Festival drums resound, gun dance, dove formation, tanks open the parade rehearsal

Video of vehicles carrying the parade blocks arriving at Le Duan Street before the preliminary rehearsal

Soldiers stand at attention in the heavy rain

Attending the preliminary meeting on the evening of April 25 were Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission Nguyen Trong Nghia, General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense and Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen...

At exactly 8:30 pm, the cannons opened fire at Bach Dang wharf. About 10,000 people had been waiting for nearly 2 hours to welcome this cannon volley. The loud cannon shots startled many people, even though they were mentally prepared. Each volley of shots created a resounding applause.

The weather seemed to be in favor, 30 minutes before the rehearsal and at the same time as the performance was about to start, the heavy rain gradually stopped.

After the rain, the weather was cool but the atmosphere on Le Duan Street was still "fiery hot". That was the heat radiating from thousands of patriotic hearts, from the red flag with yellow star - the belief and pride of the Vietnamese people.

After the rain, the forces began to prepare for the rehearsal with a high spirit of readiness and concentration.

Pouring rain, the parade blocks marched proudly in the rain

At 6:45 p.m., it rained heavily in many places in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. But the weather did not discourage thousands of people waiting to watch the parade.

Suddenly, a heavy rain came. Some people rushed to find shelter, running into the awnings and cafes nearby. However, many people still stayed, not wanting to miss the sacred moment.

They opened their umbrellas, quickly put on their raincoats, some shielding the others, standing close together to avoid the rain. The umbrellas were shared, the raincoats were passed around, creating a beautiful and warm scene in the heart of the city.

Parade mass stands at attention in heavy rain

Despite the heavy rain, the spirits of the people did not wane. Everyone waited, watching every movement from afar, hoping to witness with their own eyes the steady footsteps, the solemn costumes and the heroic music resounding in the heart of the city.

Standing block - male security officer taking temporary cover when the rain just started

Amidst the crowd of people cheering each other on, this was a memorable moment. Everyone huddled together, sharing umbrellas and raincoats, waiting for this "once in 50 years" event.

Heavy rain, many people share raincoats and umbrellas, waiting for the parade rehearsal time.

"I am very proud to be Vietnamese!"

Before that, at 5:00 p.m., all preparations for the state-level parade rehearsal on the evening of April 25 in downtown Ho Chi Minh City were ready.

Although the space between sitting and standing is very narrow, most people do not show any discomfort, giving way to each other so that everyone can be happy in the days of preparation for this special April 30th holiday.

Ms. Duong (living in Tan Binh) said that she knew many patriotic songs. While waiting for the parade, Ms. Duong confidently joined many people who came to watch the parade rehearsal, marching around: "I am very proud to be Vietnamese!"

Some of the parade blocks have reached their assembly positions.

Ms. Dinh Thi Quyen (48 years old, living in Thu Duc City) said that the moment the marching groups walked out, she was very emotional. "I can imagine the overwhelming emotions on the historic victory day of April 30, 1975 of my parents' generation," Ms. Quyen said.

According to Ms. Quyen, events like this are highly educational , helping the younger generation understand and love the nation's historical traditions. While waiting for the parade to begin, Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyen (veteran) sang the song " As if Uncle Ho were here on the day of great victory" .

People around sang along, some clapped, some waved flags creating an exciting atmosphere.

The soldiers were sweating.

The parade blocks appeared amid cheers from the people watching the rehearsal.

According to plan, at 8:00 p.m. tonight, April 25, 38 military and police units, along with 12 Fatherland Front units, mass organizations, and people participating in the parade will conduct a state-level preliminary rehearsal to prepare for the April 30 ceremony.

On Le Duan Street - the main road for the parade, security has been tightened. Authorities are asking people to stand neatly and not encroach on the walking areas of the blocks.

Near the stands, armed forces, workers, farmers, intellectuals, youth and representatives of social organizations... have begun to deploy their formations.

Although this was just a preliminary rehearsal before the official rehearsal on the morning of April 27, the organization was very synchronous and solemn.

The military ceremonial block participated in the gun dance performance.

Drum team ready

While waiting for the parade blocks to appear, many people waved flags and sang familiar songs such as "Joining Hands", "The Country is Full of Joy"...

At about 5:15 p.m., the parade blocks appeared amid the cheers of people watching the rehearsal along Le Duan Street.

Mr. Ngo Van Vung (74 years old) - a veteran who participated in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign - flew from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with his wife to celebrate the grand ceremony. "I came here to witness the beautiful scene of peace that my comrades and I fought together to regain," Mr. Vung said.

Not only in the center of Le Duan street, the Bach Dang wharf area - where the artillery firing practice was held - was packed with people. Many people took the opportunity to choose a seat to watch the artillery "fire". The image of the red flag with yellow star was bustling here waiting for the time of the parade rehearsal.

The Southern and Central Highlands Hydrometeorological Station said that at 6 p.m., satellite cloud images and weather radar showed that thunderstorms were developing and causing rain with thunderstorms and lightning in Binh Chanh district, District 12, and Hoc Mon district.

From now until evening, thunderstorms will continue to develop, causing showers, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in the above districts. Then, they will expand to other neighboring areas such as Tan Phu, Go Vap, and District 11. Rainfall will generally range from 5-20mm, with some places reaching over 30mm.

During thunderstorms, beware of tornadoes, hail, and strong gusts of wind of about level 5-7 (8-17 m/s), heavy rain causing localized flooding. People need to pay attention to this information.

People welcome the parade vehicle to Le Duan Street.

Mr. Ngo Van Vung (74 years old) is a veteran who participated in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign. Mr. Vung and his wife flew from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate the grand ceremony.