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| Getty Images |
Vietnam commemorated the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, with a massive celebration and a grand military parade in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. The event drew tens of thousands of spectators, many of whom camped overnight to witness the historic occasion and wave red flags while singing patriotic songs.
For the first time, a contingent of Chinese, Laotian, and Cambodian troops marched alongside Vietnamese military formations, symbolizing strengthened regional ties and unity. The parade featured more than 13,000 participants, including military personnel, veterans, militia, and local residents. Spectacular displays included a 21-gun salute, aerial flyovers by helicopters and fighter jets, and floats depicting key moments from the war, such as a golden tank representing the storming of the Independence Palace in 1975.
The ceremony not only celebrated the military victory that ended decades of conflict and led to national reunification but also emphasized themes of peace, unity, and reconciliation. Veterans and young people alike expressed pride in the country’s achievements and called for continued national solidarity. The day’s festivities included tributes to fallen heroes, cultural exhibitions, and public events across the city.
The Vietnam War, which began in 1954 and ended on April 30, 1975, concluded with the communist North Vietnamese forces capturing Saigon, leading to the reunification of the country and the renaming of the city as Ho Chi Minh City in honor of the North’s revolutionary leader.