The rehearsal began at 8:30 p.m. on Le Duan Street in front of the palace, starting with the firing of canons at Bach Dang Wharf, nearly 2 km away. Video by Thu Thao
On Le Duan Street, 118 Chinese military personnel, rifles in hand, stood at attention awaiting the start of the drill after arriving in Ho Chi Minh City Friday afternoon to join Vietnam's 50th reunification anniversary celebrations.
Earlier, Lao and Cambodian troops had conducted initial training in Binh Duong Province before joining Vietnamese forces for the rehearsal in central District 1.
The Lao People's Army contingent prepares for their march.
On April 20, 121 Lao soldiers arrived at Tan Son Nhat Airport and were transported to Binh Duong Province that borders HCMC for training.
Major Minan Porthichon of the Lao People’s Army's 11th Armored Infantry Regiment said his unit was honored to be invited by Vietnam to participate in the parade.
Over 100 Cambodian servicemembers march past the reviewing stand, executing crisp, forward-directed arm swings characteristic of Cambodian military discipline. They had trained in Vietnam for eight days, mainly in Binh Duong.
The Vietnamese Special Police's female unit, consisting of 128 officers, marched in precise unison.
This was the third joint rehearsal in central HCMC, following more than two months of training at various locations. The final parade on April 30 will feature 48 formations and about 13,000 participants, including military, police, and city forces, alongside fighter jets and helicopters.
Earlier, at around 6:50 p.m., a heavy rain swept across District 1. In this photo, air defense and air force personnel stand in the rain to prepare for the rehearsal.
According to the Southern and Central Highlands Meteorological Center, HCMC and the southern region will experience afternoon and evening showers through April 29, with hot, sunny mornings reaching 34–36 C. Rain is also forecast during the April 30–May 3 holiday period.
The forecasting center advised parade organizers to set up canopies, protect electronic equipment, and prepare emergency medical services to address weather-related incidents. Residents attending outdoor events are advised to bring umbrellas and raincoats.
During the heavy rain, parade units at the Le Duan reviewing stand used plastic covers to protect their uniforms and maintain readiness.
Local spectators braved the rain to watch the rehearsal. Video by Minh Trinh, Tuan Viet, Cong Khang
Crowds gathered in the rain at the intersection of Nam Ky Khoi Nghia and Le Loi Streets, part of the parade route back to the assembly area.
