"Under waving flags and with national pride, Vietnamese soldiers paraded on September 2 to commemorate 80 years of independence," French news agency AFP reported. "Helicopters and planes flew overhead as thousands lined the streets early to secure prime viewing spots."

With approximately 40,000 military personnel and civilians participating, the parade "broke the record of 30,000 participants set in 1985," AFP noted.

An AFP photographer captured T-55 tanks moving through Ba Dinh Square during the September 2 parade. Photo: AFP

An AFP photographer captured T-55 tanks moving through Ba Dinh Square during the September 2 parade. Photo: AFP

"The celebrations focused on Vietnam's achievements since independence, including its economic transformation into a global manufacturing powerhouse," the news agency wrote.

AFP interviewed Vu Thi Trang, a 19-year-old student at the event, who said, "Something inside urged me to come here. I'm grateful for the sacrifices of the previous generation so we can have peace and freedom."

"We want to show everyone that the Vietnamese people love peace, and we are enjoying what we have," said Nguyen Thi Huong, 51, who closed her grocery store to watch the parade rehearsal on 30/8.

The American news agency AP described the scene of Vietnamese flags adorning the streets of Hanoi, with every house displaying the red flag with a gold star.

Flags decorating Hanoi's streets on September 1, captured by an AP photographer. Photo: AP

Flags decorating Hanoi's streets on September 1, captured by an AP photographer. Photo: AP

"Flags hung from balconies and were plastered on walls," AP wrote. "In this moment, the red flags with gold stars stretched across the city, on old balconies and new towers, in celebration."

Bloomberg reported that rehearsals and the final parade drew large crowds who waited overnight for a glimpse of the event. Soldiers formed heart shapes and made other gestures during the parade to express national pride.

Alongside Soviet-era tanks, Vietnam also showcased newer military equipment like drones, cruise missiles, air defense missiles, and domestically produced military communication systems, Bloomberg reported.

"This equipment represents the initial results of Vietnam's efforts to modernize and become self-reliant in weapons and equipment after many decades," Bloomberg assessed.

Greg Poling, an expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), noted that the military modernization process is challenging for any country. However, Vietnam has overcome obstacles and "is building its own distinct military ecosystem."

An upgraded T-54B tank, modernized by Vietnam, leads a column of T-54/55 tanks. Photo: Nguyen Dong

An upgraded T-54B tank, modernized by Vietnam, leads a column of T-54/55 tanks. Photo: Nguyen Dong

Gazeta Pravda, the newspaper of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, reported that "Vietnam celebrated its 80th National Day within a new political and socio-economic reality."

"Vietnam's top leadership has launched a comprehensive reform program, approaching truly revolutionary changes," Gazeta Pravda wrote.

Kommersant noted that Vietnam celebrated its 80th National Day with "the largest parade in decades," describing Hanoi's streets as filled with flags and tens of thousands of people carrying flags, most dressed in red.

"Advanced military equipment participated in the parade, including tanks, missiles, helicopters, and fighter jets," Kommersant reported. "Thousands of Vietnamese soldiers, along with foreign contingents, including those from Russia and China, were present at the event. The Vietnamese Navy also held a naval parade, featuring submarines and frigates."

Kommersant quoted General Secretary To Lam's speech at the ceremony, emphasizing Vietnam's "resolute and persistent defense of independence, freedom, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and every sacred inch of the Fatherland."

Nguyen Tien