Nearly 4,500 young people from Hanoi were enlisted today [February 26], making it a day of joy, excitement, and tears of farewell by relatives.

The total includes over 3,700 recruits of the army (up 8% on last year) and nearly 1,000 public security personnel.

Of the newly recruited soldiers, 65% are university graduates and 40% are volunteers.

Since early morning, ceremonies have been held in all 30 districts of Hanoi to bid farewell to newly enlisted soldiers and policemen. Top leaders of the city and districts attended the ceremonies, which are seen as “festivals.”

Reporters of The Hanoi Times update information on the enlistment day citywide.

"Victorious Gate" welcomes recruits to join the army. Photos: The Hanoi Times

General Luong Cuong, Deputy Minister of National Defence (1st left) and Dinh Tien Dung, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, at the enlistment ceremony held in Ba Vi District, Hanoi on February 26.

Senior Lieutenant General Le Huy Vinh, Deputy Defense Minister, encourages enlisted soldiers in Cau Giay District, Hanoi on February 26.

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung wishes recruits of Ba Vi a good journey ahead.

Tran Sy Thanh, the Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, gives flowers to recruits in Hoang Mai District, Hanoi on February 26.

Deputy Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Ha Minh Hai encourages new soldiers in Thanh Oai District, Hanoi on February 26.

A recruit in Ung Hoa District, Hanoi is emblazoned with an escutcheon of the army.

Friends bid farewell to recruits in Thach That District, Hanoi on February 26.

Enlisted soldiers in Ba Dinh District, Hanoi on February 26.

Recruits of Hoang Mai District, Hanoi are excited to join the army.

Tears of farewell of a mother but she encourages her son to fulfill his mission to the nation.

No tears by joy and belief in good days in the army as they are on the road to the defense of the country.