Impressive images of 50-year reunification celebration in Ho Chi Minh City

Crowds of people spend a sleepless night along central roads of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, waiting for the military parade.

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Despite spending a sleepless night, everyone is eager to watch marching units pass by.

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The grand celebration begin at 6:30A.M., with the participation of Party and State leaders, former leaders, and a large number of delegates from both Vietnam and abroad.

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The celebration opens with a welcoming art programme featuring numerous impressive performances, including drum beating and a rifle dance.

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Then comes the military parade, starting with the flag-raising ceremony amidst the resounding sound of 21 cannon salutes by the ceremonial artillery team at Bach Dang Wharf.

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Next, a squadron of helicopters fly overhead carrying the Party flag and national flag, accompanied by fighter jets from the Vietnam People's Army performing aerial maneuvers and flares over the city centre.

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The helicopter squadron fly the Party and national flags past the main grandstand.

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The graceful female military band marches past the grandstand.

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The paratrooper commando unit: these are elite soldiers known for their political steadfastness, physical fitness, and bravery. They are selected and trained in a special environment to perform special missions.

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Then comes the electronic warfare unit developed from resistance wars against foreign invasions to protect the nation. During the anti-American resistance war, the electronic warfare contributed significantly to the historic victory in the 1972 Hanoi – Dien Bien Phu in the Air campaign and the 1975 Spring General Offensive and Uprising.

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Female officers of the Signal Corps march past the grand stand.

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The Female Peacekeeping Force of the army uphold the spirit of independence, autonomy, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development. They act as trustworthy friends and responsible members of the international community.

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Then come more marching units. In the photo is the Mobile Police combat reserves.

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Male units are involved in maintaining public order at the grassroots level.

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Though only established for five years, the mounted Mobile Police have proactively overcome difficulties, strived hard, and matured quickly. Their presence brings a sense of friendliness and peace, leaving a strong impression on citizens and international friends.

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Former youth volunteers of the liberation forces: they supported soldiers by transporting ammunition, food, clearing roads, and caring for the wounded during the war. After liberation, they help rebuild the city, overcome war consequences; take part in defending the southwestern border of the country; and actively contribute to socio-economic development.

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Tens of thousands of people lined both sides of the streets along the parade route to welcome officers, soldiers, and civilians participating in the grand celebration.

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The units departed from the Le Duan – Nguyen Binh Khiem intersection, passing the main grandstand in front of the Reunification Palace. After completing the route, the units disperse in four directions to regroup.