Troops march through downtown streets of Ho Chi Minh City, cheered on by residents

After completing the official parade past the grandstand on Le Duan Boulevard in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday morning for the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and Reunification Day (April 30), the parade units continued their routes through Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, and Ton Duc Thang Street, greeted by thunderous applause from residents lining both sides of the streets.

Tens of thousands of people gathered in the city center on Tuesday evening and the wee hours of Wednesday, eager to witness the moment the parade passed by.

As the soldiers approached, the streets erupted with excitement.

Many people raised their hands in salute, shouting joyfully to cheer them on.

The soldiers marched in step, smiling, nodding, and waving to the crowds.

Numerous revelers captured the rare moment on their phones, snapping photos and recording videos to preserve the memory.

Pham Thanh Thuy, representing the Journalism and Media unit, shared that she is neither a professional soldier nor a seasoned parade participant.

She marched alongside fellow communicators accustomed to wielding pens and cameras.

“The atmosphere today is so solemn,” Thuy said.

She recalled the early morning rehearsals, when her team would rise before dawn and quietly gather to train.

The initial steps were clumsy and uncoordinated, while their chants were hesitant and unfamiliar.

However, day by day, through shared laughter and exhaustion, a new spirit took shape - one of confidence, discipline, and pride, she said.

What made this day even more meaningful for Thuy was that it coincided with her birthday, a personal milestone marked by marching on a historic path.

Professional Lieutenant Doan Thi Thuy Quynh, from the Female Communications Officer formation, admitted she was initially nervous.

“However, to repay the love and support of the people of Ho Chi Minh City and the whole country, I gave my best to fulfill this mission,” she said.

“This experience is incredibly special to me.

"It will be one of the most memorable moments of my life in the military."

Tuoi Tre News

(2025/04/30-17:56)