Crowds gather in Ho Chi Minh City to welcome military parade rehearsal for reunification anniversary

At around 4:30 pm, parade units assembled at the intersection of Nguyen Binh Khiem and Le Duan Streets in District 1.

Large crowds had gathered since the afternoon, many waving Vietnamese flags and taking photos as the convoys passed.

Residents along the route came to their balconies and doorways, waving large flags to greet the passing troops.

By 7:00 pm, the intersections of Le Duan, Dinh Tien Hoang, and Ton Duc Thang Streets were filled with people eager to witness the combined rehearsal.

Security barricades were in place along the parade route, while crowds, including children and the elderly, waited patiently outside the restricted areas.

Many held up phones and cameras to capture scenes of the marching soldiers.

Applause broke out spontaneously as the formations approached, with residents cheering from both sides of the streets.

Some parade participants maintained their formation while smiling and waving in response to the public’s enthusiasm.

“I was very moved watching the soldiers march in such a disciplined and serious way, despite the heat,” said Hoang Bich Nga, 57, a resident of Binh Thanh District, who said she took a motorbike taxi to the event in the afternoon.

“It made me proud.”

Near the stage set up in front of the Reunification Convention Hall, parade units moved into position as spectators continued to cheer.

From Go Vap District, Nguyen Thi Minh Thuan said she arrived downtown at 4:00 pm to attend the rehearsal.

Her eldest son and two grandchildren were among the parade participants.