Here in Saigon

A major road at District 1 of HCMC

Otherwise known by Ho Chi Minh City. Sai Gon is colloquial and used inside the country amongst locals. HCMC is used during business-related matters and with tourists. (Hey, a little like how at times Malaysians still refer to our own currency as 'dollars' when it really is 'ringgit'. :) )

It's hard to believe just over 40 years ago, the people were warring with the Americans, the French, the Australians, South Koreans etc.

It's harder to believe that the people emerged victorious with what little they had - their spirits, the sweat off their brow, resilience and the desperation for independence and to own their own land. Heck, there was no water for days on stretch that they drank their own urine just so they keep hydrated.

It's hardest to believe that what rightfully belongs to you can be taken away by an outside  'higher / bigger power' if you aren't vigilant or you don't know how to defend for what's yours.

This is Vietnam, folks.

Be cautious in portraying joy for this day, there are those who will chide you. This day is also known as Black April too. It's unlike how the Westerners see 'independence day' July 4th with much parties and boozing. Plenty of the red flags with star / sickles, flower wreaths, pastel flags, billboards with that 1940s war-ish artwork dotted the roads, highways and home doorway entrances.

Flower wreaths marking the significance of 30th April.

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A hem (aka road) off a main road in a town lined with the yellow star red flags. These are put up by families who live on this street!

Red and yellow lined the cities, towns, streets and homes of the Vietnamese. They are proud of their country and the struggles they overcame that led to this independence.

The famous main touristy markeplace Ben Tanh

View from the balcony of the Independence Palace

The 1940s artwork. Always with patriotic subjects with a far off gaze. Trying to show Patriotism.

A signage on a post along the highway about the Reunification Day.

One thing stands out starkly. With all the display of national pride and flags... I see zero Vietnamese spotting the red tee with a yellow star on the front. Rarely I see the tshirt on someone and when it is...it's always a foreigner / tourist.

Some wiki readings below.
Vietnam's Reunification Day here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reunification_Day
Fall of Saigon wiki read - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_Saigon