Many shared their touching feelings filled with admiration as they witnessed a confident and resilient Vietnam risen from the past hardships and wars. Some described the rehearsal as a “model” since it gave them an opportunity to better understand the indomitable spirit and national pride of the Vietnamese people and experience the warmth, hospitality, and aspirations of a nation that is strongly integrated with the world.
Christina Gordon and Calum Thomson from Scotland had a special experience watching the rehearsal. Christina shared that their trip coincidentally coincided with this historic occasion in Vietnam, making it an unforgettable memory. Coming early, the two joined crowds on Hang Khay Street to watch the event.
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Christina Gordon and Calum Thomson have a special experience watching the rehearsal. |
Christina said she was deeply touched by the festive atmosphere, the brilliant red of the national flags, and the proud faces of people wearing red T-shirts with yellow star. It was her first time participating in such a large-scale event, where millions united in joy. She was particularly impressed by the image of people in ao dai (traditional Vietnamese long dress) and red-flag shirts taking photos by Hoan Kiem Lake, radiating beauty and happiness. “It was such a peaceful scene,” she said.
The Scottish couple marveled at the scale and meticulous organization of the event and showed admiration for the great efforts of participating parade troops. Both agreed that through this event, the world can better understand Vietnamese’s pride, unity, and determination to rise, and that the parade affirmed the country’s development, stability, and desire for peace. They also expressed gratitude for the friendliness and hospitality of Vietnamese people, calling it a priceless experience, and extended their congratulations on Vietnam’s National Day.
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Holger Domel shares that it is a rare experience for him to immerse himself in the atmosphere of Vietnam’s rehearsal. |
For Holger Domel from Germany, immersing himself in the atmosphere of Vietnam’s rehearsal was a rare experience, as “not many Germans have the chance to witness such a major event.” Wearing a shirt with the Vietnamese flag, he said it was an honor to join in the solemn and festive spirit of the day. Having attended similar events elsewhere, he affirmed that he had never experienced anything like this before. “I’ve seen a few events, but the organization and community spirit in Vietnam truly impressed me,” he stated.
What struck him most was the sense of solidarity and harmony among people. Despite the huge crowds, there was no pushing, shoving, or quarrels. People were considerate and supportive of each other, creating a remarkable atmosphere of unity. He described it as a “wonderful model,” summing up the event with three words of “scale, unity, harmony.”
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For Szimonetta Rumanova and Gergely Gencs, it is a special experience arriving in Vietnam right during National Day celebrations. |
For Szimonetta Rumanova and Gergely Gencs from Slovakia, it was a special experience arriving in Vietnam right during National Day celebrations. Standing on Dien Bien Phu Street, they attentively watched the rehearsal. They shared that they had arrived in Hanoi the previous day. This was their second trip to Asia, but the first to Vietnam. They planned to visit famous sites as friends told them Vietnam is beautiful. “By coincidence, we happened to be here on your National Day and could experience such a passionate atmosphere like never before,” they said.
The couple said their hotel staff explained that it was only the rehearsal, with the official National Day celebration to follow. “Luckily, we will stay in Vietnam for five more days, so we will surely return to witness the grand celebration,” they added.
Sharing the same sentiment, Sabino, an American national, described the rehearsal as “wonderful,” with everyone uniting in joy with the Vietnamese nation. According to his wife named Phuong Le, when he learned about the event, he asked her to buy him a red-flag shirt with yellow star, stickers, and a paper fan with the Vietnamese national flag so he could join in the celebration of her homeland. “He was so cheerful and excited, as if he himself were Vietnamese,” Le said. The couple also sent their heartfelt congratulations to the Vietnamese people on the 80th National Day.
Enjoying his last day of the twelve-day first Vietnam visit in Hanoi, Jose Carlos Barbosa from Portugal, wearing yellow-star red-flag scarf, said that he learnt about the rehearsal from local news and decided to join in Vietnamese people near Trang Tien Street. During his stay in Hanoi, he recorded many clips of people proudly wearing and displaying the colors of Vietnam, filling streets with flags, joy and music, celebrating the unity of the nation.
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Jose Carlos Barbosa says that it is an honor to him to share such a significant national celebration with the Vietnamese people. |
Recognizing that Vietnam endured extremely difficult periods of war, marked by suffering, sacrifice, and profound human loss, he deeply admired the extraordinary capacity of the Vietnamese people to preserve their culture, to rebuild their nation, and to strive for peace even after immense hardship. He said that “in times of peace, Vietnam stands as a shining example of resilience, dignity, and hope for the future.”
Speaking highly of the exemplary way that Vietnamese people welcome foreigners with warmth, kindness, courtesy, and profound respect, making visitors like him feel constantly safe and valued, Barbosa affirmed that “joining them on this historic occasion was also, for me, a gesture of gratitude for the generous hospitality with which they receive visitors from abroad,” and that “to share such a significant national celebration with the Vietnamese people was an honor, and it left me with lasting respect and affection for this extraordinary nation.”
The Portuguese visitor stressed that Vietnam deserves to be discovered slowly, attentively, and with respect, and “I certainly look forward to returning to deepen my understanding and appreciation of this extraordinary nation.”
Translated by Mai Huong