On the night of April 29, millions of people still flocked to the center of Ho Chi Minh City, spread out tarps, sat on the sidewalks to reserve seats all night, determined not to miss the historic moment - the parade, the march to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and the reunification of the country. It was not simply a sleepless night, but the first time they were able to fully experience the sacred atmosphere, burning with pride, something that the previous rehearsals could not bring.

"Actually, watching TV at home is clearer and cooler," Mr. Ba ( Binh Thanh District) smiled gently, his eyes following the flow of people pouring into the center. "But the atmosphere here is very different. It is the spirit of the holiday, the generous and sacred spirit that only when I stand among this crowd can I fully appreciate," the middle-aged man shared with a reporter from Cong Thuong Newspaper.

Also present at the Bach Dang Wharf area at this time, Minh - a high school student in District 7, could not hide his excitement: "This is the first time I have attended such a big event. I missed the previous rehearsals because I was busy with school, but today I definitely have to come here. I want to feel the bustling atmosphere before the grand ceremony with my own eyes, and especially to see the soldiers parading in real life, which is something I have always admired since I was a child."

Not far away, Ms. Hoa (Dong Nai), while coaxing her sleeping child, confided: "My family came from Dong Nai very early just to be on time to have a place for the children to sit and watch. Actually, taking my child there is a bit difficult, but I want her to feel this special atmosphere from a young age. This is a part of our country's history, I want her to grow up to understand and appreciate those values."

Although it was past midnight, fatigue was evident on every face. People leaned on their friends’ shoulders, children dozed off in their mothers’ arms, but absolutely no one had any intention of leaving. Everyone lingered, sharing the same desire to witness with their own eyes the sacred moment of the 50th anniversary of Liberation Day, a historical moment not to be missed.

Here are some moments captured by reporters: