Hanoi: Vietnam held the largest military parade in the country’s history on the occasion of its 80th Independence Day, in which modern military equipment was put on display, while the government also announced a cash gift to every citizen.
In addition to thousands of Vietnamese soldiers, troops from China, Russia and other countries also participated in the military parade. Millions of people gathered on the streets of the capital Hanoi to watch the parade, most citizens wearing red shirts and holding national flags. The parade also included Russian-made Mi-171 helicopters, Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets and locally made drones.
The military parade was attended by thousands of Vietnamese soldiers, as well as troops from China, Russia and other countries, while a separate ceremony at sea featured a display of Russian submarines and frigates.
As part of the Independence Day celebrations, the government announced that each of the country’s 100 million citizens would be given 100,000 dong (about $3.80), a total cost of about $380 million.
Vietnamese President Leung Quang also announced a general amnesty on the occasion, under which 13,920 prisoners would be released early.
It is worth noting that revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh declared independence from French rule on September 2, 1945, at this very spot.
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