International visitors are overwhelmed by the national spirit of the Vietnamese people.

The marching contingents marched amidst the embrace of the Vietnamese people during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Liberation of the South and the reunification of the country. Photo: Anh Tú

The 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025) features many large-scale activities.

Along the main thoroughfares, the national flag fluttered, and people eagerly poured into the streets, awaiting the parades, cannon salutes, and spectacular aerial displays of fighter jets and helicopters in the sky.

The memorable moments throughout the momentous anniversary celebration left an unforgettable impression on foreign visitors.

Valerie Darling, a Russian, was still overwhelmed as she recounted her first experience witnessing the 21-gun salute at the parade rehearsal: “I never imagined something so spectacular could happen right in the middle of the city. The sound was incredibly loud, reverberating everywhere and making my heart race. You have to see the smoke and hear the explosions to truly appreciate its intensity.”

Valerie joined the crowds in Ho Chi Minh City, waiting to watch the official parade and march commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country. Video : Valerie Darling

Before the official parade and march took place, Valerie and her friends were already on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City from the evening of April 29th.

“Nine hours before the parade, I arrived to reserve a spot. By the time the countdown reached about five hours, there wasn't a single empty space on the sidewalk. My friends and I took advantage of the time to catch some sleep so we would have the energy to watch the event,” she shared.

Amidst the crowded space and sweltering heat, she was deeply moved by the sharing spirit of the Vietnamese people: "Some people offered me water, others lent me a hand fan. Everyone cheered and encouraged me; it felt like I was sharing every moment completely."

Valerie said that despite the large crowd, everyone chose their own way to enjoy the moment: some filmed with their phones, while others simply watched in silence. In the moment the cannons roared, she felt as if the entire city had stopped, all turning their attention to a sacred memory.

The Russian girl poses for a photo with Vietnamese soldiers. Photo: Provided by the subject.

Despite being a foreigner, Valerie could clearly sense the pride, resilience, and overwhelming emotion reflected in the eyes and actions of those around her. For her, witnessing this momentous historical occasion alongside the Vietnamese people was a great honor.

Alejandro Campbell, a tourist from England who was in Ho Chi Minh City during the grand celebration, expressed: “This is a moment to reflect on Vietnam’s resilience, its history, and the long journey the country has taken. If you were in Vietnam today, you would see flags flying everywhere, grand celebrations, and a clear sense of national pride.”

Meanwhile, Lawrence Mak, a Canadian living in Ho Chi Minh City, had the opportunity to watch the rehearsal for the April 30th parade. He believes that what resonated most deeply with him was not the orderly formations, but a moment of profound simplicity.

“I saw a little girl hugging a soldier. Then another child came, then another little girl. Those children regarded the soldier as a hero, as a protector of the homeland. I found that beautiful,” he said.

For Lawrence, that image represents national unity and pride: “In the West, the military isn’t often a prominent part of everyday life. But here, the whole society is focused on the soldiers, sharing in the festive atmosphere. I’m not Vietnamese, but witnessing that, I feel like I belong here too.”

Laodong.vn

Source: https://laodong.vn/du-lich/kham-pha/khach-quoc-te-choang-ngop-truc-tinh-than-dan-toc-cua-nguoi-viet-nam-1499869.html