HANOI, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam is finalizing preparations for the grand celebration and military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the National Day, scheduled for Sep. 2 at Ba Dinh Square in the capital Hanoi.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam on Tuesday called for the celebrations to showcase the country's stature and inspire patriotism, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

At a meeting with the Central Steering Committee, Lam stressed that preparations must be carried out with responsibility, coordination and efficiency to ensure solemnity, security and national unity.

He also urged careful arrangements for delegates and visitors, with priority given to war veterans, policy beneficiaries and the elderly, describing the occasion as an opportunity to honor those who contributed to the nation, the state-controlled media reported.

According to the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilization, key infrastructure works for the parade, including site clearance, upgrading and expansion of Ba Dinh Square as well as decorations, have been completed.

Military delegations from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the Lao People's Army have arrived in Hanoi to rehearse and join the parade, Vietnam News Agency reported.

A preliminary rehearsal is scheduled for Aug. 27, followed by a final rehearsal on Aug. 30, the state-owned media noted.

The official parade will begin at 6:30 a.m. on Sep. 2, with about 16,000 participants, the report added.

It will feature 43 marching units, 18 standing units, and 14 military and special-purpose vehicle formations from the army and police forces, alongside cultural and artistic performances, the local media VnExpress reported Monday.