Major General Tong Van Thanh, deputy head of the Propaganda and Training Department under the Vietnam People's Army's General Political Department, announced this at a press conference on August 22 about the upcoming celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2.

According to General Thanh, the Ministry of National Defense invited the militaries of 4 countries: Russia, China, Cambodia, and Laos, to participate in the parade. Russia, Laos, and Cambodia sent troops to Vietnam between August 15 and August 20, participating in the first joint rehearsal on the evening of August 21 at Ba Dinh Square.

The parade will begin with a traditional torch procession and a ceremonial artillery salute. This will be followed by an air force flyover. The parade will consist of 43 formations: 26 from the Vietnamese army, 17 from the police force, a foreign military contingent, a military artillery and specialized police vehicle display. Footage of a naval parade in Khanh Hoa will be broadcast to Hanoi.

Additionally, there will be 13 civilian formations. The background will include honor guards and 29 stationary formations (11 more than previous parades), with 4,600 people forming patterns and letters on the grandstand.

Chinese troops parade in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30. Photo: Duc Dong

Chinese troops parade in Ho Chi Minh City on April 30. Photo: Duc Dong

The combined forces participating in the parade held their first rehearsal on August 21. The second general rehearsal will take place at 8 p.m. on August 24, the state-level preliminary rehearsal at 8 p.m. on August 27, and the state-level general rehearsal at 6:30 a.m. on August 30. The official ceremony will commence at 6:30 a.m. on September 2.

Evaluating the first combined rehearsal on August 21, Major General Tong Van Thanh stated that the forces performed well, demonstrating good quality and spirit. "With the support of the people, the participating forces are further strengthened and in good health, ready to fulfill their duties," he said.

Le Thi Thu Hang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that on the occasion of National Day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will invite 6 high-ranking delegations from Cuba, Laos, Cambodia, Belarus, Russia, and China to attend the celebration. Some delegations will also engage in bilateral activities. In addition, 20 international delegations invited by the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will attend. The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations has invited nearly 100 international delegates, including those who contributed to Vietnam's national liberation.

Ms. Hang also said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is organizing a group of 50 overseas Vietnamese representatives to participate in the parade. They are enthusiastically rehearsing, sharing in the national spirit. The Ministry has also invited numerous overseas Vietnamese with contributions to the country to attend the ceremony from the grandstand.

Doan Loan