In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the nation commemorated the 50th anniversary marking the end of the Vietnam War and the establishment of its modern state with a significant military parade focused on fostering a peaceful future. The fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, marked the conclusion of a divided Vietnam — between the communist North and the US-backed South. Vietnam’s top official addressed the crowd, emphasizing decades of increasing national unity.
“All Vietnamese are descendants of this land. They have the right to live, work, and pursue their happiness and love here,” stated To Lam, the General Secretary of the Vietnam Communist Party. “By closing the past, respecting differences, and looking forward to the future, the entire party, along with the people and the military, is committed to making Vietnam a country of peace, unity, and prosperity,” he added.
Thousands gathered overnight in the former South Vietnamese capital — now Ho Chi Minh City — to witness the parade, a symbol of national pride. The city was awash with the vibrant red and yellow of the national flag, which adorned buildings, faces of enthusiastic teenagers, and T-shirts worn by people who traveled from various parts of the country. Many spectators lingered into the afternoon waiting for drone and fireworks displays.
A parade highlight was a float displaying the mythical Lac bird, Vietnam’s emblem, as well as a portrait of Ho Chi Minh. Troops from China, Laos, and Cambodia marched alongside Vietnamese formations, donning uniforms reminiscent of the North Vietnamese soldiers during the war. The sky was filled with helicopters carrying the national flag and jets soaring above the Independence Palace, symbolizing the historic moment when North Vietnamese tanks breached the gates on the war’s final day.
Spectators enjoyed the scene from outside the barricades or at street corners where large screens broadcast the event. Cheering crowds waved enthusiastically at marching soldiers, while many watched from their homes on television. Among Vietnam’s distinguished guests were Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen and Laos’ Communist Party General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith.
To Lam reflected on the fall of Saigon as a “glorious landmark” ending a 30-year struggle for independence beginning with the fight against French colonial rule. He acknowledged the international support from the Soviet Union, China, along with solidarity from Laos and Cambodia, and thanked “progressive” people worldwide, including those in the U.S., for their contributions.
Nguyen Khac Giang, an analyst, noted that this year’s focus on reconciliation over past military victory illustrates Vietnam’s evolving approach to the global economy and geopolitics. The Vietnam War remains crucial in defining the Communist Party’s legitimacy, highlighting both military victory and national unity. However, To Lam’s remarks point to an ongoing journey towards reconciliation.
For war veteran Pham Ngoc Son, past hostilities have given way to “space for peace and friendship” between Vietnam and the U.S. “The war is long over,” said the 69-year-old. This year also celebrates 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations, recently elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership, paralleling ties with China and Russia.
Nevertheless, strain persists in U.S.-Vietnam relations, with tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and reduced foreign aid impacting war remediation efforts. Projects addressing Agent Orange contamination and unexploded ordnance face uncertainty due to cuts in USAID funding, while Vietnam, heavily dependent on exports, remains vulnerable amid global economic challenges posed by these tariff policies.
Vietnam, historically able to leverage its relationship with the U.S. to counterbalance China’s influence, now faces changing dynamics. With maritime disputes between Vietnam, the Philippines, and China over the South China Sea, the future focus on economic over strategic competition might reduce Southeast Asia’s standing in U.S. geopolitics.
The impact of these strategic realignments in the Indo-Pacific region remains to be seen, particularly concerning where nations like Vietnam fit in future U.S. foreign policy. In Washington, the State Department declined to comment on reports that the Trump administration discouraged diplomatic attendance at the commemorative events.
Approximately 13,000 participants, including troops, militias, veterans, and citizens, took part in the parade, which wound through city streets past the U.S. Consulate. A video showing Chinese troops singing an iconic song during rehearsals was widely shared, coinciding with Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s earlier visit, positioning China as a stabilizing influence in contrast to U.S. policies.