Excitement builds ahead of Grand celebration off National Day

Wherever the parade passed, chants of “I love Viet Nam” and patriotic songs rang out. Many waited for hours just for the chance to witness the proud procession as it moved through the city’s streets.

Heavy downpours did not dampen people’s spirits. From early morning, crowds gathered along the parade routes, eager to catch sight of soldiers, police forces, and modern military equipment. By afternoon, the skies cleared, easing earlier concerns about rain disrupting the event, and even more people flocked to the streets.

From Phu Tho, Pham Thi Luan, together with her three-generation family, arrived in Ha Noi on the evening before the rehearsal, even though the city was still drenched in rain at that time. “Even just watching the training sessions on TV, we were moved to tears. Our country has grown so strong, it makes us proud. My husband and I are old now, and we really wished to witness this historic event with our own eyes. Though we had to park far away and walk, the young volunteers gave us water and snacks along the way. I felt so touched,” she shared.

Nguyen Minh Chi from Thanh Hoa, who came with his entire family, said: “The rain and wind made it somewhat difficult, but as this is an event that comes only once in decades, my whole family and I were eager to witness it with our own eyes. The atmosphere is so uplifting, everyone is excited. For such big events, the world is watching, so each of us should behave responsibly.”

As the parade moved toward Ba Dinh Square and nearby streets, modern military vehicles—tanks and armored carriers, attracted huge cheers. Later, the formations of troops, mass delegations, cultural and artistic groups, dragon and drum dances filled the streets, drawing applause and patriotic songs from the crowds.

Ha Noi, the main host of the 80th National Day celebrations, has mobilized maximum resources to ensure security, public order, and sanitation during rehearsals and the official parade on September 2.

To ensure the commemorative activities, particularly the rehearsals, final rehearsals, and the official parade and march on 2 September, took place safely, the city mobilised its best resources to guarantee security, order, and environmental sanitation.

According to Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Ha Noi People’s Committee and Head of the Logistics Subcommittee for the celebrations, by August 27 the city had prepared over 830,000 cakes, nearly one million bottles of water, 220,000 cartons of milk, and 200,000 other bottled drinks—exceeding the initial plan. Distribution plans were set even for rainy conditions, with the Ha Noi Youth Union taking charge of handing them out to citizens and delegates.

By August 27 the city had prepared over 830,000 cakes, nearly one million bottles of water, 220,000 cartons of milk, and 200,000 other bottled drinks, exceeding the initial plan. Distribution plans were set even for rainy conditions, with the Hanoi Youth Union taking charge of handing them out to citizens and delegates

Nguyen Manh Quyen,
Vice Chairman of the Ha Noi People’s Committee and Head of the Logistics Subcommittee for the celebrations

In Hoan Kiem District, one of the key parade areas, the local Youth Union mobilized 350 volunteers to distribute food and water, guide crowds, and assist security forces.

Dang Thanh Tu, Secretary of the Hoan Kiem Ward Youth Union, said: “At the rehearsal, the ward’s Youth Union mobilised 350 members to distribute essential supplies, guide and support local people, and coordinate with relevant forces to ensure security and order. Our entire team was present from 12 o’clock at designated checkpoints and along the main routes. We also prepared a considerable number of raincoats and hats to hand out to the public in case of rain. Although the work was demanding, everyone felt delighted to make a small contribution to the success of the Grand Celebration. Taking part in the rehearsal also served as valuable practice for our young members to perform their tasks better during the official ceremony.”

The city also set up ten temporary tents to shelter citizens from rain or sun, and arranged free parking areas in 18 wards and communes, with security staff ensuring order. Medical teams were stationed throughout, promptly assisting elderly and children who showed signs of exhaustion.

To reduce overcrowding, police and volunteers gave priority seating to veterans, the elderly, and children at prime viewing spots, especially at the Hung Vuong–Tran Phu intersection.

Among the international visitors was Ihsan Ali, 43, from Pakistan, who said: “I feel so lucky to be in Ha Noi at this time. I was truly impressed by the patriotic spirit of the people. Despite waiting all day on the sidewalks, everyone was joyful, singing songs about their homeland. It made me admire and feel even closer to Viet Nam.”