The tender moment between Lieutenant Vu Dinh Khoi, 29, and Sergeant Nguyen Thi Bich Loan, 24, amidst the demanding A80 parade rehearsals, has touched many and sparked an outpouring of well wishes on social media. Khoi, a member of the Special Forces Parachute Regiment, and Loan, from the Female Commando Unit, both serve in the south. This was their first time at Ba Dinh Square.

Khoi admitted to initial shyness but, encouraged by the crowd and moved by the reunion with his girlfriend after a long separation, he shared the affectionate gesture. "We wanted a photo together, worried we might not see each other during later rehearsals," Khoi explained.

Loan, though slightly embarrassed by the unexpected kiss, shared, "Despite the demanding training, these brief moments with him are a powerful motivator."

Lieutenant Vu Dinh Khoi and Sergeant Nguyen Thi Bich Loan share a brief moment before rehearsal at Ba Dinh Square on the afternoon of 21/8. Photo: Manh Nguyen

Lieutenant Vu Dinh Khoi and Sergeant Nguyen Thi Bich Loan share a brief moment before rehearsal at Ba Dinh Square on the afternoon of 21/8. Photo: Manh Nguyen

The couple, both from Lam Dong, have been dating for 8 months, their relationship blossoming during the parade rehearsals for the 50th anniversary of national reunification in Ho Chi Minh City on 30/4.

For the A80 rehearsals, Khoi is stationed in Son Tay and Loan in Mieu Mon, 40 km apart. Khoi makes the journey every week to visit and support his girlfriend. Sharing the military life fosters understanding and allows them to support each other through the pressure.

Loan describes Khoi as seemingly reserved but deeply caring, a constant source of encouragement. She feels both honored and proud to participate in this important national event alongside him, as both his partner and comrade. "Serving together is a true blessing," she shared.

Once the A80 mission concludes, the couple plans a relaxing vacation after the long and arduous training period.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thanh adjusts her husband Duong Thanh Binh's uniform on Ngoc Ha street on the evening of 21/8. Binh, 30, serves in the Military Ceremonial Unit. Photo: Courtesy of the subject

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thanh adjusts her husband Duong Thanh Binh's uniform on Ngoc Ha street on the evening of 21/8. Binh, 30, serves in the Military Ceremonial Unit. Photo: Courtesy of the subject

Another touching moment unfolded during the rehearsals: the brief reunion of Duong Thanh Binh, 30, and his wife Nguyen Thi Phuong Thanh, 25. A photo of Thanh adjusting her husband's uniform before he entered the grandstand quickly circulated online. Several parade units were gathering on Ngoc Ha Street at the time. Binh, part of the Military Band, was among the first groups to march. Thanh, also in the Military Ceremonial Unit, was scheduled to march later.

During a break, Binh rushed to see his wife. Thanh quickly adjusted his uniform, offering a quiet "good luck" before urging him back to his position as the rehearsal was about to resume. "These brief moments during rehearsals are a source of motivation for us both," Binh said.

The couple, both from Bac Ninh, married in 11/2024. Binh's experience in the parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory in 2024 has made him a pillar of support for Thanh during both the A50 and now the A80 events. Though they don't see each other often, they exchange encouraging messages to bolster each other's spirits.

They share a dream of having their photo taken in front of President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, a wish yet unfulfilled due to their duties. "We hope to take that commemorative photo after the parade," Binh said.

Quynh Nga