“How big is this event really going to be by April 30?”

A week out from the celebrations of Reunification Day, the city had taken on a special vibe. And this was just the beginning of an incredible moment in history.

I am so proud to be able to say that 'I was in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30 of 2025,' 50 years since the reunification of the nation—a joining of communities that has since evolved into the global powerhouse it is today.

Almost two weeks before the event, I took the opportunity to gain some insight into the preparations for the parade and other upcoming celebrations. I took the train into District 1 and walked around key sites such as Nguyen Hue and Le Duan.

It turned out to be one of the most perspective-shifting experiences of my life. The city was already awash with red and yellow. Flags hung proudly from buildings and were carried by people of all ages, each wanting their moment to say, “I was in Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate 50 years of reunification.”

Many people were dressed in T-shirts adorned with the Vietnamese flag, while girls and women of all ages looked stunning in an array of ao dai, many in designs incorporating the national colors and symbols.

I was fortunate to have brought my camera and was able to capture the genuine pride and elegance of people who had come out in the blistering heat of mid-April in Ho Chi Minh City.

My eyes were drawn to two children standing outside the Independence Palace in District 1. Both were wearing pure white ao dai, and their bright, joyful smiles lit up the crowd. People nearby paused in admiration, seeing the future of the country reflected in these remarkable young girls.

And this was still nearly two weeks before the official event. Veterans in uniform walked the streets. Women of all ages queued to take photos in front of the palace gates. There was an electric energy in the air—a shared joy simply to be part of something historic.

By the river, a similar scene played out. Cannons were already lined up, facing the water, and crowds gathered to take photos, to soak in the atmosphere, to be able to say, “I was there.”

Nguyen Hue was still in the process of being transformed with displays and memorials, but the usual flow of tourists and young people had shifted. Now, the space was flooded with red and yellow flags and a sea of patriotic outfits. People from across Vietnam had gathered to share a moment in the sun.

Indeed, from Sa Pa to Phu Quoc, people were making their way to Ho Chi Minh City throughout April to witness the 50th anniversary of reunification firsthand.

An April 30 celebration like no other

After squeezing back onto a crowded train, I stared out the window as everyday life continued outside. I found myself slightly dazed, reflecting on one big question:

“How big is this event really going to be by April 30?”

And honestly, there’s no way to guess. It’s going to be bigger than anything we can imagine. By the time the day arrives, millions of Vietnamese—young and old—will flood the streets, proud to say: “I was there on the 30 of April, 2025.”

Millions will line the streets and fill every public space from before dawn. No one will complain about the heat or the crowds. Why? Because this moment transcends discomfort. It is about pride. It is about unity. It is about being Vietnamese.

And it’s not just the parade that will mark the occasion. Over 30 locations across the city will feature fireworks displays. There will be jet ski demonstrations, concerts, singing and dancing, aerial flyovers by jets and helicopters—a celebration like no other.

Even now, weeks ahead, the rehearsals are drawing thousands of onlookers. The nightly cannon practice has already attracted crowds rivaling what some cities see for major events.

And that, I suppose, is what I’ve come to understand most deeply. This isn’t just about the 30th of April. This celebration has been alive in people’s hearts and minds for months, even years. It will remain there long after the confetti settles and the fireworks fade.

I feel incredibly honored to witness it all firsthand. To every Vietnamese person—wherever you are—I wish you happiness, health, and peace as this historic day arrives.

This day is called Reunification Day—but for me, it’s also a day about connection, belonging, and national pride. What I’ve seen on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City is more than a party. It’s a powerful reminder that a united community is stronger than any single challenge.

Chúc vui vẻ to all my Vietnamese friends from every corner of this beautiful country.