VIETNAM marked National Day today by staging its largest military parade in decades, with thousands packing the streets of the capital Hanoi.

The parade to mark 80 years of Vietnamese statehood unfolded in Ba Dinh Square, where revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh declared independence from French colonial rule on September 2 1945.

Fighting resumed soon after as Vietnamese forces battled the French in the first Indochina war, which ended in 1954 when the country was divided into the communist-ruled North and the US-backed South. 

The Vietnam war followed, during which the North fought the South and its US-led allies. That conflict ended when communist forces captured Saigon on April 30 1975 and the country was unified.

Communist Party general secretary To Lam paid tribute to those who died in the fight for independence and reiterated the ruling party’s goal that by 2045 Vietnam would be a “powerful, prosperous and happy nation,” calling it “the aspiration of the entire nation, an oath of honour before history.

“We want to be a friend, be a trusted partner with all countries in the world,” he said, adding that Hanoi would never compromise on its independence or sovereignty.

Around 16,000 troops marched past as tanks, armoured vehicles and missile systems rumbled by. Helicopters flew overhead trailing giant Vietnamese flags followed by jet aircraft.

Honour guards from China, Russia, Laos and Cambodia joined the display, which Vietnamese media said reflected the country’s “international friendships.” 

Crowds began arriving in Hanoi days in advance and thousands camped out of pavements on Monday night to secure viewing spots.

“It’s something to be proud of,” said Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen, who spent the night near Ba Dinh Square. “Our grandparents fought for this. Now life is better.”

Vietnam’s transformation has been among Asia’s most striking, bringing a huge reduction in poverty, as the country has become a manufacturing hub for electronics, textiles, and footwear.