Ready for the grand celebration

Following the second full rehearsal of the parade and march on the evening of August 24 at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, held in preparation for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (Task A80), the forces assigned to Task A80 received feedback from leaders at various levels while entering the final stretch of preparations, ready for the grand celebration.

Observations at several training sites highlighted the efforts of the participating forces as they continued to “race" against time, all for a common goal: to be fully prepared for the grand celebration, showcasing the spirit of unity of a Vietnam ready to step into a new era.

PROUD TO TAKE PART IN A80

Coming to the Military Field Training Center of the Army Officer Training School No.1, located within the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism and the Hoa Lac High-Tech Park (Hanoi), we recorded many touching stories of soldiers participating in training for Task A80.

The officer in charge of the male coast guard training block adjusts a flag to assist soldiers during rehearsals for the grand celebration. Photo: Nguyet Ha

Le Duc Trung (from Thong Nhat commune), Mai Pham Hoang Huy (from Phu Lam commune), Dao Minh Duc (from Tri An commune), and Tran Nguyen Anh Khoa (from Chon Thanh ward) are young soldiers from Dong Nai serving in the Male Airborne Special Forces Block, trained by Division 5 under Military Region 7. They eagerly shared their thoughts with us during rare breaks on the training field.

Le Duc Trung said that, compared to many of his comrades in the bloc, he considered himself more fortunate, as this was his second time being selected to take part in such an important mission for both the unit and the nation. “It’s deeply moving. The emotions from A50 are still vivid within me, and now they’re reignited with A80. I’ve promised myself to stay fully committed and train my best for the grand celebration,” Trung shared.

The parade and march marking the 80th Anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2) feature more than 16,000 officers and soldiers of the armed forces, along with modern weapons and equipment, organized into 43 marching blocks and 18 standing blocks with the military contributing 26 marching blocks, 11 standing blocks, and 6 artillery vehicle blocks and the police contributing 17 marching blocks, 7 standing blocks, and 8 special-vehicle blocks. Notably, the event also includes 7 blocks of female military personnel and 2 blocks of female police officers.   

Dao Minh Duc, who also took part in Task A50, shared that being selected again for training with the Male Airborne Special Forces Block and marching confidently toward the grand celebration has brought him indescribable emotions. “After Task A50, I was granted five days of leave. Back home, I spent much of my time telling my grandfather about the memories my comrades and I had during A50. He encouraged me to keep striving for the best results in this A80 mission because every step we take is followed and supported by the people. Determination and effort are the shared spirit of the whole team and also my own at this moment,” Duc expressed.

For Tran Nguyen Anh Khoa, this is his first time participating in the important A80 mission, and he was deeply moved as he felt he had “overcome himself”. He recounted that before enlisting in Division 5, Military Region 7, his friends often described him as reserved and not easily fitting into groups. But living together with comrades at Division 5, receiving guidance from officers and encouragement from senior soldiers, he gradually became more active in collective activities.

“Being selected to join A80 this time has been a breakthrough and a personal challenge to push beyond my own limits. The early days were difficult due to the environment and climate, but the support from comrades and commanding officers, along with the unit’s training achievements, became a source of motivation. It has strengthened both my own determination and that of the entire team to overcome challenges and be fully prepared for the grand celebration,” Khoa said.

Alongside the young soldiers of Division 5 in the Male Airborne Special Forces Block, the young men of Military Region 2, training the coast guard formations, and cadets from the Air Defense – Air Force Academy have also been making great efforts. At Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, the days often shift from scorching sun to heavy rain. During such times, the soldiers turn corridors and sheltered spaces into training grounds, all united and ready for the grand celebration.

“BEATING THE SUN, CONQUERING THE RAIN”

Lieutenant Colonel Lai Nhu Thanh, Deputy Chief of Staff of Division 5 under Military Region 7 and head of training for the Airborne Special Forces Block, stated that after four cluster rehearsals, four regional combined rehearsals, and two full-scale military-wide rehearsals at Ba Dinh Square, the Airborne Special Forces Block has consistently been recognized as one of the most disciplined and precise units, with well-formed, synchronized, and proper marching formations. It has also consistently received close attention and high praise from commanders at all levels.

The officer in charge of Training Block for Cadets of the Air Defense – Air Force Academy adjusts cadets, ensuring they can practice with peace of mind for the grand celebration. Photo: Nguyet Ha

Also, according to Lieutenant Colonel Lai Nhu Thanh, the third A80 training cluster at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism includes a total of 10 marching blocks and 5 standing blocks from units of Military Regions 4, 5, and 7, as well as the Chemical Corps. All forces have been striving to “beat the sun and conquer the rain,” enduring harsh weather conditions while diligently training for the grand celebration. Many participants face difficult personal circumstances or are not fully accustomed to the weather, yet all are fully aware of their mission, united in purpose toward the grand celebration.

“I can only say one word: ‘proud,’ because not every soldier is selected for such a major mission. Each cadre and soldier is acutely aware of the honor and pride in marching for Task A80. Moreover, having also had the honor to participate in A50, I feel even prouder and more determined for the grand celebration,” said Captain Vu Huu Chinh, leader of the Airborne Special Forces Block.

With the grand celebration approaching, after the second combined rehearsal at Ba Dinh Square on the evening of August 24, the blocks will continue with pre-rehearsals and full-scale national rehearsals, fully prepared for the grand celebration at 6:30 a.m. on September 2 at the historic Ba Dinh Square.

By: Nguyet Ha

Translated by: Dang Huyen - Minho