Cover A look back at the 50th anniversary Parade and March honouring the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, captured exclusively by Tatler

Join Tatler for an exclusive look at the 50th anniversary Parade and March, commemorating the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (30 April 1975–30 April 2025)—a tribute to resilience, unity, and national pride.

Beneath the brilliant sky on the morning of 30 April, in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the resounding footsteps of the parade echoed with pride, in a steady rhythm of a nation honouring its past. This year’s procession, held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (30 April 1975–30 April 2025), offered a moment to remember historic triumphs. It also marked a time for Vietnamese hearts to reflect on the present and look ahead to the future. Half a century may have passed, yet the current of national pride flows ceaselessly, linking past, present and what lies ahead.

Join Tatler in looking back at the heroic and solemn scenes that captured an unforgettable April morning, brought to life through our exclusive lens.

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Above Beneath the brilliant sky on the morning of 30 April, in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the resounding footsteps of the parade echoed with pride

On the morning of 30 April, beneath clear blue skies in Ho Chi Minh City, the flag-raising ceremony rang out across Bach Dang Wharf, accompanied by the thunderous salute of 21 cannon shots by the Artillery Team. This marked the opening of the official parade, a solemn moment celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (30 April 1975–30 April 2025). More than ceremonial, this was a vivid expression of national pride: a sacred moment to honour the great feats that have shaped the country’s heroic history.

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Above On the morning of 30 April, beneath the clear blue sky of Ho Chi Minh City, the flag-raising ceremony rang out across Bach Dang Wharf, heralded by 21 cannon shots from the Artillery Team: the opening signal for the parade marking 50 years of Liberation and Reunification (30 April 1975–30 April 2025)
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Above The stirring performance of the helicopter squadron, bearing the Party flag and national flag over central Ho Chi Minh City, was followed by the commanding presence of the Vietnamese People’s Army fighter jet formation
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Above The stirring performance of the helicopter squadron, bearing the Party flag and national flag over central Ho Chi Minh City, was followed by the commanding presence of the Vietnamese People’s Army fighter jet formation
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Above The Party flag and national flag fly high, radiant with the spirit of hope and resolve: an enduring emblem of national unity and strength
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Above Female Special Police Officers: Vietnam’s “steel roses”, resilient and unyielding in spirit
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Above A moment of solemnity before the proud spirit of the Special Forces soldiers
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Above The Armoured Corps: a vital combat division of the Vietnam People’s Army made its entrance with a bold and resolute presence, embodying a legacy of strength and fortitude
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Above Thirteen thousand officers and soldiers advanced with steady steps, forming precise lines in a display of unity and discipline. Each unit, each contingent in distinct uniforms, moved in rhythm, their gaze fixed firmly ahead
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Above Thirteen thousand officers and soldiers advanced with steady steps, forming precise lines in a display of unity and discipline. Each unit, each contingent in distinct uniforms, moved in rhythm, their gaze fixed firmly ahead
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Above From above, the formations appeared as perfectly drawn lines, their solemn, proud presence leaving a striking impression
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Above From above, the formations appeared as perfectly drawn lines, their solemn, proud presence leaving a striking impression
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Above With unwavering steps along the central streets of Ho Chi Minh City and the gaze of the people upon them, the soldiers and civil representatives embodied the spirit of reunification. Every stride declared a nation’s strength, fuelled by pride and aspiration
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Above With unwavering steps along the central streets of Ho Chi Minh City and the gaze of the people upon them, the soldiers and civil representatives embodied the spirit of reunification. Every stride declared a nation’s strength, fuelled by pride and aspiration
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Above As the parade formations moved on, each division carried its own story: a distinct pride rooted in service and identity
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Above As the parade formations moved on, each division carried its own story: a distinct pride rooted in service and identity

The country has just witnessed a historic celebration, where every parade unit appeared as a piece of living history. It was a tribute to the resilience of a nation that has triumphed over adversity and continues to write its own heroic chapters. Though five decades have passed, the spirit of that remarkable April 30 remains alive, driving the growth of a thriving nation, where individuals strive towards their dreams and contribute to the shared progress of their communities.

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Credits

Photography: Phúc Lê

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