Vietnam Celebrates 50 Years Since Fall of Saigon with Military Parade

As Vietnam marks a significant milestone, the country commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War with a grand military parade in Ho Chi Minh City. This year’s celebration on 30 April 2024 highlights the nation’s unity and resilience, while also reflecting on its complex history.

The Historic Anniversary

The day remembers the fall of Saigon, when North Vietnam claimed victory over South Vietnam in 1975. This event is a pivotal moment in history, signifying the formal reunification of Vietnam after decades of conflict that resulted in approximately three million Vietnamese and nearly 60,000 Americans losing their lives.

A Message of Unity

Vietnam’s Communist Party chief, To Lam, expressed at the ceremony that it marked a triumph of justice over tyranny. He quoted Ho Chi Minh, stating the enduring strength of the Vietnamese spirit: “Rivers may dry up, mountains may erode, but that truth will never change.”

Military Support and Global Relations

• About 13,000 soldiers will participate in the parade, alongside 118 Chinese soldiers.
• The air show will feature military aircraft, including Russian-made fighter jets.
• Diplomatic ties with the US have evolved considerably, with relations normalised in 1995.

Despite strong ties with the US, Vietnam has also maintained a close relationship with Russia for military support while nurturing economic relations with China. This has led to complex dynamics, especially amid recent tensions involving trade tariffs from the US.

Reflections of a Soldier

Chuck Searcy, an 81-year-old veteran who once served in Saigon, shared his thoughts on the evolving relationship between the US and Vietnam. Living in Vietnam now, Searcy reflects on the war’s legacy and his ongoing efforts in de-mining projects to assist those affected by unexploded ordnance from the war.

Looking Forward

The current Vietnamese generation, with a median age below 35, focuses more on building a prosperous future. Many young people view the conflict through the lens of contemporary trade relationships rather than warfare. This shift in perspective can be seen as a sign of hope, as Vietnam transitions from a past of conflict to a future of economic partnerships.