Bustling atmosphere throughout the capital before the first general practice session

By 4pm, the streets were almost completely full, with many families bringing mats and plastic chairs to wait. The authorities had to work continuously to direct traffic, maintain order, and ensure security for the rehearsals and the thousands of spectators.

Before the practice session, amidst the “sea of red flags with yellow stars”, people sang Vietnamese revolutionary songs such as “Like having Uncle Ho on the great victory day”, “Holding hands together” making the atmosphere of the capital even more bustling, filled with pride, recalling the heroic history of the nation during the great festivals of the country.

The convoys of military equipment moved through Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoang Dieu, Nghi Tam streets... towards Ba Dinh Square. The image of the powerful vehicles moving in neat, uniform lines surprised many people, who clapped and cheered.

Ms. Vu Thu (born in 1990, Ba Dinh district) shared: “My family and I arrived quite early to reserve seats. We waited for many hours but everyone was excited, just hoping to see the convoys and parades pass by. The solemn and heroic atmosphere made me very emotional and proud.”

Many people prepared food, drinks, clothes and umbrellas to fully enjoy the atmosphere of the first training session at the historic Ba Dinh Square. Minh Huy (20 years old, student of the University of Construction) excitedly watched the training session, "ready to stay all night until morning to fully enjoy and keep it as a memory that will live forever in his heart".

The practice session on the evening of August 21 was not only an important preparation step for the parade to celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day, but also brought the people of the capital a sacred and heroic space, further fostering their love for their homeland and country.