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

The parade blocks marched in the arms of the Vietnamese people during the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. Photo: Anh Tu

The 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025) has many large-scale activities.

On the main roads, the national flag fluttered, people eagerly poured into the streets waiting for the parades, cannon firing and the eye-catching flying of fighter jets and helicopters in the sky.

The moments throughout the important anniversary left an unforgettable mark in the hearts of foreign guests.

Valerie Darling, a Russian, was still in awe when she recounted the first time she witnessed the 21-gun salute at a parade rehearsal: “I never expected something so spectacular to happen in the middle of the city. The sound was so loud, reverberating everywhere, making my heart beat faster. You had to see the smoke and hear the explosions to fully appreciate its intensity.”

Valerie joined the crowd in Ho Chi Minh City, waiting to see the official parade on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. Video : Valerie Darling

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

“I came to reserve a spot 9 hours before the parade. By the time the countdown reached about 5 hours, there was no more space on the sidewalk. My friends and I took a nap to have the energy to watch the event,” she shared.

Amidst the crowded space and hot weather, she felt extremely moved by the sharing of Vietnamese people: “Someone brought me water, someone lent me a hand fan. Everyone cheered and encouraged me, it felt like I was fully sharing every moment.”

Valerie said that despite the large crowd, everyone enjoyed it in their own way: some raised their phones to film, others just watched quietly. In the moment the cannons rang out, she felt as if the whole city had stopped, looking back at a sacred memory.

Russian girl takes photo with Vietnamese soldiers. Photo: Provided by character

Even though she is a foreigner, Valerie still clearly felt the pride, resilience and emotions present in the eyes and actions of those around her. For her, witnessing this important historical moment with the Vietnamese people was a great honor.

Alejandro Campbell, a tourist from the UK who was in Ho Chi Minh City for the occasion, said: “This is a moment to reflect on Vietnam’s resilience, its history and the long journey it has taken. If you were in Vietnam today, you would see flags flying everywhere, big 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 of the April 30th parade. He said that the most memorable thing was not the neat ranks, but an extremely simple moment.

“I saw a little girl hugging a soldier. Then another little girl came, then another little girl. Those children saw the soldier as a hero, as someone who protected the Fatherland. I found that beautiful,” he said.

For Lawrence, the image represents national unity and pride: “In the West, the military is not often present in daily life. But here, the whole society turns to the soldier, joins in the festive atmosphere. I am not Vietnamese, but when I witness that, I feel like I belong here too.”

Laodong.vn

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