Along the 2km Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street along District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, thousands of people came early to choose a place so that tomorrow morning, April 30, they could fully watch the parades and marches passing by after reviewing the troops on the stage of the event. In some places, veterans met by chance, gathered to talk about the past and present; in others, young people sang and waved flags together. In another corner, a group of families and friends set up tents together, preparing a place to sleep for the young members of the family to regain their strength to "go to the National Concert" tomorrow morning.

“National Concert” is what young people call the parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025). Very quickly, from old to young, everyone enthusiastically talked about the “National Concert” in a very natural and enthusiastic way.

At the corner of Ly Tu Trong Street, a group of young people from the South enthusiastically welcomed a veteran in a uniform passing by and asked for permission to take a photo with him. After the souvenir photos, I approached him to ask to chat with him. It was Senior Lieutenant, veteran Vu Quy Ty, born in 1953, residing in Cau Giay District, who had just arrived in Ho Chi Minh City early in the morning of April 29.

“We are two families of 10 people. Throughout the journey across Vietnam, the drivers took turns to travel thousands of kilometers, weathering the sun and wind… to reach Ho Chi Minh City right before the grand ceremony. Now we have decided to stay up all night here, waiting to join in the atmosphere of the parade tomorrow. I don’t feel tired and I am very happy…”, said Mr. Vu Quy Ty.

In 1971, he joined the army. After liberating the South and unifying the country, he was discharged and returned to his family. In 1979, he re-enlisted with his comrades and went to the northern border to protect the Fatherland. Through the war, the soldier understood very well the value of peace, independence, and unity...

“Along the way, our family stopped at cemeteries in provinces and cities from North to South to burn incense in memory of our comrades and brothers who sacrificed their lives for the country to be independent, free and unified as it is today. So many people have fallen so that I and many others can now stand here, enjoying peace and development in the middle of this vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. I hope our country will be peaceful forever,” said Mr. Vu Quy Ty.

Nearby, another veteran with the rank of Lieutenant was pensively looking out at the busy road. I approached him and learned that he was Mr. Nguyen Quoc Van, residing in Yen My, Hung Yen. Mr. Van said: “My comrades and I followed the rapid steps of the sea landing in Vung Tau on the afternoon of April 30. On the morning of May 1, we marched to Tan Son Nhat airport and stationed there before returning to Can Tho to take over the airport there until 1978 when we left.”

Then he thought: “Looking back, 50 years seems like a long time, but also too fast. So the country has been unified for half a century. How many people in the world have not enjoyed this complete happiness? I keep thinking about it and find these moments more precious, when here, people from the North, Central, and South all gather, in harmony, and joyful. I feel very lucky to be here, in this great ceremony…”.

I asked permission to let the two veterans take a photo together and was surprised to learn that they were in-laws on the memorable cross-Vietnam bus trip mentioned above.

Near Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, I came across another family wearing red shirts with yellow stars, setting up a tent on the sidewalk, preparing a place for the elderly and children to sleep tonight, before waking up early tomorrow morning to watch the parade. Mr. Vo Hong Quan, living in Go Vap District, happily shared his family's story.

More than 10 people in his extended family decided to gather here to be able to directly enjoy the majestic and bustling atmosphere of the "National Concert" tomorrow morning. "My family also went on the rehearsal day, but arrived late so we couldn't enjoy the full parade. Therefore, today the whole family decided to go early, choosing a nice spot to watch the festival tomorrow morning. The whole family has the same opinion: We must come to this great event. It is not only a place for the whole family to enjoy the joy, but also an opportunity for the extended family to become more connected with each other, with those around them, and with the country."

Mr. Vo Hong Quan added: “You see, around here, there are so many people meeting for the first time, but all of them feel like they have known each other for a long time; talking and sharing without hesitation even though they come from all over the country. Peace and unity allow us to enjoy a wonderful atmosphere like this. I was born and raised in the South after the war, never knowing the fierceness of bombs and bullets, but I feel lucky to enjoy complete peace in an independent country. I just hope it will always be like this so that my family and country will become better and more developed."

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/thuc-tron-dem-cho-concert-quoc-gia-mung-ngay-30-4-700842.html