HCMC – Around 2,000 participants gathered at Thu Thiem Park in Thu Duc City at 5:30 p.m. on April 10 to rehearse for a civil march marking the 50th anniversary of the liberation of South Vietnam and the reunification of the nation on April 30.
Many participants shared a strong sense of pride and responsibility. Despite heavy rain disrupting the schedule, most participants stayed on site and resumed training after it stopped raining. The session concluded at nearly 9 p.m.
“It’s an honor to take part in this parade commemorating 50 years of reunification,” said one of the marchers.
“Not everyone has this opportunity. Many colleagues from other units also wanted to join. Even though training takes place outside regular working hours, everyone makes time and takes responsibility. We’re aiming for a performance that is both professional and impressive for citizens and international viewers.”
T., a member of the children and youth block, described the rehearsal as enthusiastic and meaningful. “This is a major national event. The training was well organized, and what struck me most was the unity of all participants, young and old, practicing together despite the rain. Everyone shared a commitment to the success of the event. I hope the parade and the celebration will meet expectations and leave a strong impression both at home and abroad,” he said.
The rehearsal featured 13 parade blocks, including representatives from the press and media, workers, farmers, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, women’s groups, intellectuals, overseas Vietnamese, children and youth, entrepreneurs, veterans, former youth volunteers, heroes of the People’s Armed Forces, and Labor Heroes and outstanding historical witnesses.
Each block symbolizes a key social group. The intellectual block represents Vietnam’s academic and expert community, while the overseas Vietnamese block highlights the contributions of expatriates. The former youth volunteers’ block honors those who served during the wartime liberation, and the children and youth block represents the country’s younger generations.
Two full-scale rehearsals are scheduled for April 18 and 22, featuring both civil and armed forces marching along Le Duan Boulevard from 9 p.m. to midnight. A national-level preview will take place on April 25, followed by the final full-dress rehearsal on the morning of April 27. The official parade is slated for April 30.
The rehearsal was conducted under Plan 2050, issued by the HCMC People’s Committee on March 21. As part of this plan, the city’s Military Command is coordinating with departments and agencies to select and organize parade units for the national celebration
