The April 30 national celebration in Ho Chi Minh City will feature military parade formations from Laos and Cambodia, alongside dozens of Vietnamese divisions, marking 50 years since Vietnam's reunification and International Workers’ Day.

On the morning of April 30, the national-level commemorative ceremony will be held on Le Duan Boulevard, District 1, and surrounding central streets in Ho Chi Minh City.

The parade, organized by the Ministry of National Defense, will include four ceremonial flag-bearing divisions, 36 military parade divisions, and 12 civil parade divisions. Notably, formations from Laos and Cambodia are expected to participate in the military segment.

At a press briefing this morning, the Central Steering Committee for Major National Celebrations shared details on the upcoming commemorative activities. Deputy Minister Le Hai Binh said that the national atmosphere is filled with joy, pride, and deep gratitude, especially in Ho Chi Minh City.

“This is a moment for all Vietnamese people to reflect on one of the most glorious chapters in our national history,” he said, referring to the sacred moment of reunification 50 years ago. He emphasized the international significance of the event, noting widespread support from global friends.

Deputy Chairwoman of Ho Chi Minh City, Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, noted that the event will be broadcast widely with 20 LED screens placed throughout major streets for locals and tourists to follow the celebration. Many digital billboards across the city will also broadcast the ceremony from 6:30 a.m.

She also highlighted a special feature of this year’s parade: seven double-decker buses will carry guests of honor - one bus will transport Heroes of the People’s Armed Forces and Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, while six others will carry war veterans from 62 provinces and cities.

According to tourism data, the city has around 62,000 hotel rooms (excluding other rental options). However, all hotels near the parade area have been fully booked for the past two weeks.

On the evening before the event, security zones around areas such as Le Van Tam Park, Tao Dan Park, and April 30 Park will be closed to the public for safety reasons.

Deputy Chairwoman Thuy recommended that residents view the event from across the river in Thu Duc City, where there is a wide area with grandstands offering a direct view of cannon salutes and aerial displays.

General Secretary To Lam to deliver commemorative address

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang confirmed strong international interest in the ceremony, with over 20 foreign delegations confirmed to attend.

These include three high-level delegations, five ministerial-level delegations, and about 15 political parties from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. More than 100 representatives from international peace and anti-war organizations will also be present.

Ho Chi Minh City has invited over 20 sister cities from abroad, along with prominent foreign individuals who have contributed to Vietnam.

For the first time, a marching division of 120 distinguished overseas Vietnamese will take part, along with over 100 participants from 25 countries and territories - some aged over 90.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also invited former war correspondents and foreign supporters of Vietnam, including relatives of Norman Morrison - the American who self-immolated in front of the Pentagon to protest the war in Vietnam. He is a well-known figure among Vietnamese through the poem "Emily, My Child" by To Huu.

Deputy Head of the Central Committee for Propaganda and Mass Mobilization, Dinh Thi Mai, said that the ceremony will begin with a 30-minute cultural program, including military rifle drills, drum performances by police forces, and artistic performances directed by Ho Chi Minh City.

After the flag-raising and introductions, the commemorative speeches will follow, featuring leaders of the Communist Party and State, a war veteran representative, and a speech by a young Vietnamese representative. General Secretary To Lam is expected to deliver the keynote address.

Tran Thuong