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Hundreds of residents braved rain and wind, lining up as early as dawn to get the best viewing spots for the military parade rehearsal scheduled at 8:00 PM tonight in Hanoi, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2.
From early morning, crowds gathered along major routes such as Tran Phu and Hung Vuong streets, eager to witness the full-dress rehearsal of the grand parade. Many came equipped with folding chairs, tarpaulins, tents, dried food, bottled water, and handheld fans, setting up camp hours ahead of the event.
Some even secured their chairs to barricades and stretched tarpaulins to claim their space and shelter from the elements. By 11:30 AM, the intersection of Nguyen Thai Hoc and Hang Chao was packed. Authorities began restricting traffic flow as this location provided one of the best vantage points to view nearly all parade formations.
Barricades had been erected early on major streets like Hung Vuong, Tran Phu, and Nguyen Thai Hoc, with sidewalks filling up as residents gradually occupied the space.
Phuong Anh, 35, from Hoang Mai District, Hanoi, arrived with her two children at 2:00 AM. “It was already crowded when we got here. I brought enough food and water for three meals,” she shared. “Despite the rain, I wanted my kids to witness peace and see the parade with their own eyes.”
In the face of drizzling rain, umbrellas, ponchos, and plastic tarps became makeshift shelters as spectators tried to hold onto their prized viewing spots.
Two young women, Thao and Thuy, traveled from Ha Dong at 5:00 AM to avoid missing out on a spot. They chose a tented area in front of Hanoi Railway Station, where they could stay dry and still enjoy a full view of the parade.
Veteran Hoang Thi Duyen and 18 fellow war veterans arrived by train from Thanh Hoa Province. She expressed her excitement to witness the rehearsal. “Fifty years ago, I marched as part of the Air Force contingent. Watching the parade again brings back a deep sense of pride.”
By afternoon, the weather seemed to cooperate, with only light rain over Hanoi, further fueling the public’s enthusiasm for the historic event.
From early morning, crowds gathered along Tran Phu and Hung Vuong to await the parade rehearsal.
Small groups brought chairs, tarps, tents, food, water, and handheld fans for the long wait.
Some people secured their seats to barricades with ropes and tarpaulins to hold their spots.
By 11:30 AM, the Nguyen Thai Hoc - Hang Chao intersection was packed with onlookers.
Barricades were set up early, and sidewalks quickly filled with people.
Despite the rain, spectators came prepared with umbrellas and ponchos.
Two young women arrived from Ha Dong at 5:00 AM and found a dry spot near Hanoi Station.
Veteran Hoang Thi Duyen, who once marched in a military parade 50 years ago, came from Thanh Hoa to witness the rehearsal.
VietNamNet
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