After weeks of eager anticipation, the long-awaited moment finally arrived. On the morning of April 30, 2025, the streets of Ho Chi Minh City burst into life as the grand parade celebrating Vietnam’s Reunification Day officially began. Locals and visitors lined the sidewalks, waving flags and capturing photos, their faces glowing with pride and excitement. This year marked the 50th anniversary of national reunification—a historic milestone that made the atmosphere even more electric. As the parade units took their first synchronized steps, all eyes turned to the patriotic spectacle unfolding before them. In this article, we take a closer look at the key formations that made the celebration unforgettable.
The national parade to celebrate the 50th anniversary of national reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025) took place from 6:30 a.m. and ended at around 9:00 a.m. on April 30 in Ho Chi Minh City.
After Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Nghia, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, Head of the Parade and Marching Subcommittee, came up to direct the start of the parade and march, 23 fighter planes of the Air Defense - Air Force Service (Ministry of National Defense) including 7 Su-30MK2 fighters, 6 Yak-130 training - combat aircraft, 10 military helicopters (Mi-171, Mi-17, Mi-8) majestically flew over the ceremony area and the center of Ho Chi Minh City.
When the parade began, the Party and State leaders and delegates stood up in unison, in a solemn and emotional atmosphere.
At the grandstand, portraits of President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap were held high, creating a solemn and emotional highlight in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the country's reunification.
At the April 30 parade, there were 10 military helicopters (Mi-171, Mi-17, Mi-8), flying in a 3-4-3 formation, flying the Party flag and the national flag, flying over the stage area and the center of Ho Chi Minh City.
Military helicopters flying the national flag participate in the parade
Su-30MK2 fighter jet drops heat trap in the sky of Ho Chi Minh City
Su-30MK2 fighter jet performs aerobatics in the sky of Ho Chi Minh City
Car carrying portrait of President Ho Chi Minh at the ceremony
Model car symbolizing 50 years of national reunification, recreating the great victory of spring 1975 - a brilliant milestone opening the era of independence, unification and building socialist Vietnam. This victory also strongly encouraged the movement for independence, peace and progress around the world.
On the flying flag of “Determined to fight, determined to win” are the noble medals awarded by the Party and the State, demonstrating the glorious tradition of the Vietnam People’s Army: loyal to the Party, filial to the people, ready to fight and sacrifice for independence, freedom and socialism. Today, the army continues to be built in a revolutionary, disciplined, elite and modern direction, becoming the core force to firmly protect the Fatherland.
The tank and armored unit entered the ceremony platform. As an important assault force of the army, the tank and armored unit led five attacks in 1975. The image of tanks crashing into the gate of the Independence Palace became a symbol of victory. In the new era, the force continues to train, ready to complete all tasks excellently.
The special forces entered the stage. As a “special elite, resourceful, and daring” force, the special forces contributed significantly to the victory of the national liberation cause. Today, the force continues to train and modernize, worthy of the title of twice-Hero of the People’s Armed Forces.
The female commando unit entered the ceremony platform. During the resistance war, these brave and resourceful women fought right in the heart of the enemy with bold and unexpected attacks, contributing to the great victory of the spring of 1975.
The group of male UN peacekeeping police officers entered the stage. Overcoming many challenges, the force successfully completed its international mission, contributing to spreading the image of a friendly, peace-loving Vietnam and being highly appreciated by the international community.
The female special police force soldiers overcome difficulties and are resilient. The soldiers of the People's Police Force always strive to train and are ready to excellently complete all tasks in all situations.
A group of artists, artisans, editors, reporters, coaches, athletes, and representatives of those working in culture, art, sports, and media paraded past the stage.
April 30th Parade, History of People's Heart
After moving through the main stage in front of the Independence Palace - Reunification Hall (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City), the parade forces split into 4 directions towards Tao Dan Park, 23/9 Park, Hoa Lu Stadium, Le Van Tam Park (District 1) in the warm welcome of the people.
The female medical officers marched towards Le Loi Street, District 1. The bustling atmosphere filled the streets, the streets were packed with people.
The military paraded through Ben Thanh Market, District 1 amidst a sea of cheering crowds.
People waved to the parade car of the bloc honoring the Heroes of the People's Armed Forces, Heroes of Labor and historical witnesses.
According to Thanh Nien reporters, at 8:30 a.m., soldiers marching in direction 3 passed through Nguyen Dinh Chieu - Pham Ngoc Thach streets, before gathering at Hoa Lu stadium.
From 10pm on April 29, Ms. Ngoc Bich (22 years old, living in District 7) and her group of friends arrived early to "hunt" for a good spot to watch the parade. She revealed that the group had a "special strategy" that when the nearby restaurant opened at dawn, they would quickly enter to choose a favorable viewing spot.
"Watching the soldiers pass by, I felt proud and moved. All the waiting and staying up all night was worth it. The feeling of fatigue suddenly disappeared," Bich shared.
Ms. Le Lai (in Cu Chi District) brought her two young sons there at 2am. This was the first time her whole family had watched the April 30 parade live. She said this was not only an interesting experience, but also an opportunity for her children to understand more about history and foster patriotism. "There were more people than I could have imagined! But my children and I still found a good place to watch. This is a special memory!", Ms. Lai said.
Maritime militia parades through Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street
Young people take pictures with special forces soldiers
Army soldiers marching through Le Loi Street
People eagerly waited from early morning to watch the parade in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of April 30. Many people brought pictures of Uncle Ho, waved flags, and held up their phones to record memorable moments in the heroic and emotional atmosphere.
"Sea" of people with red flags
