Vietnam holds grand 80th National Day celebrations

THE HANOI TIMES — In the early hours of September 2, Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square came alive with solemn pride as the nation marked the 80th anniversary of National Day with a spectacular military parade involving 87 distinct formations.

From before dawn, the capital stirred to the rhythm of preparation. Tens of thousands of citizens had filled the boulevards, determined to witness this historic occasion.

The state-level ceremony began promptly at 6:30 AM, with the traditional torch relay and flag-raising. The national anthem rang out in unison, followed by a resounding 21-gun salute from My Dinh Stadium, echoes of history reverberating across the city.

At 6:45 AM, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam delivered the opening speech, recalling the triumph of the August Revolution and the birth of the nation at this very spot in 1945.

His words illuminated the continuing journey of independence, unity, renewal, and international integration.

At 7:05 AM, the signal to begin the parade will be given, with 87 formations – symbolizing the nation’s strength and diversity – set in motion in structured, synchronized order.

Ceremonial march at Ba Dinh Square

The parade began with elite honor guards, the national flag, the Party flag, and a moving portrait of President Ho Chi Minh.

It was followed by military and security formations from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Border Guard, Cyber Defense, Peacekeeping Forces and special units, reflecting the modernized strength of Vietnam’s armed forces.

Next came the public security and militia units, and civilian formations representing workers, farmers, intellectuals, women, youth, ethnic minorities, entrepreneurs, journalists, and overseas Vietnamese, embodying the solidarity of the entire nation.

Above the ground, fighter jets made a soaring flyover, symbolizing Vietnam’s modern defense capabilities.

Adding to the global dimension, military contingents from China, Russia, Laos, and Cambodia marched in harmony alongside their Vietnamese counterparts, a powerful statement of international friendship.

As the march will be concluded around 9:30 AM, a brief artistic program will follow to feature drum performances, cultural dances, and the release of 80 white doves, symbols of peace and hope, capping the ceremony with tender emotion.

From an early morning, many arrived before dawn, while others waited from midnight to make the crowd steadfast. Their faces alight with pride and history, forming the scene of a shared salute to 80 years of revolution, sovereignty, and collective efforts.