Ho Chi Minh City hosts first full-scale military parade rehearsal ahead of Vietnam’s reunification anniversary

Under the resounding command of Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Nghia, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, participating units began marching from Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, advancing along Le Duan Boulevard toward the Reunification Palace.

This was the first full-scale parade rehearsal to be held in Ho Chi Minh City after several rehearsals took place in neighboring Dong Nai Province.

The rehearsal drew large crowds of residents and tourists.

The major rehearsal featured 25 military and militia units, and 13 units from public security forces.

The event was attended by high-ranking officials including Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang, and Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang, both of whom offered words of encouragement and gifts to the participating units.

Representing Ho Chi Minh City’s leadership, Nguyen Thanh Nghi, standing deputy secretary of the municipal Party Committee, was in attendance.

With synchronized precision and unwavering discipline, each formation marched proudly, with their footsteps echoing down the boulevard, accompanied by thunderous chants led by their commanders and echoed in unison by the troops.

“I’ve seen this kind of scene in movies and on TV, but witnessing it live is overwhelming,” said Nguyen Thuy Hong Anh, a resident of Binh Thanh District.

“Peace is such a beautiful thing. I can only imagine how majestic the grand parade will be on April 30,” she shared.