“I first began reading The Saigon Times during my earlier posting at the Consulate-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, from 1994 to 1998. Those were exciting times, with Vietnam opening up under the Doi Moi reforms and many Japanese companies were establishing their presence in southern Vietnam. As an officer responsible for economic affairs at the Consulate-General in those days, I found the up-to-date information The Saigon Times provided on Vietnam’s economy truly invaluable — and I am sure the Japanese business community here shared that sentiment.
HCMC - An armed forces and civilian parade took place this morning in Ho Chi Minh City as part of a golden-jubilee national ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the south and the reunification of the nation (April 30, 1975 – 2025).
The event was attended by incumbent and former leaders of the Party, State, and Vietnam Fatherland Front, war veterans, heroic mothers, heroes of the People's Armed Forces, labor heroes, and thousands of delegates from all walks of life nationwide.
Also in attendance were some 20 international delegations, including three high-level delegations, four at the ministerial level or above, and representatives from more than 15 political parties across various continents.
Party General Secretary To Lam, along with incumbent and former Party and State leaders, international guests, and other delegates, attend the ceremony - PHOTO: LE VUThe ceremony commences with a flag-raising ceremony, punctuated by a 21-gun salute performed by the ceremonial artillery unit at Bach Dang Wharf, District 1, HCMC - PHOTO: LE VUA performance within the program “The Glorious Vietnam" - PHOTO: VNAAn opening drum performance titled “Epic of Victory” by cadets of the People's Police Academy under the Ministry of Public Security - PHOTO: VNA
Some images from the grand parade:
A formation of vehicles featuring the model of the National Emblem of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam marks the start of the grand parade - PHOTO: LE VUHelicopters fly overhead carrying the Party and national flags – PHOTO: LE VUThe Chinese military unit attends the paradeA sea of people waves flags and soaks in the festive atmosphere as they await the approaching parade - PHOTO: LE VUCrowds gather early in the morning along a street near the restricted area of the ceremony, hoping to take a look at the parade - PHOTO: LE VUDespite the large turnout, the atmosphere is upbeat and lively
“I first began reading The Saigon Times during my earlier posting at the Consulate-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, from 1994 to 1998. Those were exciting times, with Vietnam opening up under the Doi Moi reforms and many Japanese companies were establishing their presence in southern Vietnam. As an officer responsible for economic affairs at the Consulate-General in those days, I found the up-to-date information The Saigon Times provided on Vietnam’s economy truly invaluable — and I am sure the Japanese business community here shared that sentiment.
