Vietnamese soldiers of Liberation Force march during the parade.[Photo/Agencies]

"When the Vietnam War ended in 1975, only five out of my 10 classmates survived and returned home. It was really a huge loss," said the veteran, adding that young Vietnamese were the main force to participate in the war, and each of their deaths was a great loss to the country.

Ngo Van Tien, in an army uniform as private first class, a native from southern Tay Ninh province, who was on duty among guards for the parade and marches, said that he is so happy to be here to attend the 40th celebration of the Liberation-National Reunification Day.

"Being a soldier I am so proud to witness this significant event with my own eyes, and I feel more responsible for any task assigned to me," said the young soldier.

Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Le Thanh Thuy, who just graduated from a college in HCM City, told Xinhua that she felt lucky to be born in the post-war period, but she is well aware of the sacrifice that the older generations of her countrymen had made for today's national reunification.