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The Associated Press reported that thousands gathered in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City to witness the parade marking the anniversary. The U.S.-based agency highlighted a keynote address by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, who called for national unity and forward-looking reconciliation.
"In a spirit of closing the past, respecting differences, aiming for the future, the whole party, the people and the army vow to make Vietnam become a country of peace, unity, prosperity and development," Lam added.
AP also captured voices from the crowd, including Nguyen Thi Hue, a local resident who summed up the atmosphere simply: "Now it’s time for peace... Peace is the dream that everyone in the world wants."
Describing the event as "historic," Reuters traced Vietnam’s journey from war to peace, emphasizing its normalization of ties with the U.S. The agency painted a portrait of a modern, thriving Vietnam, noting the country’s bustling streets, growing commercial activity, and tech-savvy youth "singing Taylor Swift songs and holding the latest iPhones."
The outlet also spoke with 82-year-old painter Tran Duy Truc, who was commissioned to create four new artworks for the event.
"This isn't my first time creating such art, but the 50th anniversary is special. I feel deeply moved and excited," Truc said.
The U.K.'s Guardian highlighted the rapid transformation of Ho Chi Minh City, describing it as "a city of skyscrapers" and a "crucial manufacturing hub." The city’s chaotic charm was also noted, with streets "crammed tightly with motorbikes" and a vibrant culinary scene that increasingly attracts international tourists.
Parade marking Vietnam's 50th reunification anniversary held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30, 2025. Video by Hoang Viet
AFP reported that thousands of people, including entire families, stayed out overnight to secure a spot for the parade, sharing food and waiting in anticipation.
One of them, 19-year-old student Thang Dang, told the outlet: "I will tell my future children about this event."
Ling Dequan, former chief representative of China’s Xinhua News Agency in Hanoi, reflected on the enduring legacy of the reunification.
Calling April 30, 1975, "a monumental victory, a historical landmark for the Vietnamese people," Ling said the event at the time "became breaking news across global media." He added that this year’s celebration has "helped the nation usher in a new era."
From Cambodia, The Khmer Times featured veteran journalist Khieu Kola, who attended the celebration and praised Vietnam’s rapid development. He said he was particularly interested in comparing the city's metro line to systems in Singapore and Thailand.
Vietnam, he said, has "chosen the right path" and made "a lot of breakthroughs in recent years."
Cuba’s Prensa Latina spotlighted the emotional journey of 76-year-old war veteran Tran Van Thanh, who rode more than 1,300 kilometers by motorbike to attend the event in person.
