Me at parade celebrating the 20th anniversary of Vietnam Reunification Day in 1995
On April 30, 1995, I met the translator for breakfast at a café, Saigon was vibrant with Reunification Day energy.
I had breakfast with the translator at a roadside food stall on Sunday morning, April 30, 1995. There are military trucks and personnel in the background, reflecting the blend of daily life and the significant national celebrations about to take place. Street food stalls like this were (and still are) a staple of Vietnamese urban life, offering affordable meals such as phở, bún bò, or bánh mì.
Afterwards, a woman tried selling me a Coke for $1; the translator took her to task and they were soon yelling at each other. He said a Coke only costs 10 cents. I signaled to her I would take two Cokes for a dollar. She calmed down and I handed the second, warm soda to my guide.
This photo, taken on April 30, 1995, captures a moment in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, shortly before the start of a parade celebrating the 20th anniversary of Reunification Day. The scene shows people gathered in a public space, waiting for the parade to begin, reflecting the festive atmosphere of this significant national holiday. This is where a lady tried to sell me a Coke for ten-times the normal price.
The parade, commemorating 20 years since the war’s end, was the day’s focus. We attempted to access the main route near Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard and the Reunification Palace, but soldiers—some pointing AK-47s in our faces—blocked us, it seemed their orders had made clear. No uninvited guests! Limited to Communist Party members, the we made our way to the staging area, where we joined locals gathered to watch floats, marching bands, and military organizations. The display, rich with national pride yet tightly controlled, encapsulated Vietnam’s complex identity.
The Communist Party of Vietnam tightly controlled major national events, especially those tied to the party’s narrative of victory and unity, such as Reunification Day. While the broader public could participate in peripheral events, areas along Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard or at the Reunification Palace were reserved for party members, officials, and invited guests. Ordinary residents, as seen here, would gather on the sidelines or in nearby areas to catch glimpses of the preparations, reflecting the party’s control over public celebrations at the time.
A small observation post near the parade staging area or “working area”, the sign says, “NOTICE FOR PEOPLE ENTERING THE WORKING AREA: To ensure safety and order during the event, the Organizing Committee requests: (1) Do not bring weapons or explosives into the area; (2) Strictly follow the instructions and guidance of the Organizing Committee. NOTICE: Anyone violating the above regulations will be asked to leave the working area immediately by the Organizing Committee.” (April 30, 1995)A billboard commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, which occurred on April 30, 1975. The text reads "Ho Chi Minh Campaign - History of Complete Victory” and "Celebrating 20 Years of National Reunification - Peace Restored, Prosperity Achieved."A group of young people in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, participating in the the 20th anniversary celebrations of Reunification Day. The red banner above reads, “Warmly Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Complete Victory of the Resistance War Against America for National Salvation, April 30, 1975 – April 30, 1995.” (April 29, 1995)This banner indicates that the parade is celebrating two significant events: the 20th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification, which occurred on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War, and International Labor Day, which is observed on May 1st. The text on the banner says, “PARADE CELEBRATING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF REUNIFICATION (30/4/75 - 30/4/95) AND INTERNATIONAL LABOR DAY 01/5 CULTURAL WORKERS’ UNION” (April 30, 1995).This photo, taken on April 30, 1995, captures a moment in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, during the 20th anniversary celebrations of Reunification Day. It shows residents gathered to watch parade groupings as they prepare to enter the official parade route, highlighting the festive atmosphere and the restrictions on public attendance for the main event.An image of me taken by the translator, at the “working area” for the parade celebrating the 20th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification. There is a colorful dinosaur figure, maybe bring good luck and warding off evil spirits — or just because it looks cool. (April 30, 1995)A float entering the parade route prominently displays “30.4 1975-1995,” marking the reunification anniversary, and features a large outline of Vietnam’s map in yellow against a red background, symbolizing national pride. The map outline includes a depiction of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a significant landmark in Hanoi, further emphasizing the patriotic theme. The crowd includes participants on bicycles, some wearing traditional conical hats (nón lá), and others in uniforms, part of the parade’s organizing or security team. (April 30, 1995)A scene from the parade celebrating the 20th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 1995). A military vehicle, is part of the parade procession, adorned with greenery and Vietnamese flags, symbolizing national pride. The street signs indicate directions: one sign reads “Lối đi các loại xe 2 và 3 bánh,” which translates to “Path for 2 and 3-wheeled vehicles,” pointing to the right, and another sign above it reads “6 Tôn Đức Thắng,” indicating a street name and direction to the left. Tôn Đức Thắng is a notable street in Ho Chi Minh City, named after a former president of Vietnam.Me and the translator on a tree-lined street near Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard where the parade took place. I do not recall who took this photo but obviously it wasn’t us. (April 30, 1995)A blue truck carrying a group of soldiers, participating in the parade. The red banner with white text reads: “WELCOME THE MOVEMENT TO CELEBRATE THE YEAR.” The word “SÀIGÒN” (Saigon) is also visible on an arch, indicating the historical name of Ho Chi Minh City, often still used colloquially.