Vietnamese troops march through Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi during the country's largest military parade in decades, marking 80 years of Independence. Image: Vietnam Plus.
(The Post News) – Vietnam celebrated its 80th National Day on Tuesday with its largest military parade in decades, drawing tens of thousands of citizens to the capital city of Hanoi for a historic display of patriotism, military power, and national unity.
The celebration was held in Ba Dinh Square, the same venue where revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh declared independence from French colonial rule on September 2, 1945. The celebrations were to commemorate generations of citizens who fought for freedom as well as mark the country’s growing defense capabilities and global aspirations.
The parade was at the same time a celebration of the stormy past of Vietnam and an inspiration for its future. After Ho Chi Minh’s proclamation in 1945, Vietnam experienced the First Indochina War with France and the war of nearly four decades with America, which finished in 1975 with national reunification.
Communist Party General Secretary To Lam honored those who perished in the battle for independence, saying that Vietnam’s dream is to be a “powerful, prosperous, and happy nation” by 2045. “We want to be a friend, a good partner of all countries in the world,” Lam said, further adding that Vietnam would “never sacrifice independence or sovereignty.”
Nearly 16,000 soldiers marched in ranks with upgraded tanks, howitzer trucks, amphibious assault ships, and missile systems produced by state-run defense industry companies.
The procession was augmented by the air force with helicopters bearing enormous Vietnamese flags flowing behind them, flying fighter aircraft overhead, and a military band filling the square with sounds.
For the first time, Vietnam conducted a televised naval parade along the south’s coast at Cam Ranh, with submarines, warships, and planes displaying the nation’s expanding maritime might. Chinese, Russian, Laotian, and Cambodian honor guards joined the festivities, reflecting Vietnam’s diplomatic outreach and forging regional coalitions.
Hanoi streets were crowded to overflowing with citizens, sleeping overnight in position to secure the optimal viewing spots. Red-shirted young adults with yellow stars waved flags, had their faces painted red and yellow, and live-tweeted the moment on Twitter.
Parade footage quickly went viral, with many individuals pointing out the pride of a new generation.
“It’s something to be proud of,” responded 22-year-old student Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen. “Our grandparents fought for this. Now life is better.”
Vu Thi Trang, 19, was another who had traveled a day in advance. “Something inside just pushed me to be here. I am grateful for the sacrifices of the previous generation.”
Besides the show of force, Vietnam also commemorated the anniversary through acts of charity. President Luong Cuong declared the release of 13,920 prisoners, including 66 foreign detainees, as a national pardon.
The administration vowed to give 100,000 dong ($3.80) apiece to its 100 million population, a symbol of solidarity and belongingness.
Vietnam’s Transformation
Since the economic reforms of the late 1980s, Vietnam has become one of the region’s fastest-growing economies and a manufacturing center for electronics, footwear, and garments. Such international giants as Samsung and Nike now rely mainly on Vietnamese production.
Despite these victories, there remain challenges: an aging populace, climatic threats, governance reforms, and managing complex relationships with world powers, particularly China and the U.S. Issues involving the South China Sea remain a problem, with Vietnam exercising sovereignty against China’s conflicting claims.
The 80th Independence Day was not just a celebration; it was a display of determination, pride, and resilience. While the sky above Hanoi exploded into fireworks, the day ended in a sense of unity and resolve.
Vietnam’s celebration accentuated its twin message to the world: just as it opens its arms to peace and cooperation, it will fight for its independence and sovereignty with all its might.
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