(VOVWORLD) - Since Tuesday’s early morning, hundreds of people have lined up on both sides of main streets in Dien Bien Phu city to watch the large-scale military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the historic Dien Bien Phu Victory.
 At the break of dawn on May 7, people gather along the roads in Dien Bien Phu city to wait for the parade. (Photo: VOV) |
Mai Thi Nhan coming from Thanh Hoa province said: “We are extremely moved, excited, and proud. We departed at 6 p.m yesterday and arrived in Dien Bien Phu city at 8 a.m this morning. We come here to watch the parade. Farm work is very busy, but we put everything aside to go attend the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory.”
 Patrick Coulombel, a French architect, and his daughter attend the commemoration of the Dien Bien Phu Victory. (photo: Quang Dung) |
Patrick Coulombel, a French architect, said his father was a veteran in the Dien Bien Phu battle. This is the third time Coulombel visiting Dien Bien Phu.
“The commemoration is being held extravagantly. Every time I return to Dien Bien Phu I see new things, some things that weren't there 10 years ago. I see that Vietnamese people pay great attention to memories, which is very important. One thing that makes me very happy is to see that Vietnam is truly rising peacefully. It brings a perspective of Vietnam which is rising and living happily," Coulombel said.
On Monday night, thousands of people gathered at the May 7 Square at the foot of D1 hill by the White Bridge to enjoy a special art program and 20-minute fireworks display.