Hanoi, Sept. 2 -- Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital, turned into a "sea of crowds, flags, and faith" during the National Day parade on September 2 morning.

Across the country, millions tuned in, vibing with the marching columns in a sacred moment to recall sacrifices etched into the history, savour the hard-won peace of the present, and renew a quiet confidence in what lies ahead.

The night before, Hanoi was already buzzing. Streets to the historic Ba Dinh Square and the parade routes were packed with local residents, tourists and people who came from the northern mountainous, central and southern regions, drawn to catch this historic spectacle in person.

Among them were war veterans, their weathered faces lit with resolve, who had ...