Vietnam commemorated the 50th anniversary of the end of what it refers to as the American War on Wednesday with a grand parade in Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing soldiers, dancers, and speeches that highlighted the event as a “triumph of justice” according to the country's communist leader.
The celebration attracted tens of thousands, with many attendees camping out overnight to participate in the festivities, as reported by state media.
Nguyen Thi Song Anh, an 18-year-old participant, expressed the significance of the event, stating, “It was important for me to feel part of this country — and part of this history.”
The parade featured a vibrant display of red and yellow, the colors of the Vietnamese flag, set against the backdrop of high-end French and American retailers, illustrating the distance from the war's conclusion.
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, has evolved into a bustling metropolis with a population of 9 million, where modern skyscrapers overshadow remnants of wartime history, and streets are filled with locally produced electric vehicles and young people engaging with social media.
While many in Vietnam regard the war as a distant memory, April 30 stands out as a day of remembrance, honoring those who lost their lives and recounting the narrative of how the North triumphed over colonial and foreign powers.
During the event, To Lam, the top leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam, delivered a speech to international guests, which notably did not include the U.S. ambassador. However, the U.S. Consul General, Susan Burns, attended, marking a shift from previous directives that limited senior diplomats' participation in such events.
In his address, Mr. Lam characterized the conflict as a fight for national independence and resistance against colonialism and foreign aggression, celebrating what is referred to in Vietnam as the “liberation of the South.”
For the first time, the parade included troops from China, acknowledging Beijing's support during the war, a development that had been foreshadowed by a widely shared video of Chinese troops rehearsing a patriotic song.
Despite historical tensions, Mr. Lam emphasized a spirit of reconciliation, noting that 2025 will mark 30 years of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Vietnam. He reiterated the importance of “respecting differences” among all Vietnamese citizens.
Ms. Song Anh echoed this sentiment, advocating for unity among Vietnamese people and expressing pride in their shared heritage.
The parade showcased a blend of historical reverence and modern pride, with billboards connecting Ho Chi Minh’s legacy to contemporary developments. Families participated in singing patriotic songs, while younger attendees captured moments of helicopters flying over the Independence Palace, a significant site from the war.
While some parade-goers voiced concerns about corruption and economic equity, many expressed admiration for the remarkable progress Vietnam has made since the war.
Tran Quang Duc, a 67-year-old veteran, reflected on the emotional impact of witnessing Vietnam's development, stating, “We’re strong and confident.”
The event concluded near the Rex hotel, a historical site where U.S. military briefings were held during the war. Participants, like Vu Thi Ninh Thuy, highlighted the importance of being part of such a historic occasion.
“I wanted to feel what it was like to live in historic times,” she remarked.