On the morning of September 1, thousands of people spread camping tarps from early morning to wait for the historic moment: parade, parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 25).
Among them, there are not only veterans and local people but also many foreign tourists - those who feel lucky to be immersed in the special atmosphere that only exists on this important occasion.
Unprecedented event in Switzerland
Yvonne and Pascal, a couple from Switzerland, just arrived in Hanoi on August 30 - right before the A80 parade and parade rehearsal program.
Sharing with Lao Dong reporter, Yvonne was surprised to see a long line of people spread tarpaulins and sleeping right on the sidewalk to keep a place to watch the parade: "We have never seen this in our hometown. There is also a National Day in Switzerland, but the event is not as big as here. Vietnamese people really value this occasion and are willing to wait many days to get a good location".
Pascal believes that the excitement of the Vietnamese people reminded him of the atmosphere before international concerts.
The difference is that here, it is not a performance, but an event associated with history, national pride, he said.
Independence is a sacred thing
Katarzyna Bachorz and Lukasz, both from Poland, have also been in Hanoi for more than two days. Both knew that Vietnam was celebrating the 80th anniversary of the National Day and could not hide their curiosity when they saw a group of people camping waiting for a parade.
There were also Doc Lap days in Poland, and there were also parades, but we have never seen people lining up and waiting for so many days. That shows that this event is truly of great significance to Vietnamese people. It makes us better understand why independence is so sacred, Katarzyna shared.
Lukasz added: We think the scale of this parade will be very large. It will be a memorable experience on the trip.
First time watching a parade in 5 years in Vietnam
Seen and Fernando, a couple living in Tay Ho ward (Hanoi) for 5 years, but this was the first time they had the opportunity to directly watch a large-scale parade.
"We have heard a lot about Vietnam's parades, but have never seen them with our own eyes. This time, when the whole city is bustling towards National Day, we feel proud to be immersed in the historic moment with the people here, Seen shared.
She said that what impressed her the most was the spirit of discipline and unity of the Vietnamese people, when everyone wore items printed with the national flag. That shows a country that is developing strongly, confidently and rich in identity, she added.
The parade and march to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2 had the participation of nearly 16,000 people, including 43 vehicles, 18 vehicles standing and 14 military artillery vehicles, special forces of the Army, Police... This is one of the key events in the series of activities to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2.
For many visitors, this event is not only a large-scale performance but also a "li life lesson" in Vietnamese history. Katarzyna said: "We will stay in Hanoi to witness it firsthand, because it is definitely an unforgettable moment in the journey to explore this country".
