A grand ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's reunification took place this morning (April 30) on Le Duan Boulevard in Ho Chi Minh City.

The event was solemnly organized by the Central Committee of the Communist Party, the National Assembly, the President, the Government, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and Ho Chi Minh City authorities.

In attendance were current and former leaders of the Party and State, heads of ministries, departments, and central agencies, as well as local representatives. Also present were revolutionary veterans, Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, Heroes of the People's Armed Forces, Heroes of Labor, war veterans, former police officers, former youth volunteers, wartime civilian contributors, and a large number of citizens.

The ceremony also welcomed international delegates and foreign journalists.

Approximately 13,000 people participated in the military parade, including units from the military, militia, and police forces of Vietnam, as well as armed forces from China, Laos, and Cambodia. Civil organizations and unions also joined the march.

The program featured an art performance, flag-raising ceremony, speeches by Party and State leaders, messages from a veteran and a representative of Vietnam's youth, the parade itself, and concluded with the symbolic release of doves.

The parade began at 8 a.m. on Le Duan Boulevard in front of the Independence Palace. The formations then split into four directions toward their designated locations. The Vietnamese Air Force will give a stunning aerial display, with fighter jets flying acrobatics and trailing national flags across the sky.

Exactly 50 years ago, seizing a historic opportunity, the Party made a strategic decision to reunify the nation. Under the wise leadership of the Party Central Committee, the Vietnamese military and people swiftly launched and won key liberation campaigns in the Central Highlands, Hue, and Da Nang.

The decisive Ho Chi Minh Campaign brought complete victory to the Spring Offensive of 1975, ending the grueling resistence war against the United States and successfully completing the historic mission of national liberation, transitioning the country toward socialism.

The Spring Victory of 1975 stands as a radiant milestone, one of the most glorious triumphs in Vietnam’s struggle for independence. It "entered world history as one of the greatest feats of the 20th century, with immense international significance and profound contemporary relevance."

Event highlights:

10:00. - Heartwarming bond between the military and the people on April 30

People waited and interacted with the soldiers at the vehicle boarding points. The crowds only began to disperse once the military convoys started moving back to their units.

09:30. - A congratulatory embrace for a pilot completing his mission

At Bien Hoa Airport, after completing his aerial performance over Ho Chi Minh City, pilot Nguyen Dinh Giang was greeted by his family, who presented him with flowers in celebration of his successful mission.

09:15. - Parading soldiers beaming in the warm embrace of the people

After completing their march past the grandstand, the military and police blocs dispersed in four directions toward their designated gathering points, amid enthusiastic cheers from the people of Ho Chi Minh City.

Amid a sea of joyful citizens waving in celebration, the parade blocs marched forward with pride and dignity. The soldiers, too, could not hide their happiness as they received heartfelt affection from the public.

Many people even approached the vehicles to personally bid farewell to the soldiers.

08:20. - Parade and marching blocs disperse in four directions.

The parade and marching blocs continue to spread out across major city streets.

Route 1: Moves along Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Le Loi – Nguyen Thi Nghia – Phu Dong Thien Vuong Roundabout – Cach Mang Thang Tam. Forces on this route gather at Tao Dan Park.

Route 2: Follows Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Le Thanh Ton – Nguyen Hue – Me Linh Roundabout. Forces on this route assemble at Bach Dang Wharf.

Route 3: Moves along Le Duan – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Nguyen Dinh Chieu – Dinh Tien Hoang. Troops gather at Hoa Lu Stadium.

Route 4: Follows Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Hai Ba Trung. Units gather at Le Van Tam Park.

Main viewing point for the live parade: Le Duan Boulevard, in front of the Reunification Hall.

Despite the scorching heat, thousands of locals and tourists lined the central streets of Ho Chi Minh City, waiting for hours to cheer on the parade blocs. The streets were packed, with people clapping and waving flags as each bloc passed by.

Alongside the parade formations was a support team of about 5–7 members assigned to handle any emergencies or issues.

