From 7 p.m. on 21/8, thousands gathered near My Dinh stadium, on Le Quang Dao street, to watch the ceremonial gun salute. Artillery soldiers sat at attention, awaiting their orders.

Fifteen 105 mm howitzers were transported to My Dinh stadium on the evening of 19/8 in preparation for the first full rehearsal at Ba Dinh square on 21/8.

Soldiers from the 45th Artillery Brigade have been training since May for the ceremony. Each howitzer weighs nearly 2.3 tons and is operated by three soldiers: the first pulls the firing trigger, the second opens and closes the breech, and the third loads the ammunition.

A few hours before the rehearsal, it rained in the My Dinh area. After the rain stopped, the soldiers carefully wiped down the howitzers.

The soldiers' appearance and uniforms were meticulously prepared. The ceremonial gun salute team, selected from the 45th Artillery Brigade, consists of soldiers averaging 1.75 m tall, chosen for their appearance, skill, and training experience.

Near 8 p.m., the soldiers took their positions, ready for the first round. The 21-gun salute commenced, marking the beginning of the rehearsal, set against the backdrop of the national anthem.

Each wave of the flag signaled another booming round from the artillery.

All 21 rounds were fired within one minute. This is the highest form of ceremonial gun salute, performed during significant national events and to welcome heads of state.

The crowd cheered with every resounding blast. "Even though it's just a rehearsal, it's already magnificent," said Bui Lan Anh, a My Dinh resident.

This year's parade involves over 16,000 military personnel, with 43 marching blocks, 18 stationary blocks, and 14 blocks of military vehicles and artillery, including special forces from the Army and Police. The Air Force will conduct a flyover with a formation of over 30 aircraft. A naval parade, the first of its kind, will also be held in Khanh Hoa, with participation from the Navy, Coast Guard, Border Guard, and Military Zone 5.