After 5:00 a.m. on August 30, Mr. Vuong Ta Thich and his wife, son-in-law and daughter, arrived at My Dinh Stadium to wait for the parade rehearsal. His family departed at 4:30 a.m., traveling 3 km from Hat Mon commune to the military equipment viewing location. Having served in the army, the images of the equipment remind him of his youth.
Choosing a beautiful location right on the side of the road in front of the stadium, Mr. Thich - 73 years old this year, holding a flag in his hand, wearing a red flag with a yellow star on his shoulder and a small flag on his face - eagerly waited for the moment to see the military equipment pass by.
Mr. Thich recalled that on September 2, 1985, he took his 3 children by bicycle, traveling from his house in Lien Hiep commune, Phuc Tho district, the old Ha Tay province to Hanoi to watch the parade.
"I was 32 years old at the time. I took my children by Phuong Hoang car. The youngest daughter - then only 3 years old - sat in the front; the two older ones - 8 and 13 years old sat behind. I brought dry food and water for the children to eat during the day" - Mr. Thich recalled.
Nearly 40 years later, Mr. Thich and his children went to see the parade in Hanoi. But this time, instead of the Phuong Hoang bicycle being a car, a public vehicle; instead of him carrying his children, the son-in-law - his daughter's partner sharing the joys and sorrows - took him. Instead of 4 people, this time there are a total of 13 people.
Two visits to the parade and parade were a huge change for his family, more prosperous and fulfilling. That change in his family is associated with the change and development of the country over the past 40 years.
That is an unforgettable memory for him and his children. Sitting next to Mr. Thich, his second child, said that until now, she still remembers the image of the plane performing in the sky.
"Up to now, every time I close my eyes, I still imagine it as a painting printed in my head" - she shared. That memory was so peaceful, like a testament to the Father's boundless love for his children.
Mr. Thich's son-in-law - Mr. Giang Van Yem sitting next to him, laughing said that his wife occasionally recounted that memory to him. Mr. Yem said that although his work was busy, when he saw that he wanted to go see the parade rehearsal, he put his work on hold to take his grandparents.
His family divided into 2 "choi): One was the couple and parents-in-law going to the My Dinh Stadium area; the other "choice" went to see the inner city center. This second group includes Mr. Thich and his wife and the remaining 2 children and grandchildren, with a total of 9 people.
"The children took the bus and train to the rehearsal site from last night, and spent a night waiting on the road" - Mr. Yen shared.
Mr. Thich sat calmly waiting to see the military equipment pass by. He said he plans to go see the parade on September 2 in the inner city. He also hopes to watch the parade again, maybe 20 years later, when the 100th anniversary of National Day is celebrated.
"I hope to witness that day to see the changes of the country, as well as to see the maturity and growth of my children and grandchildren, to see them live happily in a peaceful and prosperous country" - the veteran shared.
