Vietnam celebrated the 80th anniversary of its declaration of independence from France with a large military parade. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Hanoi in a strong display of nationalism in the Communist-run country. The parade showcased a wide variety of military equipment, including missiles, helicopters and fighter jets, during the celebrations at Ba Dinh Square, where revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh declared independence from colonial rule on September 2, 1945. Nearly 16,000 soldiers joined the parade, which also included honour guards from China, Russia, Laos and Cambodia. n18oc_world n18oc_crux