Over 16,000 soldiers rehearse parade in the rain
WVR - More than 16,000 officers and soldiers from the Army and the Police forces, along with a powerful array of military equipment, carried out joint parade rehearsals despite heavy rain, preparing thoroughly for the grand parade celebrating the 80th Independence Day.
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| General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense, encouraged the parade forces. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
On the morning of August 16, at the National Military Training Center 4, General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense, together with leaders of the Ministry of National Defense and representatives of several ministries and sectors, visited, encouraged, and inspected the forces participating in the parade rehearsals for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Independence Day, September 2.
From early morning, in the suburban area of Hanoi where the rehearsal took place, heavy rain poured continuously. However, the atmosphere at the training ground remained heroic, with proud and majestic steps from the officers and soldiers.
Over 16,000 officers and soldiers took part in the joint rehearsal. In previous stages of training and drills, despite harsh and unpredictable weather, they maintained their sense of responsibility and made great efforts to successfully complete their assigned tasks. Today also marked the first time that the naval parade formation from Cam Ranh joined rehearsals with the armed forces via livestream connection with Hanoi.
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| The rehearsal ground was hit by continuous heavy rain. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
At the 4th large-scale rehearsal, Minister of Defense General Phan Van Giang encouraged the forces: “Your clothes will be soaked, your weapons and equipment must be carefully maintained. I hope that we will overcome the weather conditions to accomplish our mission. Even if it rains like this on Independence Day, the official parade day, we must still march excellently. We cannot let the weather, wet uniforms, or rainwater on our faces stop us from marching properly. There is no second chance to do it again”.
General Phan Van Giang emphasized that since the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, and now this 80th Independence Day, the daily dedication, steps, actions, and determination of the parade forces have become much stronger.
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| Despite heavy rain, the atmosphere at the training ground remained heroic, with strong, proud steps from the soldiers. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
“Many comrades volunteered. Some parade blocks have 100% volunteers. This shows the spirit, responsibility, national pride, and patriotism of our soldiers and young people today is very high”, the Minister said.
General Phan Van Giang praised and acknowledged the efforts of the forces, especially those with difficult personal circumstances who still set aside private matters to fulfill this meaningful mission.
“I deeply admire comrades who have participated in all three parades since May 7, 2024. Many comrades have joined two parades. There are even cases where both husband and wife participate in the parade together. This is truly commendable, showing each person’s sense of responsibility to the collective, the Fatherland and the nation”, General Phan Van Giang shared.
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| Tanks at the rehearshal. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
Leaders of the Ministry of National Defense highly valued the participation of women formations, military bands… Regarding the vehicle formations of both the Army and Police, Minister Phan Van Giang noted they marched “very well, very evenly”. He expressed hope that these strengths and beauty will shine during the official ceremony celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Independence Day, September 2, making every step even more powerful and majestic.
“When international guests and friends from around the world watch our parade, looking at our Army, Police, militia, and other forces, they will clearly see the unity expressed through this strength,” General Phan Van Giang emphasized.
“Time never returns, but memories will remain with us forever”, the Minister said emotionally.
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| Military equipment at the large-scale rehearsal. (Photo: T.M) |
He noted that this is the first time that maritime sovereignty protection forces will join the parade together with the Navy, Coast Guard, and Border Guard. General Phan Van Giang emphasized that this is also an opportunity for Vietnam to affirm to the world that we have all the necessary forces and military branches to ensure internal security and firmly protect the Fatherland.
With just over two weeks left until the official celebration, General Phan Van Giang instructed the Parade Subcommittee to guide units in scientific training, promptly draw lessons down to each individual, and continue ensuring logistics, discipline, and health safety in preparation for the big day.
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| Military equipment at the large-scale rehearsal. (Photo: T.M) |
“Not only must every hundred soldiers move as one, but each block must move as one. Whether marching on foot, standing formations, vehicle formations, or the supporting forces like musicians, everyone must move as one. We have worked hard already, but in the remaining time we must be even more determined”, the Minister reminded and encouraged.
Carrying forward the immortal spirit of the August Revolution and Independence Day, with the determination and effort of all forces, General Phan Van Giang expressed confidence that the upcoming parade will be a resounding success, bringing pride to the nation, the country, and to every officer and soldier entrusted with Mission A80.
