Vietnam celebrates 55 years of independence
HANOI: Vietnam threw a huge celebration Saturday to
mark 55 years of independence, complete with an
elaborate two-hour parade before Ho Chi Minh's
mausoleum.
More than 17,000 people participated in the
military-civilian parade in Hanoi's Ba Dinh Square, the
place where former Communist leader Ho Chi Minh
declared the country's independence from France on
Sept. 2, 1945.
"We are deeply moved with the reminiscence of the
revolutionary atmosphere of the entire nation during the
days of the August uprising," said President Tran Duc
Luong in his opening address.
"The August revolution shattered the cruel yoke of
French domination, abolished the outdated feudal regime
and established the people's republic and democratic
regime, the first worker-farmer state in Southeast Asia,"
he said.
The country's top leaders, including Prime Minister Phan
Van Khai and Communist Party Secretary General Le
Kha Phieu, joined Luong on the balcony of the
mausoleum to watch the festivities.
White-gloved soldiers goose-stepped through the giant
square, followed by marching bands playing the country's
national anthem.
Veterans clad in uniforms dripping with medals and ethnic
minorities dressed in native costumes followed, walking
alongside flower-decorated floats.
Some 20,000 spectators, some who had waited since 3
a.m., lined the streets to watch and wave as the parade
moved by.
Giant banners posted around the square read "Long live
the spirit of the August revolution and National Day Sept.
2" and "President Ho Chi Minh lives forever in our
cause."
Vietnam marks its national day and the 1975 liberation of
Saigon with a military and civilian parade every five
years.
This year, Vietnam also celebrated the 25th anniversary
of the end of the war and the 70th anniversary of the
Communist Party. More than 23,000 inmates were
released this year as part of two presidential mass
amnesties to mark the anniversary of the Vietnam War's
end and the 55th anniversary of independence.
Associated Press - September 3, 2000.
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