Hanoi (VNA) – A grand parade and march marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day will take place at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi on September 2, according to Major General Tong Van Thanh, Deputy Director of the Department of Information and Training under the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People's Army.
Speaking at the Government’s regular press conference on August 7, Maj. Gen. Thanh said the Party Central Committee has assigned the Ministry of National Defence to coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Hanoi People’s Committee, and other relevant agencies and units to organise the important event.
Preparations underway since early 2024
Since the second quarter of 2024, the Ministry of National Defence has directed thorough preparations for the event, including field surveys of Ba Dinh Square and surrounding areas, and consultations with relevant ministries and localities, Thanh said.
The parade will feature six main forces, including traditional torchbearers; ceremonial artillery units; the air force conducting a flypast; marching contingents, including four ceremonial groups; the stationary contingents; and the teams creating images and lettering formations.
A total of 43 marching contingents will represent the people’s armed forces, including 26 from the military and 17 from the public security. Vietnam has also invited military delegations from China, Russia, Laos and Cambodia to participate in the event. So far, Laos and Cambodia have confirmed their attendance.
Military and police vehicles, as well as naval forces will take part in the motorised segments. In a notable feature, the naval parade will be held simultaneously in Cam Ranh Bay, Khanh Hoa province, and broadcast live to Ba Dinh Square.
Civilian and cultural-sports delegations will also participate, following the military contingents. After passing the main grandstand, all contingents will continue along selected routes in the capital to show solidarity between the armed forces and the people.
In addition to the parade, cultural exchange events will be held at Quan Ngua Sports Palace and August Revolution Square in front of the Hanoi Opera House. These activities aim to strengthen ties between the armed forces and the broader public.
Rehearsals began in early May 2025 under the direction of both the defence and public security ministries. Four joint drills and two full-scale rehearsals have been held, with the most recent on August 5. All formations have shown strong performance and readiness in terms of morale, technical preparation and physical condition.
Honouring history and national unity
Key upcoming milestones include evening rehearsals by the armed forces on August 21 and 24, a preliminary state-level review on August 27, and a final state-level review at 6:30 am on August 30. The official parade is scheduled for 6:30 am on September 2 at Ba Dinh Square.
The event is intended to reaffirm the historic significance and lasting legacy of the August Revolution and the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam - now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. It also reflects the ongoing development of the armed forces under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam over the past 80 years.
Beyond its commemorative role, the parade aims to inspire patriotism, national pride, and revolutionary ideals. It is a tribute to past generations who fought for national independence, freedom and unification, while also reflecting the nation’s aspiration for prosperity and happiness in line with the goals set out in the 13th National Party Congress.
The programme is designed to highlight the strength and unity of the armed forces and the determination of the Party, people and military to safeguard the country and advance its renewal process under all circumstances.
According to Thanh, the parade will be conducted with solemnity, discipline and efficiency, featuring compact but modern formations that reflect professionalism and unity, as well as the peace-loving spirit of the Vietnamese people.
Measures in place to ensure absolute security
Also at the press conference, Major General Nguyen Quoc Toan, Chief of the Office and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Security, stressed that given the scale and significance of the event, the ministry has designated the highest level of security protection.
A dedicated task force, led by a deputy minister and involving local police units nationwide, has been established to ensure absolute safety and prevent any incidents.
Since the beginning of the year, the ministry has launched 80 major campaigns targeting crime prevention, public order, traffic safety and fire prevention. Police forces are closely coordinating with the military, relevant ministries and localities, particularly in Hanoi, to ensure a secure and smooth event.
At this point, public security forces nationwide are fully prepared to safeguard the August Revolution and National Day celebrations, Toan confirmed./.
