The cannons were transported to the site overnight. Early in the morning, Brigade 45 soldiers affixed national flags to the cannon barrels, cleaned and inspected each component, and completed the setup at designated firing positions.

The ceremonial cannon team has been training since mid-May in the suburbs of Hanoi. Selected from within the brigade, each soldier stands around 1.75 meters tall, has a presentable appearance, and possesses the skills and experience required for ceremonial performance. These soldiers must remain composed and highly focused to perform precise, synchronized movements in perfect timing with the national anthem.

Despite the scorching weather, every member of the ceremonial team expressed pride in their historic role. They have shown strong will, determination, unity, and a commitment to achieving excellence through teamwork and coordinated effort.

Each cannon weighs several tons and is positioned outside the stadium’s main field area. The location was carefully surveyed to ensure ample space, an open view, and a solemn atmosphere, offering an ideal setting for the public and tourists during the National Day festivities.
The team is divided into five platoons, each with three cannons. During the ceremony, the first platoon will fire five rounds, while the other four will fire four rounds each.

Each 105mm howitzer is operated by a three-person crew. The first gunner pulls the trigger, the second opens and closes the breech, and the third loads the round into the chamber. The reloading cycle is required to take just three seconds per round.

Unlike training or combat artillery, ceremonial cannons demand higher technical standards. Beyond technical condition and quality, they must be visually uniform in paint color, accessories, equipment, and even optical sights and small parts.

The 21-gun salute is a traditional honor reserved for major national celebrations or to welcome visiting heads of state. It is the highest ceremonial tribute of its kind.

Since 2010, the brigade has completed nine ceremonial gunfire missions. Four have taken place since the beginning of 2024 alone, all completed with outstanding results and absolute safety.

The gun salute site at My Dinh Stadium will remain in place until the end of the National Day celebration on September 2. The unit has assigned round-the-clock guards and conducts daily drills with the cannons. The live gun salute will be broadcast directly to Ba Dinh Square during the official ceremony.

"Trung Doan Tat Thang" (Victory Regiment) was the name given by President Ho Chi Minh to Regiment 33, the predecessor of Artillery Brigade 45 under the Artillery Corps. Established on August 22, 1945, it is one of the earliest units of the Vietnam People’s Army. The brigade fired the opening salvo of the Dien Bien Phu campaign in 1954 and the final rounds that marked the end of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign in 1975.