On the afternoon of 21/8, the sidewalk in front of 41-year-old Cao Van Quan's art shop on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Giang Vo Ward, was packed with people waiting to watch the parade rehearsal. This location, opposite Hung Vuong Street and a short walk from Ba Dinh Square, is a prime viewing spot.
Seeing many elderly people and children waiting since early morning, Quan and his family cleared their shop and invited people to rest and use their restrooms.
The 41-year-old also prepared 20 cases of free water and kept his shop open until 11 p.m., 4 hours later than usual, to accommodate people until the event ended.
"My slight inconvenience is insignificant. I just want to help everyone fully enjoy the country's important ceremony," Quan said.
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Hundreds of people sit on the sidewalk and inside Cao Van Quan's art shop on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street on the afternoon of 21/8 to watch the parade rehearsal. Photo: Khanh Tung |
Hundreds of people sit on the sidewalk and inside Cao Van Quan's art shop on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street on the afternoon of 21/8 to watch the parade rehearsal. Photo: Khanh Tung
Quan's actions were not unique. Dozens of other shop owners along Nguyen Thai Hoc Street did the same. Images of this generosity were shared on social media, garnering much praise.
"The shop owners on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street are incredibly kind, offering seats, free water, and restroom access," wrote one social media user, Khanh Tung.
Quan offers water and space for strangers to rest in his shop while waiting to watch the parade rehearsal on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street on the afternoon of 21/8. Source: Cao Van Quan
As soon as information about the parade route and schedule was released, 27-year-old Vu Manh Dung, owner of a grocery store on An Duong Street, also posted an invitation for people to rest at his shop for free. His store is about 100 meters from Thanh Nien Street, another convenient viewing location for military equipment, and just a 10-minute walk from Ba Dinh Square.
"We are ready to support everyone with everything we have, completely free of charge," Dung shared. He said he would set up two large tables, 12 folding chairs, and keep his store open overnight during the rehearsals and the official ceremony.
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The 75 m2 room of 34-year-old Yen Trang in Dai Thanh Urban Area, Dai Thanh Commune, is currently providing free accommodation for more than 10 people from southern provinces coming to watch the 2/9 parade. Photo: Yen Trang |
The 75 m2 room of 34-year-old Yen Trang in Dai Thanh Urban Area, Dai Thanh Commune, is currently providing free accommodation for more than 10 people from southern provinces coming to watch the 2/9 parade. Photo: Yen Trang
Beyond offering resting spots, many Hanoi residents are also opening their homes to strangers overnight. Quan Thi Phuong Lan, 32, residing at 69B Thuy Khue Street (near Bach Thao Garden, where troops gather), posted on social media inviting families, especially those with young children, to stay for free in her unused three-story house. Each floor is over 30 square meters and can accommodate about 30 people.
The idea came to Lan when she saw many multi-generational families traveling from other provinces to Hanoi without a place for the elderly and children to rest. "Adults can go and secure a viewing spot first, while the elderly and children can come later in the cooler afternoon, making it less strenuous for them," Lan explained. Within an hour of her post, over 10 families contacted her to reserve a spot. She also prepared free drinking water and instant noodles for anyone in need.
Lan admitted to some apprehension about welcoming strangers into her home. However, she believes that in the joyful atmosphere of the national celebration, everyone comes with good intentions. "Being able to help many people during this special occasion brings me joy; I'm not concerned about the small details," she said.
According to the schedule, there will be a second rehearsal at 8 p.m. on 24/8. The preliminary rehearsal will be held at 8 p.m. on 27/8, and the final dress rehearsal will take place at 6:30 a.m. on 30/8. The official parade will begin at 6:30 a.m. on 2/9 at Ba Dinh Square and along central streets.
Quynh Nga
