The first rehearsal for the military parade and procession in preparation for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – 2025) and National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025) was held on June 25 at three locations in Hanoi.

Female officers from multiple forces at the rehearsal.

The rehearsal took place at the National Military Training Centre No. 4, the Vietnam National University - Hanoi, and the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, involving more than 7,400 officers and soldiers.

Following a directive from the Minister of National Defence, the military, along with the militia and self-defence forces, will take part in the grand parade – part of the celebration.

Compared to the military parade and procession that marked the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory in May last year and the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification in April 30, 2025, the coming parade and procession will have more formations, officers and soldiers to join.

Specifically, the armed forces will form 11 stationary formations and 27 marching formations, each marching formation comprising 160 officers and soldiers arranged in 10 rows.

Chairing the rehearsal on June 25, Deputy Director of the Department of Military Training and School Management Major General Vu Viet Hung, who is also deputy head of the subcommittee on the parade procession, said that that after nearly 20 days of practice, this was the first time all formations that the Ministry of National Defence is in charge of have gathered for a combined rehearsal. The rehearsal aimed to evaluate performance and draw lessons for future sessions.

The formations practiced parade and marching techniques based on the results of their recent training phases, without following the full ceremonial script.

At the National Military Training Centre No. 4, a total of 1,296 officers and soldiers took part, including formations of female military band, female peacekeepers, female information personnel, military medical personnel, commandos, ethnic militia women, and Southern guerrilla women.

At the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 2,917 personnel participated in formations holding the Party and national flags, representing the Honor Guards from the three military services, officers from the ground forces and the logistics and defence industry sectors, military academy cadets, artillery troops, tank and armored units, sappers, and the red flag contingent.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism hosted 3,200 participants in formations such as Navy officers, Air Defence–Air Force officers, Border Guard officers, Coast Guard officers, electronic warfare troops, cyber warfare troops, special forces, chemical defence troops, airborne commandos, and male militia members.

According to the organisers, the marching formations must perform with precision, discipline, and a solemn yet powerful demeanor, strictly adhering to regulations to reflect unity, professionalism, and military discipline. The procession component is designed to convey a spirited, celebratory atmosphere.

All participating officers and soldiers have demonstrated strong determination, unity, and responsibility as they strive to successfully complete the planned training programme in preparation for the country’s major event.

Grand parade schedule on April 30 in Ho Chi Minh City

A grand parade to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025) will take place in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30, 2025. The event will begin at 6:30 AM and the public can watch the event live on television and social media platforms.

 

Full-dress rehearsal for grand parade marking 50th reunification anniversary held

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Vietnam to invite China, Laos, Cambodia to send military personnel to parade

The Ministry of National Defence is set to soon send official invitations to leaders of its Chinese, Lao and Cambodian counterparts to attend a ceremony celebrating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975 – 2025) and to send their military personnel to join commemorative military and civilian parade.

Over 13,000 expected to take part in parade marking 50 years of national reunification

The event will commence at 8 am, featuring a military parade organised by the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Public Security, along with a civilian march overseen by the municipal authorities.