Under windy sky and to the sound of thunderous military music tens of thousands of soldiers and people on Sunday morning took part in the ever biggest national-level parade to celebrate 1000th anniversary of Hanoi's founding in Ba Dinh Square.
General Secretary of Vietnamese Communist Party Nong Duc Manh, President Nguyen Minh Triet and leaders of the state and the government, Heroic Mothers, Labor Heroes and Heroes of Army Forces attended in the parade.
Opening the parade group of athletes brought a flame from the ancient capital Hoa Lu to the square and Colonel Nguyen Van Binh who was awarded the Title of Hero of Army Forces, lighted the flame on the cauldron.
Speaking at the parade, President Nguyen Minh Triet said recalled traditions of 1000 years of Thang Long-Hanoi, the city of culture, hero, peace, friendship and contribution of generations to the capital.
We honor cultural, literature and historical traditions of the capital, where country soul accumulates, Vietnamese intelligence crystallizes, Vietnamese culture and common sense shine, the President said.
Theses traditions are everlasting, he added.
“Grand celebration is a chance for us to confirm, honor cultural, heroic, peace, friendship and cooperation traditions of Hanoi.
“Despite of challenges, we attempt to make our country, our capital more prosperous, modern and become developed country.
The parade began with 10 helicopters bring national flags and Communist Party flags and slogans “Celebration of 1000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.
15 units of army forces took part in the military parade and 17 civil units joined the peaceful march. Ending the parade, in the festival voice of drums and dragon dance, 1,000 young pioneers freed doves and flying balloons.
Director of UNICEF Irina Bokova said that there were very few cities that still preserve memory of city founding like Hanoi does.
