TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from Vietnam: Học viện Cảnh sát nhân dân, baotintuc.vn.
UK coverage: The Guardian.

Vietnam is getting ready to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War. The day Saigon fell, war correspondent Xuan Phuong witnessed chaos and looting in the city. While Vietnam and the US have become close economic partners, recent events, such as a 46% tariff against Vietnam and cuts to foreign assistance, have strained relations. Despite the progress made, the scars of the war remain, with many Vietnamese still seeking justice and recognition for the lives lost.

A grand ceremony was held to mark the occasion, attended by distinguished leaders and international guests. The ceremony paid tribute to the revolutionary predecessors, heroic martyrs, Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, heroes of the armed forces, and various other individuals who dedicated and sacrificed for the complete liberation of the South and the reunification of the country. Parade formations and marching units entered the ceremony square, showcasing the strength and unity of the socialist Vietnam Fatherland.

The participation of military parade units from neighboring countries reflected Vietnam’s foreign defense policy and appreciation for the support and solidarity of international friends. Major General Tran Ngoc Tho, representing millions of veterans nationwide, delivered a speech highlighting the deep pride and wounds that remain from the war.

The commemoration featured a large-scale parade in Ho Chi Minh City, with thousands of soldiers participating and fighter jets and helicopters performing in the sky. The streets and alleys were adorned with red and gold star flags, and fighter jets rehearsed formations. The relationship between the US and Vietnam has transformed from former enemies to economic partners.

The German press has also been impressed by Vietnam’s preparations for the grand ceremony. The city of Ho Chi Minh has seen a significant increase in tourists, with attractions like the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi tunnels experiencing higher visitor numbers. The German economic weekly newspaper Wirtschafts Woche praised Vietnam’s bustling atmosphere and the grand parade with thousands of participants and a display of unmanned aerial vehicles. The event will culminate in a massive light show and fireworks illuminating the city’s sky.

The 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and the Reunification of the Country serves as a moment of national pride and showcases Vietnam’s military strength. The scars of the war may still linger, but Vietnam continues to progress and seek justice for the lives lost. As the country commemorates this milestone, it sends a message of peace and unity to the world.