said. “Our nation has overcome countless difficulties and challenges. Our country has transformed from a colony into an independent and unified nation, steadily advancing towards modernity and deep integration.”
Among the onlookers was 78-year-old veteran Pham Thanh Van, who wore his military uniform adorned with medals earned fighting American troops during the Vietnam War. Watching from a front-row seat near the mausoleum, he reflected on the nation’s journey. “This will be my final memory. Don’t forget us,” he said. “I feel so proud. Independence brought development and prosperity to the country. I felt it worth fighting for.”
The celebrations surpassed the scale of April’s events marking the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, when North Vietnam’s victory ended the war with the U.S.-backed South. Tuesday’s parade also outstripped the 30,000-strong emancipation festivities held in 1985, setting a new benchmark for Vietnam’s displays of national unity.
The event underscored Vietnam’s transformation into a rapidly developing nation, balancing its communist roots with growing global integration. As the crowds dispersed, the streets of Hanoi echoed with the pride of a nation honoring its past while marching confidently toward its future.
