The conflict profoundly affected the American troops who served there, as well as the nation’s culture and politics. But 50 years later, veterans say they see its mistakes being repeated.

Vietnam’s top leader said his nation is ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s great powers, as tens of thousands gathered to watch a military parade marking 50 years since the end of the war and the defeat of the US-backed southern regime.

April 30 marks 50 years since the fall of Saigon, the moment that officially ended the Vietnam War. Nearly 58,000 Americans lost their lives in the conflict, and many veterans say the pain of how they were treated upon returning home still lingers.

Hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets of Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday to revel in a massive military parade marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

Vietnam has celebrated the end of the war with the United States and the formation of its modern nation 50 years ago with a military parade and a focus on a future of peace.