Many people from distant provinces, even from northern Vietnam, took flights to Ho Chi Minh City to cheer on their loved ones participating in the parade rehearsal for the 50th anniversary of national reunification. For these families, it was a moment of immense pride.

A long-awaited reunion

At 10 PM on April 26, Nguyen Thi Thuy Nga (born 1998, from Quang Ngai) arrived at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City with her 13-month-old son, Quan. She contacted her husband to confirm where they would reunite the following morning.

Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Duong Chi Cuong (28 years old), Nga's husband, was one of the soldiers marching in the parade as part of the Coast Guard unit.

Cuong and Nga married in 2023. After their wedding, Cuong continued his service in Binh Thuan, while Nga remained in their hometown to care for their young son.

Despite starting their journey at 1:30 AM on April 27, Nga and her son could not reach the designated meeting spot on time after the rehearsal. Unable to book a ride through a ride-hailing app, Nga strapped her son to her chest and walked a long distance following her husband’s directions.

"When I found out my husband was selected to join the parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of reunification, my whole family was filled with pride," Nga shared. "This is such a special moment for our little family. I decided to buy a ticket and bring our son to Ho Chi Minh City to support him. Initially, I planned to find a good spot to watch the parade, but seeing the massive crowd and worrying about our baby being too tired, I decided it was better for father and son to reunite after the rehearsal."

After many efforts, near noon on April 27, Nga finally reached the gathering area where her husband’s unit was assembling. By then, sidewalks were packed with families waiting to reunite with their loved ones.

Overflowing joy

Another waiting spouse was Nhan, whose husband participated in the military band contingent. She brought along their five-year-old son to greet him. Standing outside the security fence, she kept her eyes on the trucks carrying the soldiers.

"My husband serves with the Military Region 7 Command. It has been three months since my son and I last saw him. We traveled overnight, waiting from early morning just to catch a glimpse of him. My son misses his father dearly," Nhan said.

About 30 minutes after the rehearsal ended, Nhan and her son finally reunited with her husband. Spotting his father from afar, the little boy sprinted and jumped into his father's arms.

Tuan, overwhelmed with joy, lifted his son into the air and kissed him amid cheers from the crowd. Meanwhile, Nhan captured the precious moment from behind the security fence, her heart filled with pride and emotion.

Not far away, Nga also fulfilled her wish of seeing Senior Lieutenant Cuong after a sleepless night. Upon seeing his father, baby Quan toddled toward him.

Senior Lieutenant Cuong, overcome with emotion, hugged his son tightly and pulled his wife closer for a memorable family photo. He then introduced his wife and son to his fellow soldiers. Overwhelmed with emotion, Nga could barely speak.

A young soldier preparing to leave after the rehearsal called out to his uncle: "Please tell my parents to go rest. They haven't had a break since last night."

This soldier, born in 2004 and serving with Corps 12, had traveled from Vinh Phuc to Ho Chi Minh City to participate in the parade alongside his comrades. Shortly after, his parents, Pham Thi Loan and Pham Van Nhat, appeared.

After a tearful farewell, the family promised to reunite again on April 30 after he completed his duties.

Loan and Nhat, originally from Nam Dinh, rushed to Tan Son Nhat Airport at 10 PM on April 26 after wrapping up work back home. Upon landing, they immediately made their way to Bach Dang Wharf, arriving at 2:30 AM without taking any rest.

Waiting for seven hours, they were overwhelmed with pride when they finally spotted their son, dressed in military uniform and standing proudly in formation.

"This is a historic event for the nation - it only happens once every 50 years. No matter how busy we were, we had to come and support our son," Loan said. "He'll be discharged later this year, so we hope this will be a beautiful memory for him. He told me that although the training was tough, he is very happy."

Loan, born in 1978, added that during earlier rehearsals, her sisters, who live in Ho Chi Minh City, had also come out to cheer for her son. The whole extended family plans to gather again on April 30 for the official celebration.

Similarly, the siblings of soldier Tran Cong Minh (Division 312, Corps 12) traveled from Binh Duong to Ho Chi Minh City to cheer him on.

Setting off at 3 AM with their four-year-old son, they reached Ho Chi Minh City by 4:30 AM. With traffic restrictions in place near Bach Dang Wharf, they had to walk more than two kilometers to the gathering point.

Minh, originally from Nam Dinh and stationed in Vinh Phuc, rarely gets to see his extended family. This was the first time he met his young nephew, who immediately warmed up to him and clung to him throughout their time together.

On April 27, Minh’s unit began preparations at 2:30 AM to get ready for the parade.

Once their duties conclude on April 30, the soldiers will immediately return to their units to continue preparations for the upcoming September 2 celebration.

Ha Nguyen - Nguyen Thao