Hong Lien, 30, from Ha Dong ward, arrived at 5 a.m. on 24/8 to secure a prime viewing spot for the parade rehearsal. After a 12-hour wait, a quick trip to buy water cost her the coveted spot. When she explained her prior presence with witnesses to corroborate, the new occupant retorted, "If you get up, you lose your spot. This is public sidewalk, not your private land." An argument ensued, requiring security intervention to restore order and persuade the interloper to leave.

"If I'd known I'd have to fight for every inch, I would have stayed home," Lien said. Her determination for a good view stemmed from a previous rehearsal on the evening of 21/8. Arriving late, she was stuck behind rows of people. When the parade began, everyone stood, blocking her view. The pressure from the crowd was intense as people pushed forward, creating a suffocating atmosphere.

"People were shoving and even trampling on each other. Some fainted but couldn't get out. Others climbed onto chairs or trees. It was a chaotic and frightening scene," Lien recounted. After the event, the streets were left covered in trash: bottles, food containers, raincoats, and plastic sheeting. "People tried to pick up some of it, but it was overwhelming," she said.

Tien Hung, 28, from Ngoc Ha ward, shared similar frustrations after the rehearsal on the evening of 24/8. He and his girlfriend planned to watch from the Quan Ngua Sports Palace area but were stopped by the crowds on Phan Ke Binh Street. The dense crowd was at a standstill, with crying children being hoisted onto shoulders for air. Swept along by the throng, Hung, a self-proclaimed environmentalist, was forced to trample flower beds. "I didn't want to, but I was pushed. Seeing the crushed flowers and compacted soil, I knew they wouldn't survive," he lamented.

Around 7:30 p.m., a surge in the crowd forced Hung to run to avoid being trampled. Some people broke through security barriers and spilled onto the street. "I was relieved to escape the crush, but then I was afraid of being pushed over," Hung said. He had witnessed similar behavior at the first rehearsal three days prior, with people parking their motorbikes on the Kim Ma - Lieu Giai overpass to watch, precariously perched on their seats with children in tow, while others squeezed through the gaps below.

Landscaping plants on Van Cao Street trampled after the parade rehearsal on the evening of 24/8. *Photo: Nguyet Ha*

Hung's shock deepened when he saw social media videos of people climbing onto parked cars and even onto the elevated railway tracks on Le Duan Street for better views, scattering only when train signals sounded. "Everyone wants to witness this important moment, but disregarding safety and disturbing others is unacceptable," he said.

People climb onto parked cars to watch the parade on the evening of 24/8. *Photo: N.T.T*

VnExpress observed similar scenes of pushing, shoving, barrier breaches, and dangerous climbing during the rehearsals on 21/8 and 24/8 on central streets like Nguyen Thai Hoc, Kim Ma, Lieu Giai, and Le Duan. Videos of these actions went viral, sparking heated debate. Many criticized the behavior as uncivilized, contrasting with the disciplined and solemn nature of the parade, and called for stricter enforcement. Others excused the actions as stemming from patriotism and a desire to see the armed forces.

Associate Professor Pham Ngoc Trung, former Head of the Faculty of Development Culture at the Academy of Journalism and Communication, attributed the overcrowding to the large scale of the 80th National Day celebrations and limited spectator space. "However, climbing trees and car roofs not only demonstrates a lack of awareness but also tarnishes the national image and overshadows the efforts of the participating forces and organizers," he analyzed.

Associate Professor Bui Thi An, Director of the Institute of Resources, Environment and Community Development, emphasized that patriotism should be accompanied by civilized behavior. She suggested more public trash collection points at large events and urged individuals to clean up after themselves. "More importantly, everyone needs to be considerate, especially towards the elderly and children, and strictly follow instructions from authorities, refraining from breaching barriers or obstructing officials," she said.

On 25/8, Hanoi police acknowledged the uncivilized behavior witnessed during the rehearsals, including pushing, shoving, barrier breaches, arguments, and even resisting authorities. The aftermath of trampled flowers and littered streets further detracted from the celebratory preparations. Authorities issued warnings, detained individuals for resisting law enforcement, and fined those entering restricted areas. "True patriotism starts with small things like preserving the environment and behaving civilly. Don't leave trash or footprints on the grass and flower beds," the Hanoi police statement emphasized.

Discouraged by the chaos, Ngoc Ha, 40, from Nam Tu Liem ward, and her family opted for a different approach. Instead of heading downtown, they took their two children to Pham Van Dong Street to watch the military vehicles return. They planned to watch the marching contingents on television. "Pham Van Dong Street, where we stood, was less crowded, and we had a comfortable view. My children saw modern military equipment up close for the first time," Ha shared.

Thanh Nga - Quynh Nguyen