The command vehicle unit leads the parade in downtown Ho Chi Minh City on April 30, 2025. Photo: Thao Le / Tuoi Tre
Tens of thousands of people gathered in the city center on Tuesday evening and the wee hours of Wednesday, eager to witness the moment the parade passed by.
As the soldiers approached, the streets erupted with excitement.
Many people raised their hands in salute, shouting joyfully to cheer them on.
The soldiers marched in step, smiling, nodding, and waving to the crowds.
Numerous revelers captured the rare moment on their phones, snapping photos and recording videos to preserve the memory.
Pham Thanh Thuy, representing the Journalism and Media unit, shared that she is neither a professional soldier nor a seasoned parade participant.
She marched alongside fellow communicators accustomed to wielding pens and cameras.
“The atmosphere today is so solemn,” Thuy said.
She recalled the early morning rehearsals, when her team would rise before dawn and quietly gather to train.
The initial steps were clumsy and uncoordinated, while their chants were hesitant and unfamiliar.
However, day by day, through shared laughter and exhaustion, a new spirit took shape — one of confidence, discipline, and pride, she said.
What made this day even more meaningful for Thuy was that it coincided with her birthday, a personal milestone marked by marching on a historic path.
Professional Lieutenant Doan Thi Thuy Quynh, from the Female Communications Officer formation, admitted she was initially nervous.
“However, to repay the love and support of the people of Ho Chi Minh City and the whole country, I gave my best to fulfill this mission,” she said.
“This experience is incredibly special to me.
"It will be one of the most memorable moments of my life in the military."
Soldiers move through crowds of cheering people on Ton Duc Thang Street in front of Bach Dang Wharf in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre
The Special Forces formation marches along Dien Bien Phu Street, flanked by waves of the national flag and the cheers of thousands of people. The soldiers warmly shake hands with residents along the way. Photo: Minh Hoa / Tuoi Tre
The Male People's Police Officer formation advances along Dien Bien Phu Street, greeted by enthusiastic cheers from residents on both sides of the street.
The Mounted Police unit parades along Dien Bien Phu Street, with both sides of the street lined with the national flag and echoing with the cheers of thousands. The officers joyfully shake hands with residents along the way.
At around 9:00 am on April 30, 2025, the atmosphere on Dien Bien Phu Street near Le Van Tam Park in Ho Chi Minh City turns vibrant, filled with the joyful cheers of thousands. Adding to the excitement are warm handshakes, waving hands, and beaming smiles from the officers taking part in the parade.
Officers engage in cultural and musical exchanges with the public in front of Ben Thanh Market in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, April 30, 2025.
A musical performance by soldiers entertains the public.
The Female Military Medical Officer formation parades past the cheering crowd along both sides of the street.
Mounted police officers interact with residents and children.
A young boy marches alongside a mounted officer, surrounded by countless waving hands and the cheers of the people.
A mounted officer takes a wefie with residents.
The Ho Chi Minh City police officer unit at Le Van Tam Park.
The crowd follows the police officer formations, eager to interact and exchange joyful handshakes.
As the parade formations march down Le Loi Street, the people follow, waving the national flag. Photo: Thanh Hiep / Tuoi Tre
Troops march through the greetings of people.
Troops march through the greetings of people.
Female traffic police officers shake hands with residents.
Female traffic police officers interact with the public at Le Van Tam Park.
Parade forces march amid cheers from the crowd.
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