People welcome the troops heading north to practice for the parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of National Day.

At noon on June 6th, hundreds of Hanoi residents gathered at Hanoi train station, waving flags and flowers to welcome officers and soldiers heading north to prepare for the parade celebrating National Day on September 2nd.

At noon on June 6th, Hanoi's train station buzzed with the sounds of loudspeakers announcing train arrivals, footsteps, cheers, and resounding applause. The first trains carrying military and militia forces from Saigon Station (Ho Chi Minh City) and Tam Ky Station ( Quang Nam ) arrived in the capital, bringing with them 1,663 officers and soldiers participating in Mission A80 – the parade and march commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd.

A large number of citizens, veterans, youth union members, and military personnel from the capital city were present from early morning to welcome the delegation.

Crowds of people lined the area around the train station to welcome the Ministry of Defence's marching contingents.

The soldiers participating in the parade were warmly welcomed by the people of Hanoi upon arriving at Hanoi Station.

Firm handshakes, vibrant bouquets of flowers, radiant smiles, and proud glances made the atmosphere even more solemn and warm.

First Lieutenant Le Hoang Hiep (serving at the 9th Division, 4th Corps) received much attention from young people as a prominent figure among the officers representing the "5 branches of the armed forces" at the parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam. Prior to that, he had already gone viral on social media with a moment of him confidently stepping out of a vehicle.

“This is the first time I’ve participated in a parade at Ba Dinh Square. From the moment we received the order to move to Hanoi, everyone was aware that this was not just a duty, but a great honor. When I stepped off the train and saw the crowd welcoming us, I was truly moved. All the fatigue from more than a day of traveling by train seemed to disappear,” said Tuyet Lan (Southern Women's Guerrilla Unit) happily.

Ngoc Nhi (from the Southern Women's Guerrilla Unit) smiled brightly after nearly 40 hours on the train. She shared: “After arriving in Hanoi, everyone will move to the assembly point according to the approved plan. From now until September 2nd, everyone will enter the phase of intensive training, preliminary rehearsals, and final rehearsals. Feeling the expectations of the people, we are even more motivated to train thoroughly, contributing to the success of this important ceremony.”

"Today, upon arriving at the train station, seeing the people waving and the students running to fan us and share water, my heart was filled with warmth. These small actions are full of affection. They make us even more aware of our responsibility to train seriously and meticulously to be worthy of the people's trust and love," Lieutenant Tran Thi Hong Van (26 years old, from Military Region 5) said emotionally.

Veterans and youth union members greeted the parade, holding battery-powered mini fans and directing them towards the soldiers, helping to alleviate the sweltering summer heat of Hanoi.

Upon arriving at Hanoi station, the forces proceeded to the designated assembly point to be provided with accommodation, meals, and other necessities, and to prepare for training and mission execution.

According to the plan, to prepare for the parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of National Day, the forces will train in three phases: Phase 1 is basic training at the school, Phase 2 is intensive training at the ministerial level, and Phase 3 is a field exercise in Hanoi. Phase 1 is expected to conclude on June 5th, and Phase 2 will begin with more rigorous training exercises.