German son-in-law 'addicted' to Vietnamese military parades

Over the past 16 years, Jean Paul has visited Vietnam 15 times, four of those specifically to "immerse himself in the majestic atmosphere of the military parades."

He is eagerly awaiting his fifth experience during Vietnam's 80th National Day celebration.

"I'm arranging my work schedule to return to Hanoi in time for the rehearsal on 30/8 and the official ceremony on 2/9," said 42-year-old Jean Paul, from Koeln, Germany.

The German admitted to being "obsessed" with Vietnam. In his Koeln bedroom, a Vietnamese flag hangs on the wall, along with mementos and photos of the parades he has witnessed. A portrait of President Ho Chi Minh adorns his living room.

Paul's initial knowledge of Vietnam was limited to its tropical climate and extensive coastline in Southeast Asia before his first trip in 2008. However, he fell in love with the country upon arrival and has returned 15 times since.

For Paul, his love for Vietnam stems from its rich history, diverse culture, beautiful landscapes, and above all, the warmth and patriotism of its people. "The journey of fighting for independence and the achievements of the revolutionary leaders inspired me to participate in the country's significant events," he explained.

Jean Paul's first trip to Vietnam was in 2008, at the age of 26. Photo: Provided by the subject

Jean Paul's first trip to Vietnam was in 2008, at the age of 26. Photo: Provided by the subject

In September 2015, Paul experienced his first Vietnamese military parade, celebrating the 70th National Day. At the time, the chemical company employee was somewhat lost, lacking information. He wasn't sure what to expect, only that the event would center around the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Early on the morning of 2/9, he wandered the streets and saw people excitedly converging on Ba Dinh Square. Paul followed them. People smiled, offered him water, and children shook the foreigner's hand.

Reaching Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Paul found a low wall to climb. From this vantage point, he had a clear view of each parade formation. The rhythmic pounding of boots on the pavement resonated like war drums, making his chest vibrate.

As the vibrant red national flags fluttered and the national anthem echoed through the streets, Paul felt goosebumps. "I've never seen a nation awaken with such immense pride," he said. "In that moment, I understood that patriotism is a feeling without borders, without the need for words."

Since then, Vietnam has become an integral part of Paul's life. He aims to return once or twice a year, sometimes staying for several months.

The parade passes through Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hanoi, during the 70th National Day celebrations in 2015. Photo: Jean Paul

The parade passes through Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hanoi, during the 70th National Day celebrations in 2015. Photo: Jean Paul

Paul realized that Vietnam holds a major military parade every 10 years. As the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory approached, he returned for his third visit.

His camera lens continuously captured moments of veterans reuniting on A1 Hill, ethnic minority women in vibrant dresses under the red phoenix trees, symbols of remembrance. But the image that resonated most with him was a veteran in a wheelchair, eyes brimming with tears as he spoke of President Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, and fallen comrades.

This year, he proactively arranged his work to arrive early and stay longer for the parades commemorating the 50th anniversary of national reunification in Ho Chi Minh City and the 70th anniversary of Hai Phong's liberation. Among the dozens of majestic military formations, he was moved once again by the marching steps of the veterans.

Paul recalled books he had read about Ho Chi Minh and "Bare Feet, Iron Will" by former Lieutenant Colonel James G. Zumwalt about Vietnamese soldiers. Back then, he could only imagine them through the written word. Today, he saw them before him: silver-haired soldiers, perhaps still carrying shrapnel within their bodies, walking amidst applause as if stepping out of the pages of history. In that moment, Paul understood even more deeply why he had chosen this country.

Having attended five military parades in Vietnam, Jean Paul has observed numerous changes, such as increasingly meticulous uniforms, more diverse weaponry, and growing public attendance, especially among young people.

A particularly memorable experience was in Dien Bien Phu, when a female soldier in the parade approached him, requesting permission to use his photo of her for the Women's Army magazine. Seeing his photo published brought him a sense of joy and pride, as if he had made a small contribution to history.

He shares other photos with friends and family in Germany. Many are surprised: "Vietnamese people look so happy, content, and appreciative of life," they remark.

This surprise reinforces for Jean Paul the difference between Vietnam and the West. In Europe, such nationwide celebrations are rare. The last one he remembers was the World Cup on home soil, but even then, the shared joy wasn't as heartfelt as in Vietnam.

"I've never seen a nation so deeply in love with their country. The parades have helped me understand that the people and the country are one," he said.

Jean Paul with a female parade formation at the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory. Photo: Provided by the subject

Jean Paul with a female parade formation at the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory. Photo: Provided by the subject

In 2018, Paul met Nguyen Kim Yen, a bank employee. They married in 2022.

Yen vividly recalls her first time in his apartment, surprised to see the Vietnamese flag and the portrait of President Ho Chi Minh. "It made me incredibly happy to have married a man who deeply loves my country," she shared.

Before returning to Hanoi, Paul expressed both excitement and concern about finding a good spot to photograph the upcoming event. For months, he has been trying to gain access as a journalist, believing the best photos are taken from Ba Dinh Square. He sent letters to 20 international and Vietnamese newspapers seeking accreditation, but without success. This disappoints him, as he believes he understands and loves Vietnam more than any other foreign journalist.

"I don't just want to take a few photos of soldiers; I want to capture a once-in-a-lifetime experience – one filled with emotion and deep pride for Vietnam, which is now my home," he said.

See more photos of the parades taken by Jean Paul.