 Cannons are set up in front of My Dinh Stadium, ready for a 21-gun salute. (Photo: Ngoc Thanh/VOV) |
Following a 21-gun salute at My Dinh Stadium, and a flag-hoisting ceremony, a squadron of helicopters carrying the Party flag and Vietnam’s national flag flew by Ba Dinh Square to officially kick off the rehearsal.
Soon after, formations of transport aircraft, training aircraft, and fighter jets joined the flypast.
Military and police units, as well as foreign military contingents from China, Russia, Laos, and Cambodia took part in the rehearsal. There were also militia units, military and police vehicles, and artillery units. The naval forces’ parade at sea was also broadcast live from Khanh Hoa province.
In attendance were Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other senior officials.
"I am 64 years old now, but I have never seen a Vietnam’s military parade. My wife and I came here yesterday to see the parade, but mainly to join in the National Day celebration," Nguyen Van Luu, a resident of Phu Tho Province, said.
 (Photo: Duong Thuat/VOV) |
Special arrangements were made for veterans attending the rehearsal. "I was moved. Everyone has gathered here since 2 AM. I really appreciate the efforts of our security forces and volunteers here, who worked hard to ensure security and sanitation. I think we have improved a lot from previous celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory and the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South," said veteran Phan Thanh Vinh, from Dien Bien Province.
The official military parade and march will begin at 6:30 a.m. on September 2 at Ba Dinh Square.