Downtown HCMC comes alive as citizens flock to watch April 30 Parade rehearsal

Downtown HCMC comes alive as citizens flock to watch Unification Day rehearsal — A military vehicle carrying commanding officers leads the marching formations during the parade practice on April 18 - PHOTOS: DAT THANH

April 19, 2025

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By Dat Thanh

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HCMC – HCMC’s riverfront and downtown were filled with excitement Friday night as citizens streamed downtown to watch the first large‑scale rehearsal for the parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the south and the reunification of the nation on April 30.

At 8 p.m., thousands thronged Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 to witness a rare public rehearsal of artillery operations. The riverfront quickly becomes packed with families and tourists.

Spectators hold up their phones to record the moment of the ceremonial cannon salute rehearsal

Children climb a railing for a better view

A young girl points excitedly at the cannons as they fired

Public interactions added a festive atmosphere to the evening and fostered closer ties between troops and citizens

An elderly man waves the national flag with pride, with the Vietnamese flag painted on his face. The celebration brought together people of all generations.

Around 9 p.m., large groups of people move toward Le Loi Boulevard to witness a rehearsal for the military parade

Soldiers in ceremonial uniform march in unison during a drill on Le Loi Boulevard as the city prepares for the April 30 parade

Onlookers smile for a photo as troops march past

Dat Thanh https://english.thesaigontimes.vn

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