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On the morning of April 8, people and tourists gathered at Bach Dang wharf to watch the artillery firing practice to celebrate the 50th anniversary of national reunification.
At around 8am, soldiers from the 96th Brigade of the Artillery Corps practiced firing cannons at Bach Dang Wharf. The soldiers divided into groups and practiced firing 21 salutes in succession. The live ammunition firing took place quickly, lasting about a minute, while the rest was practice. This was in preparation for the 50th anniversary of national reunification.
The day before, 15 105mm ceremonial cannons, each weighing about 4 tons, were pulled from Long Thanh district, Dong Nai, and assembled at the battlefield at Bach Dang wharf. This location was carefully surveyed and selected by all parties due to its clear view, solemnity, and suitability for locals and tourists to visit.
The drill took place solemnly for about an hour. Part of Bach Dang wharf to the Saigon river bank was fenced off. People could watch from the outer ring, about 4 meters away.
When the artillery practice ended, many locals and tourists enjoyed visiting the artillery site. The cool morning weather was favorable for practice and observation.
The artillery positions were arranged in straight lines and placed on flat surfaces to create a uniform explosion sound. Outside was a fence with 250 posts and carpets about 90 meters long. The artillery positions were always guarded by soldiers, and civilians were not allowed to enter.
Ms. Tran Thi Diem and her husband traveled more than 20 km from District 12 to visit the artillery array celebrating the 50th anniversary of unification. "This is the first time I have seen the cannons firing together, the atmosphere is very solemn," said the 53-year-old female visitor.
The family of Ms. Tran Quynh Trang, 43 years old, Binh Thanh District, wore Ao Dai to watch soldiers practice firing ceremonial artillery. "My father is a special forces soldier so I feel very proud to admire the artillery site and watch soldiers practice for the upcoming great ceremony," Ms. Trang said.
Le Hoang My Anh, 21 years old, from District 10, said she was impressed by the sight of the artillery array on the banks of the Saigon River. The female student was excited to witness the shooting practice and the solemn training of the soldiers for the first time.
"Hearing the loud sound of firecrackers is an exciting experience mixed with a sense of pride," My Anh said.
Ms. Bao Thi Thuy Linh from Binh Duong passed by and saw the artillery site so she stopped by to visit and check in with the artillery team.
Some guests brought flags, wore shirts printed with the national flag, or brought souvenirs decorated with the red flag with a yellow star to check in with the cannons.
Many foreign tourists also enjoy visiting and taking photos with soldiers and cannons while strolling on Bach Dang wharf.
Every day, soldiers practice from 7am to 5pm, divided into two shifts, morning and afternoon, mainly with ammunition that does not contain fireworks. After the holiday, the ground and landscape of Bach Dang Wharf Park will be restored as before.
According to the plan, the 50th anniversary of the country's reunification will include a military parade with about 13,000 people, firing 21 cannon shots to the Vietnamese national anthem. The air force will use helicopters, Yak-130, Su-30MK2 to fly the welcome.
