By Khanh Vu and Phuong Nguyen
HANOI (Reuters) -Vietnam celebrated the 80th anniversary of its declaration of independence from colonial rule on Tuesday, with its largest military parade in decades, unprecedented cash handouts and the release of nearly 14,000 prisoners.
Tens of thousands of people crowded the streets of the capital Hanoi, most of whom were wearing red shirts and holding Vietnamese flags, in a strong show of nationalism in the Communist-run country.
The parade showcased Vietnam’s most advanced military equipment, including a wide range of tanks, missiles, helicopters and fighter jets. Thousands of Vietnamese soldiers and military personnel from China, Russia and other countries participated in the celebration.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to defend the independence, freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of our Fatherland, down to every sacred inch of land,” Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam said as he opened the parade.
“This resolve draws on the unified strength of our nation: political, economic, cultural, scientific, technological, military, diplomatic, and above all, the will of our people,” he added.
National leaders and foreign dignitaries watched the military procession in Ba Dinh Square, where on September 2, 1945, revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh made his historical declaration of independence.
The speech marked the foundation of an independent Vietnam after nearly a century of French colonial rule and a brief Japanese occupation during World War II, but the French did not recognise the new country and fought a decade-long war, which ended with their defeat in 1954.
“I’m so glad, satisfied, and deeply moved to finally witness the marching troops pass by,” said Hoang Thi Huyen, a 42-year-old Hanoi resident who camped on the pavement with her other four family members for nearly two days to secure a spot.
“It was worth the wait. The troops and the fighter jets were amazing,” she added.
Roads in the centre of Hanoi had been blocked for three working days for the rehearsals and the main parade.
As part of anniversary festivities, Vietnam last week announced it would hand out 100,000 dong ($3.80) to each of its 100 million citizens, in an unprecedented package that could cost the country as much as $380 million.
President Luong Cuong also announced last week a major amnesty for 13,920 prisoners who will be released before the end of their jail terms, including 66 foreigners.
Celebrations also took place at sea at the Cam Ranh deep water bay, featuring Vietnam’s fleet of submarines and frigates, mostly imported from Russia.
(Reporting by Khanh Vu and Phuong Nguyen; writing by Francesco Guarascio; editing by Saad Sayeed)
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