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Each cannon, weighing several tonnes, is carefully positioned after thorough site surveys to ensure a spacious, open, and solemn setting.
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The layout is also designed to facilitate public viewing and photography in the days leading up to the National Day celebration.
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The 21-gun salute is a ceremonial practice reserved for major national occasions, and Vietnam’s National Day on September 2 is among the most significant events to feature this solemn tradition.
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The entire artillery unit is organised into five platoons, each consisting of three cannons. During the salute, the first platoon fires five volleys, while the remaining four fire four volleys each, ensuring precise rhythm and synchronisation throughout the ceremony.
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Each cannon is operated by a three-person crew. Accordingly, gunner No. 1 triggers the firing mechanism, gunner No. 2 opens and closes the breech, and gunner No. 3 loads the shell, with a reloading speed of approximately 3 seconds per round.
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The operation requires not only accuracy but also smooth, uniform movements, perfectly synchronised to the rhythm of the national anthem within the designated time frame.
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Thousands of Hanoi residents arrive early, crowding around the area to witness the rare artillery salvos firsthand, creating a lively and solemn atmosphere.
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At exactly 8:00 PM, as the marching music plays, the artillery salvos are fired in the prescribed formation.
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Each booming blast echoes through the night sky over Hanoi, flashing in sync with the bright muzzle flashes, stirring deep emotions among the thousands of spectators.
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Many spectators express deep emotion witnessing the artillery salute in person – something they only see on television.
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The next practice rehearsal is scheduled for the evening of August 24, followed by the preliminary rehearsal on August 27 and the full rehearsal on August 30, all leading up to the official grand ceremony on the morning of September 2 at Ba Dinh Square.
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Thousands of people gather in front of My Dinh Stadium Square to witness the artillery salute.
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