Excitement builds in Hanoi as thousands witness National Day parade rehearsal

THE HANOI TIMES — As the sun rose over Hanoi on August 30, Nguyen Thi Lan from the northern province of Nam Dinh stood at My Dinh Stadium, eyes fixed on the parade formations during the rehearsal for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day.

She had arrived in the capital days earlier, eager to witness the military vehicles, marching units, and ceremonial displays that symbolize Vietnam’s journey over eight decades.

When the soldiers passed by, Lan said she felt an overwhelming sense of pride for her country’s progress.

“I was especially impressed when everyone stood together for the flag-raising ceremony, singing the national anthem in unison. In that moment, the unity and spirit of the nation were palpable. The modern military vehicles in the parade gave me immense pride,” said Lan.

That morning, Lan with her young son eager to see the artillery units in action. “When the cannons fired for the rehearsal, my emotions were full of pride,” she said.

Like Lan, Pham Bac Thanh from the northern province of Thai Nguyen traveled with her mother and young son to her sister’s home near My Dinh, joining the thousands of Vietnamese to be part of the patriotic atmosphere.

It was her first time attending a national parade in person. “I want my family to experience the full spirit of Independence Day in Hanoi,” she said, savoring the rare opportunity.

For locals like Nguyen Thi Hanh and Phung Thi Thu Thuy, even proximity to the stadium did not make them take the day lightly.

They woke at 4:30 a.m. to prepare and arrived at My Dinh Stadium by 5 a.m. to witness the artillery display. They had already attended the preliminary rehearsals along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, sharing in the pride and joy of seeing the nation’s unity firsthand.

“I am thrilled to attend the 80th National Day celebration this year. In the next ten, twenty years, if health permits, I will continue coming and perhaps feel even more joyful,” said Thuy.

Nguyen Thi Minh Hue, a preschool teacher from Xuan Quan, the northern province of Hung Yen, traveled with 30 colleagues to Hanoi to witness the event.

“Eighty years is a milestone to be proud of. This is a special occasion and as we grow older, opportunities like this may become rare, so everyone is excited,” said Hue.

Hue told The Hanoi Times that this was her third time attending a parade rehearsal. The first time she watched with curiosity, wondering how the formal ceremony would unfold. The second, seeing the modern military vehicles, she felt her pride surge, reaffirming her faith in the nation’s strength.

“When the soldiers waved to the audience, I truly felt the happiness of living in a peaceful, independent country,” Hue shared, reflecting on the emotional weight of the event.

From Nghe An, 27-year-old Hoang Van Thao arrived with his family on the afternoon of August 29. He woke at 4 a.m. to secure a good viewing spot along Dai Co Viet Street. Although he arrived a bit late and missed parts of the parade, he remained enthusiastic.

“The atmosphere was so lively. When the red flag with the yellow star waved, our whole family cheered together. I feel lucky to witness this historic event. It will be a memory to tell my children,” said Thao.

The story of 75-year-old veteran Phan Thanh Hoa, from Yen Nghia Ward, Hanoi, is particularly moving. Despite his age, he and over a dozen family members arrived near Ba Dinh Square at 3 p.m. the day before the rehearsal, staying awake through rain and fatigue to immerse themselves in the event.

“The tiredness and weather don’t matter. All that matters is the joy and pride,” said Hoa, his voice filled with emotion.

For many, the rehearsals were lessons in history and responsibility.

Observing the veteran participants, Hoa said “They are living witnesses of history. Even if their steps are slow or irregular, their presence alone demonstrates resilience and embodies gratitude.”

Thao said she was impressed by the educational value for youth as seeing the parade firsthand. “I understood the strength of today’s armed forces and the country’s transformation. It makes me more determined to contribute to the nation.”

Hoa’s personal journey is interwoven with Vietnam’s modern history. Having served on the southern battlefields from 1970 and present in Saigon on April 30, 1975, he also attended the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory.

“War was full of hardship, loss, and pain. Now, living in peace, seeing the country develop, and our army grow stronger, I feel even more grateful. As long as I have the health, I will continue attending, because it is happiness itself,” said Hoa.

To the younger generation, he offered a message steeped in experience: “You were born in peace, so cherish the sacrifices of your forebears. Study, train, maintain health and knowledge, and continue the tradition, building a stronger country worthy of the generations before you.”

The 80th anniversary celebrations, through rehearsals and the main parade, connect multiple generations, blending nostalgia, pride and civic responsibility. Citizens from every corner of Vietnam, whether traveling hundreds of kilometers or waking at dawn in their local neighborhoods, share in the emotional resonance of the event.

Beyond the spectacle, the parade also embodies Vietnam’s historical narrative and unity. Veterans, military personnel and civilians converge to create a shared memory of the nation’s enduring struggle for independence. For viewers and participants alike, the experience inspires reflection on personal and collective duty toward the fatherland.

For many families, the festival is also a moment of bonding. Parents bring children to witness history in motion, instilling in them a sense of belonging and respect for Vietnamese heritage. The vivid imagery of military vehicles, precise formations, and ceremonial music conveys lessons about sacrifice, resilience, and patriotism in ways that textbooks alone cannot.

Through these shared experiences, Vietnamese citizens carry forward the intangible inheritance of the nation. The 80th anniversary celebrations are opportunities to feel, understand and participate in the living history of Vietnam.