As early as 4:40 am, dignitaries and guests began arriving at the grandstand along Le Duan Boulevard in District 1 for final security checks and seating arrangements ahead of the military parade.

Security forces conducted thorough sweeps to ensure safety, while support staff prepared logistics for the day’s massive event.

By dawn, excitement filled the streets as thousands more gathered along parade routes.

Among them was Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, who arrived with her husband from District 12 the day before to claim a good spot along Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street.

Surrounded by strangers who felt like family, Thuy tearfully expressed thanks to Vietnam’s war veterans.

“This is an incredibly meaningful moment. I’m grateful for the freedom and happiness we have today because of their sacrifices,” she said.

Nguyen Thi Nhu Y, 20, from Nha Be District, admitted to feeling tired after the long wait since 3:00 am.

However, her determination to witness the parade first-hand remained strong, wanting to etch the beautiful moment in her heart.

"This is also an opportunity to meet many veterans who seem to have stepped out of the history books," she said. 

"They sacrificed their youth and blood for the peace we have today. 

"I feel immense respect and gratitude."

Eighteen-year-old Phan Thi Thao Nhi, who once spoke with a veteran during a previous parade rehearsal, said, “There are no words stronger than gratitude to describe what I feel today.”

Fifteen-year-old Phung Tran Van Anh, whose father is a border guard and grandparents are war veterans, grew up surrounded by stories of wartime sacrifice.

“When I was little, I didn’t understand why Dad was always busy. But now, I realize how deep the bond is between soldiers and the people,” she said after witnessing troops handing out water and field rations to parade-goers.

At Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, Tuyet Ngan, 30, was among the crowd from midnight.

“Even though it’s crowded and tiring, it’s worth it just to be here,” she said before taking a short nap on the sidewalk.

By 1:00 am, major streets in the city center were blocked off for parade preparation, and security cordons guided people out of restricted areas.

Traffic police redirected vehicles as the crowd continued growing.

Troops distributed water and food to parade-goers along Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, while metal barricades were set up as thousands slowly moved toward Le Loi Intersection.

Despite gridlocked streets and limited mobility, the atmosphere remained joyous.

Tran Le Khanh Huyen from neighboring Binh Duong Province, who had been stuck in the crowd since 1:00 am, said, “Even being stuck here is exciting—we just want to see the parade.”

By 2:00 am, tens of thousands had flooded downtown streets like Ton Duc Thang, Nguyen Hue, and Bach Dang Wharf Park, known for their prime views of the parade and the anticipated military aircraft display.

At Bach Dang Wharf Park, groups camped out overnight with folding chairs, snacks, and coffee.

“It’s been years since the city felt this lively,” said Nguyen Le Van Tinh from Binh Thanh District, who arrived at 8:00 pm on Tuesday evening. “We got a riverside spot, so we’re holding it till [Wednesday] morning.”

Many came to witness the aerial segment, especially the flyover with helicopters bearing flags and fighter jets releasing flares—set to begin at 8:00 am.

Authorities continued traffic control as people poured into central districts.

Streets surrounding the main stage were closed from 3:00 am, but some restrictions started as early as 1:45 am due to overwhelming crowds.

Major roads such as Le Duan, Pasteur, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, and the Nguyen Hue promenade were off-limits to vehicles, with only event and security personnel allowed through.