Three times watching the A80 parade, Western visitors are amazed by Vietnam's pride

Foreign visitors were surprised to witness the vibrant atmosphere in Hanoi during the rehearsals, preliminary and final rehearsals for the National Day parade on September 2.

Locals and tourists cheered and welcomed the A80 parade and marching groups during the rehearsal. Photo: Minh Dan

In recent days, the center of Hanoi has become a meeting place for tens of thousands of people and tourists when general practice sessions, preliminary rehearsals, and large-scale parades were held to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the 80th anniversary of National Day, September 2.

The image of people patiently waiting, wearing red flags with yellow stars, and singing lively military marches has left a strong impression not only on Vietnamese people but also on many international tourists.

Terry (left) has watched the parade in Hanoi three times. Photo: Quynh Anh

Daniel and Terry, two tourists from Australia, said they stayed in Hanoi for a week to witness the preliminary and final rehearsals of the parade.

Daniel shared: “During my 7 days in Hanoi, I watched the parade three times, including a general practice session, a preliminary rehearsal and a final rehearsal. I wanted to find out why people were so excited. This was a very big event, everyone was proud of their country, many people wore shirts and hats with the national flag printed on them. I also saw many children participating eagerly.”

Comparing to the National Day celebrations in his home country, Daniel said: “In Australia, we also have a parade on National Day, but it is definitely not as crowded. The Vietnamese people are amazing, everyone seems to have waited a long time to witness this moment.”

“In any country there is national pride, but in Vietnam, I see that pride expressed very clearly and strongly,” Daniel affirmed.

Western tourists join the crowd watching the A80 parade rehearsal. Photo: Quynh Anh

Meanwhile, American tourists Bob and Sanda woke up early to attend the rehearsal on the morning of August 30 because they had heard a lot about the event.

Bob said: “I have only been here for a few days, but everyone is talking about this event. People are wearing red shirts with yellow stars, singing loudly, so I asked the hotel staff and they explained that it was a parade to celebrate National Day.”

The American tourist was impressed by the bustling atmosphere: “The Vietnamese people are very friendly, I felt completely safe in the midst of a huge crowd. This is my second time back to Vietnam after 20 years, and I find the national spirit here very strong. The younger generations are more proud, ready to move forward.”

Bob and his wife on a trip to Hanoi. Photo: Huyen Pham

On September 2, Vietnam held a ceremony and parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (A80) at Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi. The parade had the full participation of forces, including ground, motorized, airborne and underwater forces. The parade had nearly 16,000 people, including 43 walking units, 18 standing units and 14 military and special vehicles of the Army and Police.

The rehearsals, preliminary and final rehearsals took place from mid-August, attracting large crowds of people and tourists to the streets around Ba Dinh Square.

Laodong.vn

Source: https://laodong.vn/du-lich/tin-tuc/ba-lan-xem-dieu-binh-a80-khach-tay-kinh-ngac-truoc-niem-tu-hao-viet-nam-1566570.html