(April 30, 1995)The person in the foreground is a member of the Vietnamese police managing the parade to ensure public safety during the event. The uniform features a badge with a star and wreath, typical of Vietnamese law enforcement insignia during that period.Two members of the Vietnamese police managing the parade to ensure public safety during the event. The uniform features a badge with a star and wreath, typical of Vietnamese law enforcement insignia during that period. They are handling a metal barricade with red and white colors, possibly setting it up or adjusting it to manage the crowd or direct the flow of the parade.A soldier, holding an AK-47 rifle, a common weapon used by Vietnamese forces during and after the Vietnam War. The uniform includes a cap with a red star and wreath insignia, red epaulettes with stars, and a badge, indicating a rank within the military.A lively scene from near the parade route in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on April 30, 1995. A large group of people on motorbikes and bicycles, moving through a tree-lined street adorned with colorful flags, near the parade procession. Some women are wearing traditional Vietnamese attire, such as the conical hat (nón lá) and bright dresses.A lively scene from near the parade route in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on April 30, 1995. A large group of people on motorbikes and bicycles, moving through a tree-lined street adorned with colorful flags, near the parade procession. Some women wearing traditional Vietnamese attire, such as the conical hat (nón lá) and bright dresses.A military vehicle, adorned with Vietnamese flags and other colorful banners, moving through the parade route. A large portrait of Ho Chi Minh, the revered leader of Vietnam’s independence movement and the country’s first president, is prominently displayed on the vehicle. The street is tree-lined, and a sign reading “6 Tôn Đức Thắng” is visible, indicating the parade staging area is taking place on or near Tôn Đức Thắng Street, a major road in Ho Chi Minh City named after a former Vietnamese president. (April 30, 1995).
Reflecting on Saigon’s blend of colonial landmarks like the Post Office, communist governance, and emerging modernity like English schools and business schools, I recognized the risks of my trip—constant surveillance as an American, likely identified early and no diplomatic support—were justified by this historic glimpse.
Because Saigon fell so quickly in 1975 it retained all of the charms — gorgeous buildings, parks, pagodas and wide-open tree-lines boulevards — from its days as a French colonial city. I would be remiss not to say that I was constantly reminded of the beauty of Saigon. It felt a lot like Paris, in many ways.
This photo, taken on April 30, 1995, from a taxi on my way to the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, captures the wide boulevards in Saigon, a former French colonial city which mirrors Paris in many ways. The photo was likely taken on Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street, a major road leading toward Tan Son Nhat Airport, decorated for the 20th anniversary celebrations. The main banner reads “Welcome to 20 Years of National Reunification Day, April 30, 1975 – April 30, 1995,”This photo, taken on April 30, 1995, from a taxi on my way to the airport in Ho Chi Minh City, captures a street scene featuring small eateries like “Phở Bắc Hà” and “Hộ Bình.” The image reflects the everyday life of Saigon, with motorbikes, street-side stalls, and locals going about their day, while small Vietnamese flags hint at the ongoing 20th anniversary celebrations of Reunification Day. The Pepsi logo underscores the early influence of Western brands in Vietnam during its economic opening in the 1990s. This final snapshot encapsulates the vibrant street culture and historical moment you experienced in Saigon before departing for Bangkok.A photo taken from inside a taxi on the way to the airport, looking out through the window, providing a snapshot of daily life in Saigon during your departure, on April 30, 1995. The blue sign says “Ho Chi Minh City Cultural Fair Delegation from April 27 to May 2 / Nam Quốc Tử.” (The location of the fair).Vietnam Airlines boarding pass for my flight from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) back to Bangkok on April 30, 1995, ending my trip for the 20th anniversary celebrations of the end of the Vietnam War.This image shows Two Vietnam Airlines planes — Tupolev Tu-134s, Soviet-designed twin-engine jet airliners commonly used by Vietnam Airlines in the 1990s —on the tarmac at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on April 30 1995. One of them was my plane.
After the parade, I took a taxi to Tan Son Nhat Airport. I boarded a Tupolev Tu-134, a Soviet-designed twin-engine jet airliner commonly used by Vietnam Airlines back then. I took the flight back to Bangkok glad to have made the journey.
