The second combined rehearsal for the military parade took place on 2/7 amidst heavy rain at three locations: the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, the Mieu Mon National Training Center, and Hanoi National University. The military contributed 27 marching units and 11 stationary units, with over 7,400 officers, soldiers, and support staff.

The cyberspace operations unit was represented by troops from Military Region 5. The unit traveled by train from central Vietnam to Hanoi on 6/6 and underwent nearly a month of training for the parade.

Heavy rain had persisted in northern Vietnam for a week, with Hanoi experiencing downpours from the previous night into the early morning. Despite the weather, people from surrounding areas, 20-30 km away, and even from neighboring provinces came to watch and support the troops. Around 8 a.m., the rain stopped, and the crowd grew larger.

Citizens stood patiently behind barriers and dividers, waiting to see the different units march past.

84-year-old Hoang Van Dung and his 76-year-old wife, Tran Thi Lan, rode their motorbike from Yen Bai to the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism to cheer on the troops. The 84-year-old veteran explained that due to his age and health, it would be difficult to attend the official parade in Ba Dinh on 2/9, so he wanted to see the rehearsal.

Nguyen Thi Anh and her cousins braved the rain, traveling over 10 km from Kieu Phu commune, starting at 6 a.m. Anh, who lives in Dak Nong, brought her children back to her hometown for summer vacation and took the opportunity to watch the rehearsal, as they wouldn't be in Hanoi on 2/9.

18-year-old Hong Anh offered her best wishes to the soldiers before the parade. At 5 a.m., she and her close friend traveled 130 km from Nam Dinh ward (Ninh Binh) to the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism to show their support. The night before, the two girls spent time wrapping candies and small national flags as gifts for the soldiers.

Many young people, mostly university students in Hanoi and high school graduates who had just finished their national exams, took the opportunity to interact and take photos with the soldiers.

Mr. Tuan, originally from Nghe An and visiting his grandchildren in Hanoi, "insisted his son take him to the rehearsal this morning." Knowing he had traveled from afar to support them, the soldiers happily posed for photos with him.

Close to 10 a.m., the units boarded their vehicles to return to their bases. The soldiers, with their rifles slung over their shoulders, marched in unison, singing "Vi Nhan Dan Quen Minh" (For the People, Forget Oneself) amidst the cheers and encouragement of the crowd.

Special forces soldiers displayed the gifts given to them by the public.

The parade rehearsals took place during the hottest month of summer, and this year's weather has been unpredictable. The Ministry of National Defense requested that agencies and units create flexible training plans and ensure the well-being of the soldiers.

Giang Huy - Hoang Phuong