Luan, a veteran from Hoai Duc (Hanoi), arrived at Hung Vuong - Tran Phu street at 8 a.m. on 29/8 to await the parade rehearsal on 30/8. He met fellow veterans from different battlefields, reminiscing about their shared past. At noon, Luan stood up, flag in hand, and led the crowd in chants of "Long live Vietnam" and revolutionary songs. "I saw people getting tired after waiting for hours, so I wanted to lift their spirits," the 68-year-old veteran said.

He explained that as a former artillery platoon deputy commander in the 326th Lai Chau division, he understood the power of music to boost morale.

During previous rehearsals (24/8 and 27/8), Luan waited along Kim Ma and Lieu Giai streets for over eight hours, finding ways to energize the crowd. Regardless of the weather, he smiled, even danced, to dispel the fatigue of those waiting.

Veteran Tran Van Luan (second from right), 68, from Hoai Duc commune, Hanoi, waits to watch the parade rehearsal on Tran Phu street, morning of 29/8. Photo: Nga Thanh

Veteran Tran Van Luan (second from right), 68, from Hoai Duc commune, Hanoi, waits to watch the parade rehearsal on Tran Phu street, morning of 29/8. Photo: Nga Thanh

On Lieu Giai street, Nguyen Tien Thinh, 86, from Hung Yen, also volunteered as a song leader, singing with the crowd for over 12 hours. This veteran served in bomb disposal and route clearance along the North-South battlefield from 1964. During times of fatigue or homesickness, he and his comrades would sing military songs to maintain their fighting spirit.

"This is probably the last time I'll experience this sacred moment, so I want to fully enjoy it with my comrades and the people," Thinh said.

Nguyen Tien Thinh (in white), 86, from Hung Yen (formerly Thai Binh), sings for over 12 hours with fellow veterans and people attending the parade. Source: TikTok

Thinh's video garnered hundreds of thousands of views and thousands of comments expressing emotion. Some shared their regret for loved ones lost in the war, who couldn't experience this moment. Many young people left well wishes and reminded each other to offer seats to veterans during the parade because "thanks to them, we have peace today".

Ngoc Trang, 24, who attended the first rehearsals, said she always tries to sit near veterans to hear their stories. She noted their strong voices, "full of Uncle Ho's soldier spirit", especially when chanting slogans or singing.

"We couldn't help but sing along. The wait, however long, feels precious because we get to experience these moments," the young woman from Thanh Xuan district said.

Nguyen Tien Thinh, 86, from Hung Yen (formerly Thai Binh), participated in the resistance war from 1964. Photo: Family provided

Nguyen Tien Thinh, 86, from Hung Yen (formerly Thai Binh), participated in the resistance war from 1964. Photo: Family provided

Ngo Van Hoan, 69, and five comrades traveled from Tuyen Quang to Tran Phu street in Hanoi to watch the rehearsal. While waiting, he sang with his comrades in the rain, encouraging those around them to join in. Witnessing the soldiers and civilians singing together along the crowded streets, Hoan was deeply moved.

"Attending the 80th National Day celebration in Hanoi is my last wish in life," the 69-year-old veteran said.

Nga Thanh - Quynh Nguyen