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Soldiers from the Command of Protection for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum begin the flag raising ceremony  at the historic Ba Dinh Square in the political heart of the capital, Hanoi.

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The guard for the ceremony was comprised of 34 soldiers, with each one representing the first 34 soldiers of the Armed Propaganda Unit for National Liberation, the predecessor to the Vietnam People’s Army.

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The gates of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum opened at 5:50am. Inside the words “nothing is more precious than independence and freedom” 

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The national flag flutters in the wind as it flies above Ba Dinh Square.

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To mark Vietnam’s National Day, a large number of people gather to view the ceremony taking place in Ba Dinh Square.

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Following the completion of the flag raising ritual, the guards march in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum back to their posts, signalling the conclusion of the ceremony.

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A delegation of veterans from the central province of Quang Binh pay a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

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Zing/VOV