68 soldiers paraded from Russia back to Vietnam in the arms of their relatives and comrades

Although the plane did not land until after 9pm, officers and soldiers from the Army Officer School 1 and the Foreign Affairs Department ( Ministry of National Defense ) and some soldiers' families were already at the airport. Holding bouquets of flowers, everyone was eagerly waiting to welcome the group.

As the group exited the waiting hall, many people and passengers at the airport applauded and welcomed them. Despite the long flight, the soldiers were all smiling, happy and surprised to receive such a warm welcome.

Leaving Son Tay for the airport in the afternoon, Mr. Nguyen Huu Son and his wife patiently waited for their son - soldier Nguyen Huu Quan.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Son saved pictures of his son in Russia on his phone.

Mr. Son and his wife and son Nguyen Huu Quan

Mr. Son shared that he was very happy when his son was selected to join the parade in Russia.

"Over the past few days, watching on social media and television, seeing images of our army heroically parading on Red Square, I was truly moved.

From the moment I heard my child talk about the initial difficulties when going to a foreign country to seeing his steps with his teammates on the official ceremony, I could see that with team spirit and the help of the teachers, the children tried very hard to complete the mission" - Mr. Son confided.

Soldiers were welcomed by people at the airport.

Mr. Tran Ngoc Son, from Phu Tho, currently working in Bac Giang, was also present early at the airport waiting for his son, soldier Tran Xuan Truong. He said that when watching videos on social media about the Vietnamese delegation, he tried to find out where his son was standing and collected many of these videos.

"From the first day to the preliminary and final rehearsals, I tried to look for my son's face. Even when I met with many overseas Vietnamese, I still recognized him. On May 9, he and his comrades paraded, and I was really proud. And very special, May 9 is also his birthday. Today at the airport, I prepared a bouquet of flowers, both to congratulate him on completing his mission and to wish him a happy birthday," Mr. Son shared.

Mr. Son said he only took the opportunity to meet and ask a few questions because his son had to return to the unit to concentrate.

Mr. Tran Ngoc Son and his son Tran Xuan Truong

Head of the parade block of the Vietnam People's Army - soldier Pham Khac Giang

Responding to VietNamNet reporters, Major General Nguyen Van Thanh - Head of the delegation, Vice Principal of Army Officer School 1 - said that early in the morning of May 10 (Russia time), the delegation went to the airport. The Russian side and overseas Vietnamese helped the delegation transport luggage and complete immigration procedures as planned. All soldiers of the delegation were in a good mood and in good health after completing the parade mission.

The delegation spent 18 days in Russia to carry out their mission with determination and pride when representing the Vietnam People's Army in the parade at Red Square. After the training, preliminary rehearsal, and final rehearsal until the official ceremony on May 9, the Vietnamese delegation was evaluated as one of the delegations with good quality, correct, even, beautiful, showing confidence, leaving an impression on international friends.

"In Russia, we received a lot of affection from overseas Vietnamese. When we first arrived, they did not know the information, but when they did, Vietnamese associations in Russia such as the Veterans Association, Women's Association, and Vietnamese in Russia came to encourage us. Especially, on the day of the preliminary review, there were many people carrying Vietnamese and Russian flags to welcome the delegation at the entrance to Red Square" - Major General Thanh said emotionally.

Teammate 2.jpg — Vietnamese soldiers participate in parade in Russia

During the training period, about 60km from Moscow, Vietnamese associations regularly visited, encouraged and gave gifts, helping the soldiers feel at home.

Major General Nguyen Van Thanh also said that during the mission, the delegation overcame all difficulties - from cold weather conditions of 1-4 degrees Celsius, sometimes heavy snow - to getting used to training ground conditions different from those in the country.

Russia's invitation to Vietnam to send troops to participate in the parade at Red Square on May 9 shows respect and appreciation for Vietnam's role, and is also vivid evidence of the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, especially in the fields of defense and military technical cooperation.

68 soldiers from the Army Officer School 1 represented the Vietnam People's Army in the parade. The soldiers were aged 19-30 and 1.8m or taller. These were officers, lecturers, and students with well-proportioned bodies, performing command movements quickly, strongly, and accurately.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/68-quan-nhan-duyet-binh-tu-nga-ve-viet-nam-trong-vong-tay-nguoi-than-va-dong-doi-2399856.html