This was the trio's first time in the capital to watch a parade. Their provisions for the over 30-hour wait included sticky rice and salted sesame for breakfast and lunch on 29/8, while bread and dry rations were reserved for dinner and subsequent meals. They brought 5 large water bottles, an umbrella, and raincoats to cope with the weather. The group also purchased a foam mat for 100,000 VND, large enough for all three of them to lie down.
"We will take turns napping to conserve energy and keep an eye on our belongings," Lan said. Their families supported the trip, with their children simply reminding them to find shade and stay healthy.
"After more than 50 years, we finally get to see a parade. The rain and sun don't bother us; we're just excited to be part of this atmosphere," Lan said.
The group planned to stay in Hanoi through the September 2nd holiday to watch the official parade. Next time, they intend to camp on the sidewalk from the evening of 31/8, 36 hours before the event.
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Bui Yen, Pham Loan, and Kim Phi from Nghe An camped out on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, waiting to watch the parade from the night of 28/8. Photo: Quynh Nguyen |
Bui Yen, Pham Loan, and Kim Phi from Nghe An camped out on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, waiting to watch the parade from the night of 28/8. Photo: Quynh Nguyen
On the sidewalk of Tran Phu Street, 66-year-old Pham Thi Ngoan and her 68-year-old husband, Phan Van Quan, also found a spot close to the barricade. The couple traveled from Xuan Truong commune, Ninh Binh province (formerly Nam Dinh), arriving in Hanoi at dawn to secure their place. Quan, a veteran of the 1979 border war, and his wife both longed to witness the troops marching through the square.
"While we are still healthy, we want to immerse ourselves in the nation's joys," Ngoan shared. Their plan was to eat and sleep on the spot. During the day, they would sit under the shade of a tree, and at night, they would take turns leaning against the tree trunk for a nap. They brought a thin blanket to protect themselves from the rain and cold at night. They would rely on the nearby Xanh Pon Hospital for restrooms.
After the rehearsal, the couple planned to rent a room near Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to rest before queuing up again for the official ceremony on September 2nd.
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66-year-old Pham Thi Ngoan and 68-year-old Phan Van Quan queue on Tran Phu Street, midday 29/8. Photo: Nga Thanh |
66-year-old Pham Thi Ngoan and 68-year-old Phan Van Quan queue on Tran Phu Street, midday 29/8. Photo: Nga Thanh
The most lively group belonged to 70-year-old Nguyen Thang, from Hoai Duc, consisting of 20 people. At 3 a.m., the entire group arrived near Ba Dinh Square. Thang, a seasoned spectator, had attended previous rehearsals. Learning from experience, she and her group decided to arrive a full day early for the general rehearsal.
Their supplies included enough food for 4 meals, including sticky rice, chicken, shredded pork, snacks, and drinks. They also brought a tarp, medicine for heatstroke, and stomachaches.
"This trip is no different from a picnic, except for the lack of a tent," Thang said. According to her, "camping" on the sidewalk, though cramped, had its own joys. People had the opportunity to meet and chat with strangers, sharing food and drinks.
"Only on occasions like these do people come closer together and make new friends. So, despite the midday sun and afternoon rain, we are not discouraged," Thang shared.
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People set up tarps at the intersection of Hung Vuong and Tran Phu streets to shield themselves from the rain while waiting for the parade rehearsal, midday 29/8. Photo: Quynh Nguyen |
People set up tarps at the intersection of Hung Vuong and Tran Phu streets to shield themselves from the rain while waiting for the parade rehearsal, midday 29/8. Photo: Quynh Nguyen
Like Lan and Thang's groups, from the night of 28/8, the sidewalks of central Hanoi streets, such as Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hung Vuong, and Tran Phu, transformed into "field camps" for thousands of people. They came from Hanoi and many other provinces, including the elderly, children, and veterans. In addition to food and drinks, many families brought large tarps, foam mats, and mini fans for the elderly and children to rest.
By 2 p.m. on 29/8, most of the prime viewing spots along the parade route were filled. Excitement filled the streets, dispelling the fatigue of waiting.
On the morning of September 2nd, the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (A80) will be celebrated at Ba Dinh Square. The parade will include nearly 16,000 participants in 43 marching blocks, 18 stationary blocks, and 14 blocks of military vehicles and special forces from the Army and Police.
Quynh Nga
