At 11 p.m. on April 29, seven hours before the official ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the south and national reunification, thousands of people gathered at Bach Dang Wharf to secure spots for watching the parade the next morning. The crowd continued to grow, with traffic jams stretching for several kilometers, particularly around the Nguyen Hue Street, the foot of Ba Son Bridge, and Ton Duc Thang Street. On both sides of the road, people sat or lay waiting to watch the parade, causing further congestion. Many roads were completely blocked. Photo by Dinh Van
At around 8 a.m. on April 30, dozens of fighter jets and helicopters from Bien Hoa airport headed to Ho Chi Minh City, starting the parade to celebrate the 50th anniversary of national reunification.
Upon arriving at the city center, the Su-30MK2 fighter squadron performed several acrobatics, then fired flares in the sky. Flare flying is part of an active defense mechanism designed to protect aircraft from infrared-guided anti-aircraft missiles. This design is mounted on the tail of the Su-30MK2 fighter jet. Photo by Hoang Viet
On Le Duan Street, in front of the Reunification Hall (Independence Palace), 56 groups, including honorary vehicles and military parades, marched through the crowds. In the photo, the Border Guard group passes by Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, heading toward the main stage. Photo by Quynh Tran
The Armored Corps, a key combat arm and assault force of the Vietnam People's Army, entered the stage. Formed in 1959 with the establishment of the first tank regiment (Tank Regiment 202), the corps later expanded to include multiple tank regiments and battalions. It played a significant role in numerous campaigns and battles on the southern front, including the Ta May - Lang Vay battle (1968), Dong Ha, Dac To, Tan Canh, Loc Ninh (1972), Cua Viet (1973), Phuoc Long, Buon Ma Thuot, and the liberation of Saigon (1975). Photo by Quynh Tran
The Honor Guard of the Chinese People's Liberation Army passes the stage. Established in 1952, the Guard’s main task is to serve at ceremonies for the Party, the State, and the Army. Over the past 73 years, it has successfully carried out its duties at more than 13,000 ceremonies, showcasing the strong image of the Chinese State and Army with its dedicated spirit and uniform, coordinated, and powerful team. In addition to the Chinese army, the Lao and Cambodian armies also participated in the parade. Photo by Thanh Tung
The Electronic Warfare Department marches past Ben Thanh Market in District 1.
The Electronic Warfare Department, part of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, was established on April 30, 1992. It serves as the leading agency advising the Ministry of National Defense and the General Staff on electronic warfare across the army. Photo by Dinh Van
Military units parade down Le Loi Street in District 1, with thousands of people cheering and responding from both sides. Photo by Hoang Viet
The Liberation Army group, dressed in green shirts and floppy hats, carrying guns, marches in neat formation along Le Loi Street. Photo by Hoang Viet
The Border Guards group march down Le Loi Street, drawing both locals and tourists to take photos of their "hundred people as one" formation. Photo by Hoang Viet
Many people on Nguyen Hue Street in District 1 capture the moment the armed forces passing by. Photo by Phung Tien
The Northern Female Militia Bloc with crow-beak scarves and ao ba ba parade on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3. Photo by Gia Minh
Military forces march through the crowd on Ton Duc Thang - Ben Bach Dang Street in District 1. On Wednesday morning, the area was packed with people eager to watch the parade, prompting authorities to clear the way for the convoy carrying the parade units. After the ceremony, thousands of people followed the soldiers to interact and take photos with them. Photo by Thanh Nguyen
Air Defense - Air Force soldiers shake hands with people on Ton Duc Thang Street after the parade. Photo by Thanh Nguyen
Major Nguyen Ngoc Khanh, 33, Squadron Leader of Squadron 2, Regiment 935, Division 370, Air Defense - Air Force, holds his phone to take a photo with his teammates after successfully completing a welcoming flight mission in Ho Chi Minh City and returning to Bien Hoa Airport in Dong Nai.
Khanh's wife, Lieutenant Bui Thi Lan Cham, participated in the Military Band. "Because of the special mission, we always encourage each other to practice hard and stay determined to complete our tasks well," said Major Khanh.
He added that to focus on their work, they had to leave their 6-year-old child with their grandmother. Photo by Phuoc Tuan
Staff reporters
