On the morning of September 2, the grand celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Vietnam’s National Day took place successfully at Ba Dinh Square. Participating in the event, alongside officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Armed Forces, were military personnel from China, Russia, Laos, and Cambodia.

Approximately 400 soldiers from China, Russia, Laos, and Cambodia joined the commemorative ceremony this morning.

Following the ceremonial march past the grandstand, all four foreign contingents continued their parade through Hanoi streets including Nguyen Thai Hoc, Trang Thi, Hang Khay, and Trang Tien, ending at the final rally point in August Revolution Square.

Leading the parade was a formation of 120 honor guards from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China. This is the only unit responsible for ceremonial duties for the Communist Party of China, the Chinese state, and the PLA. Over the past 70 years, the unit has successfully performed more than 13,000 ceremonial missions.

The PLA and the Vietnam People's Army share a long-standing history of solidarity in resisting foreign invaders. Their deep mutual affection continues to strengthen the relationship described as "comrades and brothers."

The Russian contingent was composed of ceremonial honor guards representing the three branches of Russia’s Armed Forces: Ground Forces, Aerospace Forces, and Navy.

During the Great Patriotic War, the Red Army of the Soviet Union made a decisive contribution to the defeat of fascism. Today, the relationship between Russia’s military forces and the Vietnam People's Army continues to grow, built on a foundation of traditional friendship, contributing to the elevation of the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Lao People's Army was represented by a 120-member marching unit. Established in 1949, the Lao People's Army stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Vietnam People's Army during the wars for national liberation, fighting and triumphing over foreign invaders.

Today, the Lao People's Army is undergoing comprehensive development across all areas. Defense cooperation between the two nations continues to strengthen, fostering a great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces also sent 120 soldiers, representing the army, navy, air force, and military police.

With a long-standing tradition of friendship and unity between the two nations, the Cambodian and Vietnamese militaries have always stood side-by-side in the fight against foreign aggression.

Today, military ties between Cambodia and Vietnam continue to grow in strength, reinforcing their commitment to protecting each country’s independence and territorial integrity, under the guiding principle of “Good neighbors, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability.”

The National Day parade not only honors Vietnam’s achievements in its struggle for national liberation, reunification, and development, but also serves as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to international friends and progressive people worldwide - key contributors to the success of the August Revolution and Vietnam’s continued progress.

Inviting military delegations from these four countries to participate in the parade symbolizes Vietnam’s spirit of friendship, solidarity, and close ties with its partners. It also affirms the country’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, and being a reliable partner to all nations.

Vietnamese citizens watching the parade warmly welcomed the foreign soldiers, showing great affection and enthusiasm. Wherever the troops marched, people reached out to shake their hands and cheer them on. These moments surely left lasting memories for the foreign soldiers of their time in Vietnam and the warmth of its people.

Photos of international military personnel on Hanoi streets during the parade:

VietNamNet