Close-up of 21 cannon shots fired at My Dinh Stadium on September 2nd

From early morning on September 2, tens of thousands of people poured into My Dinh Stadium, on Le Quang Dao Street, to watch the fireworks display.

At exactly 6:40 a.m. on September 2, 21 cannons were fired simultaneously to the music of the Vietnamese National Anthem, opening the 80th National Day celebration, parade, and march.

Each 105mm grenade weighs nearly 2.3 tons and has three gunners operating it directly, with gunner number 1 pulling the trigger to fire each shot, gunner number 2 opening and closing the breech, and gunner number 3 loading ammunition into the chamber.

21 cannon shots in one minute. This is the highest ceremony performed on important occasions of the country and to welcome heads of state.

A sea of people poured into My Dinh Stadium, on Le Quang Dao Street, to watch the fireworks display. Photo: Song Huu

The 45th Artillery Brigade was the unit tasked with firing 21 cannon shots. Photo: Song Huu

Every time the fireworks go off, thousands of people cheer. Mr. Nguyen Van Thang (70 years old, from Bac Ninh) shared that on the afternoon of September 1, he and his children and grandchildren took a bus to Hanoi to watch the fireworks display on the morning of September 2.

"I used to be in the artillery army, so for me, the sound of a series of cannons is not only a solemn opening ceremony but also evokes memories of a time of battle," said Mr. Thang.

Witnessing the 21-gun salute at My Dinh, in the majestic sound of the National Anthem, Mr. Thang clearly felt the pride and spirit of the nation.

"This is a rare opportunity for the younger generations to see the value of the army and history, thereby becoming more patriotic and appreciating today's peace ," Mr. Thang added.

At exactly 6:40 a.m., soldiers took their positions and prepared the first volley of artillery. 21 volleys of ceremonial artillery were fired to the sound of the National Anthem, opening the 80th National Day celebration, parade, and march. Photo: Song Huu

The soldiers' manners and uniforms are also carefully prepared. The artillery ceremonial team is selected from soldiers in the 45th Artillery Brigade, with an average height of 1.75 m, good-looking, qualified, and experienced in training. Photo: Song Huu

At the time of the cannon firing, the weather in Hanoi was quite hot and humid, with no rain. Photo: Song Huu

People recorded the moment the cannon fired. Photo: son

Sharing the same excitement, Ms. Tran Thu Ha (25 years old, Cau Giay ward, Hanoi) said she invited her friends to My Dinh stadium early in the morning.

"Until now, I only knew about the cannon firing ceremony through television. Now, witnessing the solemn atmosphere and the resounding sound of the cannons among tens of thousands of people, it is truly impressive," said Ms. Ha.

Ms. Ha said this is not only an opening ceremony but also a moment of community connection, so that each citizen feels proud to live in the important days of the Fatherland.

For her, the echo of the cannon is also a reminder of the sacrifices of her ancestors and the responsibility of today's young generation to preserve the achievements of the revolution.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/can-canh-khai-hoa-21-phat-dai-bac-o-san-my-dinh-dip-2-9-3374092.html