Unification festivities elicit a sense of national pride among web users residing in Asia, as reported by Nikkei Asia.

Goin' Downtown HCM City for a Reunification Blowout 🎊 🎉

Here's the lowdown on the spine-tingling, history-packed revelry that unfolded in Ho Chi Minh City recently, as reported by Nikkei Asia. April 30, 2025, marked the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification - a momentous occasion for our V-peeps, and a display of their unwavering pride in their country's journey!

Party General Secretary Tô Lâm, in his address at the celebration, recognized the significance of modernizing the nation and encouraged our fellow citizens to keep the spirit of the glorious triumph from 1975 alive. He convinced us to apply the values and achievements of the last 40 years under 'Đoì Mới' (Renewal) to create even more triumphs and enchanting miracles in this shiny new era.

Let's paint a picture of the festive vibes, shall we? Hundreds of thousands of avid V-fans camped out on the streets of downtown HCM City to catch a glimpse of the action. Yep, they slept on the pavement for an entire night to guarantee a prime view of the parade! About 13,000 soldiers, police, and more marched through the bustling city, underlining the unity and resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Nguyễn Hoàng Quân, a 24-year-old V-wunderkind traveling from far and wide to witness the spectacle, couldn't hide his excitement. He shared with Nikkei Asia how he felt the nation’s pride, being engrossed in the country’s culture and eye-popping weapons displays. Not to mention, Quân was heartened by the tidiness of the city afterward, with citizens taking swift action to clean up the mess and preserve the environment. Exhausted but fulfilled, Quân admitted the celebration had surpassed his expectations.

Plenty of heartwarming tales of camaraderie pride were caught by Nikkei Asia photographers. Duông Thọ Huỳnh, a 69-year-old veteran from Bàc Ninh province in the North, celebrated the occasion with his friends, reminiscing about their nights under the stars, eagerly awaiting the big day. "It was magical," Huỳnh told the assembly, sharing memories of their collective excitement.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old V-go-getter Nguyễn Hà Chi, who works in HCM City, shared more subdued sentiments with Nikkei Asia. "After hearing Tô Lâm's speech, I felt a bit of pressure,” Chi admitted. "But I think that's our responsibility. We're trying to better ourselves to match our leaders' expectations."

Nikkei Asia showered Vietnam with praises, extolling its heroic struggles for independence, its soaring economic growth, and its transformation into a global powerhouse buoyed by a booming population, robust manufacturing, and impressive exports. The Vietnamese government aims for an economic growth target of around 8% in 2025, hoping to push the figure above 10% in the future.

Our V's have been busy at work, too! The government has implemented sweeping regulatory reforms, combining departments in the name of furthering economic development. This "second round of Đoì Mới" carries on from the original program initiated in 1986, which transformed Vietnam from a closed economy into a more market-oriented one.

The article about Việt Nam's 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975 - 2025) held in HCM City. - Photo: screenshot

Even at the ripe old age of 95, decorated war hero Major General Nguyễn Đức Huy couldn't help but feel proud of his beloved homeland. Huy, who was present during Vietnam's liberation in 1975, marveled at the nation's ongoing transformation. "It's a world beyond comparison from 50 years ago," Huy proclaimed. Each year, he visits the tombs of his fallen comrades, reflecting on their selfless sacrifices and the incredible progress the country has made since.

For the very first time, a delegation of Vietnamese abroad attended the anniversary parade, celebrating their shared history and culture. Tô Lâm called for unity and harmony, encouraging all to let go of the past, honor differences, and move forward together. And move forward we will! 🌟🐉💪🇻🇳

The Vietnamese government is aiming for an economic growth target of around 8% in 2025, with hopes to push it above 10% in the future.
A 24-year-old traveler named Nguyễn Hoàng Quân, who came from afar to witness the celebration, was deeply moved by the display of national pride, culture, and the impressive military equipment.
Duông Thọ Huỹnh, a 69-year-old veteran, celebrated the occasion with his friends, reminiscing about the nights they spent under the stars waiting for the liberation, expressing that it felt magical.
Party General Secretary Tô Lâm encourages citizens to maintain the spirit of the glorious triumph from 1975, applying the values and achievements of the last 40 years under 'Đoì Mới' (Renewal) to create even more triumphs and miracles.
Exhausted but fulfilled, Nguyễn Hoàng Quân admitted that the celebration surpassed his expectations, being especially impressed by the citizens' swift action to clean up the streets and preserve the environment.
Major General Nguyễn Đức Huy, a decorated war hero at the age of 95, proudly reflected on Vietnam's ongoing transformation and the incredible progress the country has made, particularly since the liberation in 1975.
A delegation of Vietnamese abroad attended the anniversary parade for the first time, celebrating their shared history, culture, and unity, following Tô Lâm's call for harmony, letting go of the past, and moving forward together.

Party General Secretary Tô Lâm encourages our countrymen to capitalize on the triumphant spirit from the spring of 1975, and the achievements and victories over the past 40 years under 'Đổi Mới' (renewal), to achieve even greater victories and pave the way for new wonders in the upcoming era.

Unification festivities elicit a sense of national pride among web users residing in Asia, as reported by Nikkei Asia.