66 artillery salutes mark 80th anniversary of Vietnam's national day

On the evening of 2/9, at My Dinh National Stadium, the ceremonial artillery team of the 45th Artillery Brigade fired 66 rounds to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day.

My Dinh National Stadium square was packed with people on the evening of 2/9, gathered to watch the 105 mm artillery display and await the high-altitude fireworks at 9 p.m. Security forces set up barricades to keep the public about 50 meters from the artillery position. The howitzers, belonging to the 45th Artillery Brigade under the Missile and Artillery Command, earlier that day fired 21 ceremonial rounds to commence the National Day parade.

The shells used in the A80 parade rehearsals, the general rehearsal, and the National Day ceremony were specialized rounds containing only propellant, without warheads, ensuring safety for the surrounding area.

At 8:45 p.m. on 2/9, the Missile and Artillery troops announced over a loudspeaker that, "having successfully completed their morning mission, the ceremonial artillery team would now perform a salute to celebrate National Day," and invited the public to enjoy the display.

Troops transported ceremonial artillery shells to the firing position, where 15 105 mm cannons were placed.

The artillery crew took their positions. The team was organized into five platoons, each responsible for three cannons.

At 8:50 p.m., the cannons began firing. Over six minutes, the ceremonial team fired a total of six rounds, comprising 66 shots. In the first four rounds, each cannon fired one shot.

In the fifth round, the three-cannon platoons fired simultaneously.

In the final round, all 15 cannons fired together, concluding the display.

Thousands of people at My Dinh National Stadium cheered enthusiastically after each round. The crowd began singing "As If Uncle Ho Is Still With Us" after the artillery team completed the 66-gun salute.

At 9 p.m., fireworks lit up the sky across from My Dinh National Stadium square. The artillery crew remained at attention in their positions, watching the fireworks with the public.

On National Day night, the artillery salutes and fireworks illuminated My Dinh, allowing many to fully enjoy the last day of the holiday before returning to work.