On September 2, 2025, Vietnam celebrated its National Day with a monumental military parade in Hanoi, marking the 80th anniversary of its independence from French colonial rule. Thousands of citizens gathered in the streets, with many camping overnight to secure prime spots for the grand display, which was held at Ba Dinh Square, historically significant as the site where revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh declared independence in 1945.
The event commenced with a tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for freedom, led by Vietnam's top leader and Communist Party General Secretary, To Lam. He emphasized the ruling party's ambition for Vietnam to become a “powerful, prosperous, and happy nation” by 2045, reflecting the collective aspiration of the Vietnamese people and an oath before history, as reported by state media.
During the parade, columns of troops marched past various military hardware, including tanks, armored vehicles, and missile systems. Helicopters adorned with large Vietnamese flags flew overhead, while military jets performed aerial displays as a military band played martial music. Nearly 16,000 soldiers participated in the event, showcasing upgraded military equipment and systems developed by a state-owned Vietnamese company.
For the first time, the celebration included a televised naval parade off the coast of Cam Ranh, featuring warships, submarines, helicopters, and seaplanes. Notably, honor guards from China, Russia, Laos, and Cambodia joined the festivities, which Vietnamese state media described as a reflection of the country’s “international friendships.” This display of military might coincided with China's planned military parade in Beijing, commemorating the end of World War II.
Crowds began to form in Hanoi days ahead of the event, with many camping out on sidewalks. Videos of the parade went viral on social media, and many attendees, particularly young people in their twenties, donned red shirts with yellow stars and waved the national flag. They cheered exuberantly as soldiers marched by while enjoying iced boba tea. Large screens across the city displayed the parade, contributing to the festive atmosphere, with balconies adorned with flags.
Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen, a 22-year-old who spent the night near Ba Dinh Square, expressed her pride in the nation, saying, “Our grandparents fought for this. Now life is better.”
Vietnam has undergone significant transformation since opening its economy in the late 1980s, evolving into a manufacturing hub for electronics, textiles, and footwear. The country is a vital supplier for global brands like Samsung and Nike, and over the years, poverty levels have dramatically decreased, with a rapidly growing middle class emerging.
Despite these advancements, Vietnam faces new challenges as it navigates rapid growth alongside necessary reforms. The country must also manage aging demographics, climate change risks, and pressure from the United States regarding its trade surplus while strengthening relationships with major global powers. Additionally, Vietnam must assert its sovereignty in the South China Sea, where it holds overlapping territorial claims with China.
