LIVE: Final rehearsal for upcoming Reunification Day grand parade in Ho Chi Minh City

9:05 am

After moving past the Reunification Hall, the military and police units disperse in four directions toward their assembly points, moving through the cheering and encouragement of the large crowd.

9:00 am

The parade stretches along Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street and Bach Dang Wharf. After completing the formal ceremony at the main podium on Le Duan Boulevard, the parade units continue along Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street and then head to Bach Dang Wharf, receiving a warm welcome from thousands of people.

Unlike the barricades in the main area, at the pedestrian street and the wharf, the people are able to stand very close to the parade units. 

Only a few steps away, they can clearly see the stern, proud faces of each soldier marching in unison.

The parade units pass by one after another, including the army, navy, air force, police forces, and the local militia, all marching in perfect formation.

Many people wave the national flag, cheer, and sing loudly patriotic songs about their homeland and country.

08:53 am

8:52 am

The military units from Laos, Cambodia, and China join the rehearsal.

8:51 am

A convoy of command vehicles featuring VF9 models manufactured by Vietnam’s VinFast drives past the grandstand.

A Chinese military unit marches in a parade through downtown Ho Chi Minh City.

8:18 am

At the same time as the helicopters fly overhead, the parade units below begin advancing toward the podium. Leading the procession is a vehicle carrying the national emblem, followed by a vehicle with an image of late President Ho Chi Minh.

8:15 am

Fighter jets roar over the Ho Chi Minh City sky.

8:09 am

Helicopters fly over the Reunification Palace towing the Party flag and the national flag. Immediately afterward, fighter squadrons follow in succession.

8:07 am

Choppers are flying over downtown Ho Chi Minh City, while the booming command of Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Nghia signals the official start of the full-scale parade rehearsal.

07:55 am

This morning, many war veterans from all corners of the country gather in Ho Chi Minh City to witness the final full-scale parade rehearsal.

The wharf is alive with energy, anticipation, and patriotic pride early on Sunday morning as thousands rush to witness the final rehearsal for the upcoming Reunification Day celebration, scheduled for April 30.

Among the many veterans from across the country who congregate in Ho Chi Minh City to enjoy this morning's military parade rehearsal are Nguyen The Kien, 80, and his wife, Luu Thi Bang, 75.

Kien was a driver during the war, transporting weapons and food from the historic Truong Son range to the south.

The appearance of the elderly couple draws admiration from many young people, who have learned about the legendary Truong Son soldiers from history books, but now have the rare chance to meet them in person.

Despite having lost sight in one eye, Kien journeyed with his wife all the way from northern Hai Duong Province to Ho Chi Minh City.

Stan, a visitor from Nigeria, learned about the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and Reunification Day, and brings a Vietnamese national flag to join in the jubilant atmosphere.

He remarks that based on what he has witnessed, Vietnam fully deserves to host the celebration.

"It captures both the strong spirit of the Vietnamese people and brings an incredible sense of emotion," he said.

07:47 am

A 'sea of people' eagerly awaits the parade.

7:00 am

A series of cannon blasts thunder across Bach Dang Wharf, marking the imminent start of the military parade and march rehearsal.

Despite the rising sun, the crowd remains cheerful and excited, eagerly anticipating the event.