Russian, Lao and Cambodian troops join joint military parade to celebrate National Day September 2

On the evening of August 21, at Ba Dinh Square (Hanoi), the first military parade and march rehearsal towards the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam took place with the participation of 16,300 officers and soldiers of the Army, Police, and military forces from the Russian Federation, Laos and Cambodia.

The first military parade rehearsal and march towards the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. (Photo: VnExpress)

Attending and directing the joint training session were General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense; General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army; and leaders of the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Public Security , Central Propaganda and Education Commission and Central Mass Mobilization Commission.

The training session began at 8 p.m. with 43 standing units, 18 walking units, 6 military vehicle units from the Army, and 8 special vehicle units from the Police. The parade units started from in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, went along Hung Vuong Street, and then split into four pre-arranged directions.

Lao soldiers kept a steady pace and neat ranks, creating a solemn image as they walked through the capital's streets. (Photo: Znews)

The Lao People's Army with 110 officers and soldiers traveled more than 350 km from the capital Vientiane through the Cau Treo international border gate to Hanoi on the morning of August 16 to participate in joint training. More than 30 Russian soldiers participating in the parade formation also arrived in Hanoi at noon on August 20. The Cambodian military bloc was also present with a solemn formation and decisive steps, creating a solemn highlight at Ba Dinh Square.

For the first time, more than 30 Russian soldiers carrying guns paraded at Ba Dinh Square. (Photo: VnExpress)

The Cambodian military marched in solemn posture, neat formation, and decisive steps. (Photo: VnExpress)

From noon on August 21, Ba Dinh Square and surrounding streets were bustling with joy and pride. The people of the capital and the officers and soldiers serving all expressed their honor and emotion at being able to participate in this important event of the country.

Ms. Pham Thu Ha, 68 years old, from Vinh city (Nghe An) said that she had traveled to Hanoi since August 20 to watch the event. She was present at the Square area since 10:30 am, bringing food, raincoat, and umbrella to be able to sit and watch for a long time with her children and grandchildren. “I found the atmosphere wonderful, so I came here early to witness it with my own eyes. Before that, I also watched the parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South in Ho Chi Minh City,” she shared.

The streets where the parades and marches passed were packed with people. (Photo: Dan Tri Newspaper)

Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh, 23 years old, from Hung Yen, and her group of friends arrived at 11am. She prepared a tarp, fan and water to watch the practice session, and said she would arrange to arrive earlier on National Day, September 2, to enjoy the main ceremony atmosphere.

Mr. Pham Ngoc Quyet, a Hanoi resident, was moved: “Standing here, I feel a surge of patriotism and pride for my homeland and country. This is the second time I have watched the parade, the previous one was the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory.”

Along with the joy of the people, the work of ensuring security and safety was also strictly implemented. Captain Nguyen Ngoc Hung, an officer of the Fire Fighting and Rescue Team of Area 9 (Hanoi City Police) said that the unit had assigned forces and vehicles to be on duty at assigned routes, focusing on fire prevention and safety at the gathering points.

The atmosphere at Ba Dinh Square on the evening of August 21 showed the sense of responsibility and pride of both the army and the people, creating careful preparation for the great national festival.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/quan-doi-nga-lao-va-camuchia-tham-gia-hop-luyen-dieu-binh-ky-niem-quoc-khanh-029-215726.html