On the morning of 28/8, the "80 Years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness" exhibition opened at the National Exhibition Center in Hanoi. The Ministry of National Defense's military equipment display attracted many visitors despite its outdoor location and the intense morning sun.

81-year-old Bui Ngoc Thuy and her family from Ngoc Khanh braved the heat to tour the military equipment display. Seeing the modern missiles, launchers, and tanks on display, Thuy was moved to tears by the nation's remarkable transformation.

"Having lived through the war, I am truly happy to see the array of equipment at this exhibition. These advanced weapons give me faith in our country's peace," she said.

Thuy poses with the military equipment displayed outdoors. Photo: Tu Nguyen

Thuy poses with the military equipment displayed outdoors. Photo: Tu Nguyen

Under the hot sun, 76-year-old veteran Nguyen Huu Trung and his wife carefully read the information about the military equipment on display. Trung, who served in the army from 1970 to 1987, said that during wartime, soldiers couldn't even dream of the day Vietnam would possess such modern equipment.

Having arrived at the exhibition early in the morning, Trung expressed his delight at the number of young people interested in Vietnam's history and military.

Having experienced many past wars, Trung wept openly upon witnessing the growth of the Vietnam People's Army. The veteran repeatedly wiped away tears, as the images of this military equipment were once associated with countless fierce battles and the thin line between life and death.

"Seeing this military equipment in peacetime, I think anyone who comes here will have even more faith in and pride in the Vietnam People's Army," he said, encouraging young people to visit and experience the exhibition.

Truong Trong Nghia and Nguyen Viet Nhuan, both 34, explored the entire exhibition and said the shooting experience at the Viettel booth was "fantastic". The military equipment display was also a highlight, as they are both interested in Vietnam's history and military. Both had watched the previous A80 parade but said seeing and touching the modern military equipment in person was "much better".

Not only Hanoi residents, but visitors from Ho Chi Minh City, like Nguyen Minh Duc, also took advantage of their last morning in the capital to bring his 8-year-old son and wife to the exhibition. He said the Vietnam People's Army's military equipment display was the most impressive. While he had seen many planes and tanks in military museums, this was his first time witnessing such modern military equipment.

Trung (red hat) and his wife look at the information about a launch vehicle. Photo: Tu Nguyen

Trung (red hat) and his wife look at the information about a launch vehicle. Photo: Tu Nguyen

Nguyen Trong Dung from Hanoi was fortunate enough to be guided by a soldier and allowed to sit inside a modified T-54B tank and wear a radio headset like a real soldier. He said the interior was cramped and initially uncomfortable but still enjoyable as a rare experience.

At the outdoor military equipment display, organizers arranged for soldiers to answer visitors' questions about how the equipment works. One soldier mentioned that each piece of military equipment has its own information board, but it's mainly technical and often not fully understood by the general public.

Covering nearly 260,000 m2, the exhibition is the largest to date, with participation from 34 provinces and cities, 28 ministries and branches, and over 230 booths from 106 state-owned and private enterprises.

The shooting experience area in Hall H8 of the exhibition. Photo: Tu Nguyen

Viet Nhuan photographs the military equipment displayed outdoors. Photo: Tu Nguyen

Trong Dung tries sitting in a modified T-54B tank. Photo: Tu Nguyen

The exhibition space is designed with a modern approach, combining artifacts, images, and historical documents with digital technology, 3D mapping projections, virtual reality, holograms, and artificial intelligence applications, offering a new experience for the public.

The exhibition is divided into three main sections. The overview section at the Kim Quy Exhibition House, themed "Vietnam - Journey to a New Era", includes six spaces: "Vietnam - Land - People", "95 Years of the Party Flag Lighting the Way", "Building Development", "Prosperous Provinces, Strong Country", "Economic Locomotive", and "National Startup".

The outdoor section, themed "Integration and Development", includes spaces such as "For a Green Future", "Sky Aspirations", "Sword and Shield", "National Day Festival", and a performing arts area.

Tu Nguyen