Cover Highlights from the September 2 parade in Hanoi
Highlights from the September 2 parade in Hanoi
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The September 2 parade at Ba Dinh Square united thousands in a vivid display of pride, history and national spirit.
Eighty years ago (August 19, 1945), the August Revolution brought a resounding triumph. That historic day opened a new era for the Vietnamese people of independence and freedom. Just two weeks later, on September 2, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh stood at Ba Dinh Square and read the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. “Vietnam has the right to enjoy freedom and independence, and in fact has become a free and independent country. The entire Vietnamese people are determined to devote all their spirit and strength, their lives and property to maintain that freedom and independence.” His voice was not only a declaration of liberty, but also an immortal anthem, affirming the sovereignty of a nation that had risen from the long night of slavery.
See more: Legacy 50: Scenes from the April 30 Parade—A Nation’s Heroic Song
Eighty years on, we look back with pride at a country that has accomplished miracles. From the devastation of war, Vietnam has risen with vigour, becoming a confident and modern nation. The spirit of the August Revolution and Independence Day still pulses in the veins of every Vietnamese, fuelling the will to build a radiant future worthy of the sacrifices of their forebears.
Above The capital, Hanoi, blossomed with flags and flowers. In that vibrant setting, each officer and soldier of the Parading Police Group carried the sacred flag, marching with majesty across Ba Dinh Square, adding to the proud and moving spirit of National Day
The capital, Hanoi, blossomed with flags and flowers. In that vibrant setting, each officer and soldier of the Parading Police Group carried the sacred flag, marching with majesty across Ba Dinh Square, adding to the proud and moving spirit of National Day
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In the solemn and jubilant air, thousands of hearts beat as one, united in pride for a resilient and indomitable Vietnam. At precisely 6:30 a.m., the flag-raising ceremony began. The red flag with a yellow star billowed above President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum as the military band’s anthem heralded the start of the parade.
The most stirring images of the day’s September 2 parade were found not only in the discipline and bravery of the marching ranks, but also in the shining eyes and radiant smiles of the capital’s citizens. Flags waved, cheers rang out, and a sea of red filled the square. Together, they wrote a living epic of patriotism and national pride.
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Above Ten helicopters flew over Ba Dinh Square, carrying the Party flag and the national flag
Ten helicopters flew over Ba Dinh Square, carrying the Party flag and the national flag
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Above A formation of six YAK-130 training aircraft of the Air Force performed in the skies above the square
A formation of six YAK-130 training aircraft of the Air Force performed in the skies above the square
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Above Fighter jets soared over the capital in a dazzling display
Fighter jets soared over the capital in a dazzling display
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Above The Su-30MK2 lit up the skies with a dramatic heat trap performance
The Su-30MK2 lit up the skies with a dramatic heat trap performance
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Above The Militia and Self-Defence Force marched with resolve, embodying the enduring spirit of “one hand on the plough, one hand on the gun”
Above The disciplined and steady steps of the People’s Police officers demonstrated their strength and unity
The Militia and Self-Defence Force marched with resolve, embodying the enduring spirit of “one hand on the plough, one hand on the gun”
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The A80 September 2 parade was not only a grand celebration, but also a resonant reminder of the nation’s glorious history. Looking back over eight decades from the arduous struggle for independence to today’s striking progress, every Vietnamese citizen carries renewed confidence in a luminous future for the nation.
Join Tatler Vietnam in revisiting the brilliant and proud highlights of the September 2 parade, 2025:
Above After the ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day at Ba Dinh Square, military equipment began its procession through the streets of the capital
After the ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day at Ba Dinh Square, military equipment began its procession through the streets of the capital
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Above KamAZ 53503 multipurpose truck towing a 130-M46 howitzer, a formidable piece of field artillery
Above The Army’s specialised wheeled vehicles in parade formation along the city streets
KamAZ 53503 multipurpose truck towing a 130-M46 howitzer, a formidable piece of field artillery
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Above Scud-B ballistic missile system with R-17E surface-to-air missiles on display in the parade through Hanoi
Scud-B ballistic missile system with R-17E surface-to-air missiles on display in the parade through Hanoi
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Above KamAZ 43266 from the Chemical Corps on parade this morning
KamAZ 43266 from the Chemical Corps on parade this morning
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Above The graceful all-female military band, radiating martial pride and lighting up Ba Dinh Square
The graceful all-female military band, radiating martial pride and lighting up Ba Dinh Square
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Above Every step and every glance of the Army officers expressed national pride. Through the long years of resistance, they became a steel shield defending independence, sovereignty and peace
Every step and every glance of the Army officers expressed national pride. Through the long years of resistance, they became a steel shield defending independence, sovereignty and peace
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Above More than a steadfast support, Vietnamese female soldiers marched proudly in the parade ranks. Wherever they serve, they shine – brave and resilient, yet gentle and compassionate – embodying the strength and spirit of Vietnamese women
More than a steadfast support, Vietnamese female soldiers marched proudly in the parade ranks. Wherever they serve, they shine – brave and resilient, yet gentle and compassionate – embodying the strength and spirit of Vietnamese women
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Above The Special Forces, an elite arm of the Vietnam People’s Army, whose contributions were pivotal in the struggle for national independence
The Special Forces, an elite arm of the Vietnam People’s Army, whose contributions were pivotal in the struggle for national independence
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Above The beauty of peace reflected in the confident strides of female UN peacekeeping officers. They are not only the pride of the Vietnam People’s Army but also messengers of humanity, carrying the national flag to the world stage
The beauty of peace reflected in the confident strides of female UN peacekeeping officers. They are not only the pride of the Vietnam People’s Army but also messengers of humanity, carrying the national flag to the world stage
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Above The women of the armed forces, with steadfast steps and bright eyes, heightened the pride, courage and resilience of Vietnamese women in this historic parade
The women of the armed forces, with steadfast steps and bright eyes, heightened the pride, courage and resilience of Vietnamese women in this historic parade
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Above The Chemical Defence Force, considered the frontline in countering weapons of mass destruction, also responds to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and environmental emergencies
The Chemical Defence Force, considered the frontline in countering weapons of mass destruction, also responds to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and environmental emergencies
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Above The enduring beauty and extraordinary courage of the female guerrillas of the South continue to inspire today’s generation
The enduring beauty and extraordinary courage of the female guerrillas of the South continue to inspire today’s generation
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Above A striking moment of the September 2 parade – female traffic police in vivid yellow uniforms, marching with strength and determination
A striking moment of the September 2 parade – female traffic police in vivid yellow uniforms, marching with strength and determination
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Above Male officers of the Cyber Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention force, marching with iron will and unwavering discipline
Above Guard officers in ceremonial uniform, with synchronised steps, symbolised the elite force dedicated to protecting the Party, the State and vital national institutions
Male officers of the Cyber Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention force, marching with iron will and unwavering discipline
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Above United Nations peacekeeping officers, representing Vietnam since 2014, marched with honour in the parade
Above The Army, Navy and Air Defence–Air Force stand as the core of the Vietnam People’s Army
United Nations peacekeeping officers, representing Vietnam since 2014, marched with honour in the parade
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Above The Mobile Police force advanced with steady steps, ready to maintain security and order, ensuring peace for the people
Above The Fire Prevention, Firefighting and Rescue Police marched with resolve in the parade
The Mobile Police force advanced with steady steps, ready to maintain security and order, ensuring peace for the people
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As the colours, music and marching formations fade, the September 2 parade remains etched in memory as a living testament to Vietnam’s unity and pride.
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Credits
Photography: Quang Anh, Quân Lê