As the support teams passed, people along the sidewalks - especially children- happily reached out to shake hands with the soldiers. On both sides of the routes, thousands watched, including many international visitors. Numerous people captured the once-in-50-years event on their phones.

08:10. - Ceremonial, military parade, and march blocs advance toward the grandstand

In the jubilant atmosphere of Victory Day, the nation gathers here to commemorate a glorious chapter in the history of the Vietnamese people. The parade formation revives the heroic spirit of the General Offensive and Uprising of Spring 1975, culminating in the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign. Guided by the motto “speed and boldness,” and driven by the momentum of “one day equal to twenty years,” the liberation forces advanced into Saigon and achieved total victory by noon on April 30, 1975.

This victory embodies the valor and invincible strength of the great national unity bloc; the patriotic tradition and spirit of self-reliance and resilience; the growth and maturity of the people's armed forces. It continues to inspire the entire Party, people, and army to uphold revolutionary heroism, the spirit of determination to fight and win, and the aspiration for a prosperous, happy nation. It encourages enthusiastic efforts in labor, production, innovation, and reform — ensuring the successful construction and defense of the socialist Vietnamese homeland, and contributing to the global movement for peace, national independence, democracy, and social progress.

Fifty years ago, during those historic April days, five military wings along with armed forces and mass political organizations simultaneously advanced into Saigon: from the north came Army Corps 1; from the southeast, Army Corps 2; from the northwest, Army Corps 3; from the east, Army Corps 4; and from the southwest, Division 232.

Carrying out the command “faster, even faster; bolder, even bolder; seize every hour, every minute; rush to the front; liberate the South; determined to fight and win,” the five wings struck directly at the enemy’s final stronghold, bringing about the total collapse of the Saigon regime and contributing to the Great Spring Victory of 1975.

"Liberation Army soldiers" was the affectionate and endearing name given by the people to the main force troops, local soldiers, and guerrilla fighters.

During the resistance war against the United States to save the nation, Liberation Army soldiers - steadfast and unyielding in spirit - fought bravely and were ready to sacrifice for the cause of national liberation and reunification.

During the resistance war against the United States, Army officers fully demonstrated the unique military art inherited from their ancestors - shaping momentum, seizing strategic positions, and capitalizing on timing. They provided strategic planning, organized force deployment, and ensured close coordination among military branches in ways that were practical and effective on the battlefield. Operations were launched using the combined strength of the people’s armed forces.

They commanded with bravery, strategy, and creativity, upholding the spirit of “determined to fight, determined to win,” and “every mission must be a victory,” achieving numerous outstanding feats.

Today, Army officers clearly define their position, role, and function; they are always ready to accept and excellently fulfill any assigned tasks, contributing to building a revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern army, firmly defending the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

08:05. - Military parade and march ceremony

The most anticipated part of the commemoration is the military parade and march, involving 13,000 participants.

Colonel General Nguyen Van Nghia, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, issued the order to begin the parade.

The parade formation includes 3 ceremonial blocs and 38 blocs of armed forces (25 military and militia units, and 13 police units); parade contingents from the Chinese, Lao, and Cambodian armed forces; and 12 marching blocs representing various mass organizations.

Leading the parade are formations from the heroic Vietnam People's Air Force, soaring through the skies of the homeland.

Leading the formation are Mi-8T, Mi-17, and Mi-171 helicopters. These types of helicopters are used for combat readiness missions, VIP transport for leaders of the Party, State, and Military; military logistics, search and rescue operations; and for training instructors and flight crews for both domestic and international cadets.

With the motto “using less to defeat more, using high quality to overcome large numbers,” and through extraordinary courage, intelligence, and creativity, the Air Force soldiers “returned victorious from every mission.” They defeated the enemy in the air, on land, and at sea - fulfilling President Ho Chi Minh’s instruction to “open and win the front in the skies.” During the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign, the “Victory Squadron” struck directly at the final stronghold of the Saigon regime, contributing to the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country.

