Since 4 o'clock in the morning, over 50 thousand people from all places in Ho Chi Minh City, had flocked their way to the city centre for the 35th celebration of Southern Liberation.
The red-coloured flags blending in with the atmosphere. (Photo: Hong Nhung)
Before the ceremony, many main streets in the city had been warmed up by long parades. The veterans marched solemnly in their uniform. Groups of students in white "ao dai" and the Youth's blue uniform, from all the districts, along with many performing artists, each held in their hands the Vietnamese flag, covered the city in colours.
Thousands of local people had joined in with the march since very early in the morning. Proud smiles are spotted on each and everyone's face.
The appearances of Vietnam's President Nguyen Minh Triet, former President Le Duc Anh, former General Secretary Le Kha Phieu, former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai and many other superior authorities made the ceremony much more special, as they celebrated this huge national pride with the people.
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Thousands of Vietnam's reporters, along with about 100 international reporters from other countries, were present at this significant event in HCMC.
At 7 a.m sharp, the celebration officially began with the marching of performing groups in efforts to relive the history when the Communist army entered Sai Gon and the unforgettable image of Sai Gon's people welcoming the liberation army.
Pham Luong Phuong Thao, from the Police College, dressed in "ao ba ba" (traditional Vietnamese silk pyjamas), could not describe her feelings when she was selected to join the march, "I was prepared and trained for about a month, but only when I actually took part in the march today, I could feel the spirit of our nation 35 years ago. I am both happy and so moved by this. I want to send my deepest gratitude to our forebearers for bringing peace back to our country."
A deep sense of pride was reflected in the eyes of each veteran from the districts of Go Vap, No.3 and Cu Chi, who left around 3 to 4 o'clock in the morning to be at the event.
Pham Xuan Man, a veteran from Go Vap District shared that he could not sleep the previous night, as all his memories of this day 35 years ago flushed back and he could not stop feeling the intensity of his emotions. "I just couldn't wait to be up and leave the house. I'm so happy that it has been 35 years, and I still have the energy to participate in this important celebration event. This is a big festival, a national pride to the Vietnamese people," Man said with excitement.
Pham Thi Hong, equally eager, said, "These days last year, I was still sewing the national flags along with my neighbours in preparations for this day. April 30, 1975, I was only 19 years old. I am very proud of my generation."
Thousands of people, despite the fact that they were not a part of the parade, stood on the two sides with their eyes showing all of their eagerness and enthusiasm.
Hoang Anh Tuan, from the University of Industry, walked over a kilometre with his friends to where the meeting ceremony was held. "We arrived here just before 6 a.m. I felt like fire was burning inside my body! We were fortunate to be born in peace however, I still can feel the spirit, the bravery and courage of our heroes," Tuan said.
Everywhere on the streets, from the tall buildings to buses and taxi cars, everything seems to look cleaner, nicer and the atmosphere filled with joy and pride.
Female students in white "ao dai" during the opening ceremony. (Photo: Hong Nhung)
Permanent Vice Chairman of HCMC People's Commitee Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tai makes an introduction.
Saluting before the national flag.
Superior authorities made their presence at the ceremony.
Pham Luong Phuong Thao wants to thank the generations that had gone before her.
Watching the ceremony live on T.V.
