Le Ngoc Thuong, his eldest son, from Thanh Tri, Hanoi, said, "Having dedicated his life to the revolution, my father didn't want to miss the 80th National Day celebration."

In 1945, Mr. Binh participated in the struggle for independence in his hometown of Thanh Chuong, Nghe An. Four years later, he volunteered for the Vietnam National Guard, becoming a soldier in the 57th Regiment of the 304th Division. He fought in the Upper Laos and Dien Bien Phu campaigns. In 10/1954, he and his unit entered the capital.

A year later, he joined the 600th Regiment of the Guard Command, Ministry of Public Security, tasked with protecting the Party and President Ho Chi Minh.

Mr. Binh poses for a photo with his family on his wheelchair, prepared for the parade, at his home in Thanh Tri, Hanoi, on 31/8. Photo: Pham Nga

Mr. Binh poses for a photo with his family on his wheelchair, prepared for the parade, at his home in Thanh Tri, Hanoi, on 31/8. Photo: Pham Nga

In the days leading up to the event, he watched parade-related programs on TV, eagerly anticipating the big day. Seeing his enthusiasm, his children and grandchildren made preparations to fulfill his wish.

His two eldest sons took charge of his healthcare. His youngest son prepared his belongings for the parade: printing information about his father and attaching it to the wheelchair, along with a picture of President Ho Chi Minh and the national flag, to ensure a smooth experience.

For the past two years, Mr. Binh has required dialysis. Mr. Thuong contacted Xanh Pon Hospital so that after his dialysis on 1/9, his father could be positioned near the hospital to witness the historic moment the next morning.

However, due to Hanoi's unpredictable weather, Mr. Binh's health declined. On the night of 29/8, the family decided to take him to the dress rehearsal. "My father's health is fragile. The official ceremony would be crowded, and we feared missing the opportunity," Mr. Thuong explained.

Four children and grandchildren, equipped with medicine and food, escorted him. Upon reaching Kham Thien Street, they explained their situation to the authorities. The Hanoi police promptly arranged a car to take him to a designated area for veterans. "I'm tired, but very happy. This is probably my last chance," the veteran said, moved.

The following day, he received an invitation from the General Secretary's Office to attend the grand ceremony on 2/9.

Mr. Binh (in the front row holding a flag) sits in a priority seat for veterans during the parade rehearsal on 31/8. Photo provided by the family

Mr. Binh (in the front row holding a flag) sits in a priority seat for veterans during the parade rehearsal on 31/8. Photo provided by the family

Along with Mr. Binh, thousands of veterans from across the country gathered in Ba Dinh to celebrate 80 years of National Day. Many were accompanied by family, while others traveled by bus or even motorbike to attend the ceremony.

"At my age, it's unlikely I'll return to the capital again," said Nguyen Van Minh, 68, a Co ethnic veteran from Quang Ngai, who traveled to Hanoi alone.

Believing that her grandfather, a veteran, might not have another chance to attend such a grand event, 29-year-old Hoang Anh flew from Ho Chi Minh City to her hometown to bring 85-year-old Nguyen Van Bau to Hanoi for the ceremony. "He's 85, so we consider this his last trip," she said.

Mr. Bau fought at Quang Tri Citadel in 1972. His body still bears shrapnel and scars from the war. On 29/8, despite heavy rain in Hanoi, he urged his family to take him to the parade area in the afternoon. The former soldier was given a priority seat.

"Seeing the modern military equipment, a testament to the strength of our army, he was filled with joy and emotion," Hoang Anh recounted.

Mr. Bau, 85, visits Hanoi during the 80th National Day celebrations. Photo provided by the family

Mr. Bau, 85, visits Hanoi during the 80th National Day celebrations. Photo provided by the family

Choosing not to wear his uniform or medals, Nguyen Xuan Thuong, 75, from Phu Xuyen, Hanoi, joined his family in Ba Dinh on 27/8 to watch the parade rehearsal. He served as a special forces soldier, fighting in the south and in Cambodia.

40 years ago, on the 40th anniversary of reunification, he and his family watched the parade from the Opera House. This time, despite having undergone two gallstone surgeries and weakened health, he was determined to attend.

"I had to be there to see the significance of my and my comrades' sacrifices, to see how much our country has grown in 40 years," said the veteran, who has a 58% disability rating.

As troops marched past the grandstand and impressive military hardware was displayed, Mr. Thuong's eyes welled up.

After 80 years, he sat with his family in peace, admiring the nation's achievements. During the rehearsal, Mr. Thuong, wearing a white shirt and a red scarf with the national flag, waited for hours with his family.

"The war is over. Being an ordinary citizen, being with my family, is the greatest happiness. I don't feel sad at all about not having preferential treatment," he said.

Pham Nga