Next in formation are the Yak-130 aircraft. These are advanced trainer and light combat aircraft capable of operating in all weather conditions, day and night. They are equipped with weapons capable of accurately striking targets in the air, on land, and at sea. The Yak-130 is highly effective in both combat standby roles and pilot training for combat missions.

Following are the Su-30MK2 aircraft. These are modern, next-generation supersonic multirole fighters with superior technical and tactical capabilities. They are designed to destroy enemy aircraft under both simple and complex conditions, day or night. The Su-30MK2 is used for training, combat standby, and real combat missions in all scenarios. Today, the Vietnam People's Air Force continues to assert its role as the core force in air defense, firmly protecting the national skies under any circumstance.

07:50. - Artistic parade blocs march through the streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

07:42. - Ho Chi Minh City receives the title of “Hero of Labor”

In recognition of the exceptional achievements of the Party Committee, government, and people of Ho Chi Minh City in contributing to the cause of building socialism and defending the homeland, the Party and State have awarded the honorary title “Hero of Labor” to the city.

Representing the Party Committee, government, and people of Ho Chi Minh City in receiving this prestigious title from the Party and State were: Secretary of the City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen, Standing Deputy Secretary Nguyen Thanh Nghi, Chairman of the People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc, Deputy Secretary and Chairwoman of the People’s Council Nguyen Thi Le, and Deputy Secretary and Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of HCMC Nguyen Phuoc Loc.

On behalf of the Party and State leadership, General Secretary To Lam presented the “Hero of Labor” title to the Party Committee, government, and people of Ho Chi Minh City.

07:38. - Helicopter formation flies Party and National flags across the sky

A formation of 10 helicopters was divided into 3 groups, arranged in a 3-4-3 pattern, maintaining safe distances and synchronized alignment.

Each flag, measuring 3.6m x 5.4m, was made of polyester - a strong, wind-resistant fabric - and was released with a 120kg counterweight to ensure stability in the air.

Following this display, formations of Su-30MK2 and Yak-130 aircraft took off sequentially from Bien Hoa Airport in Dong Nai Province.

7:10. - General Secretary To Lam delivers the commemorative speech.

General Secretary To Lam expressed deep gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh, to the generations who sacrificed for the revolutionary cause and national reunification, and to international friends who supported the Vietnamese people and nation.

The victory of April 30, 1975, marked the triumphant end of a resilient 30-year struggle for independence, freedom, and national unification. It ended over half a century of domination by old and new colonialism, ushering the country into a new era — the era of national independence and socialism.

This victory is regarded as a shining symbol of revolutionary heroism — a triumph of justice, of the courage, spirit, and intellect of the Vietnamese people; a triumph of profound patriotism and the longing for independence, freedom, and national unity, founded on the truth that “Vietnam is one nation, and the Vietnamese people are one.”

This event fulfilled the deepest wish and earnest instruction of President Ho Chi Minh — to complete the cause of fully liberating the South and reunifying the country, so that “North and South are reunited under one roof.”

7:00. - Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung officially declared the start of the commemoration, military parade, and march.

He respectfully invited the current and former leaders of the Party and State, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, all delegates, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens and comrades to stand for the flag salute ceremony.

"Attention, Salute the Flag, Salute!" — Following the command, the National Anthem resounded.

At the same moment, the ceremonial artillery team (stationed at Bach Dang Wharf) simultaneously fired 21 cannon rounds to the backdrop of the anthem.

Su-30MK2 fighter jets and Yak-138 combat aircraft took off from Bien Hoa Airport in Dong Nai Province en route to Ho Chi Minh City.

Simultaneously, a formation of 10 helicopters split into 3 sub-formations in a 3-4-3 configuration, maintaining safe distances and synchronized movement.

A helicopter unit carried the Party and National flags across the sky. Excited citizens below waved flags and recorded the unforgettable scene on their phones.