You have transformed into water waves
Deep in the hearts of the Vietnamese people, we cannot forget the event 37 years ago, at Gac Ma reef in Truong Sa archipelago, 64 Vietnamese Navy soldiers heroically fell in an unequal battle, to protect every inch of the sacred sea and island of the Fatherland.
On March 14, 1988, amidst the enemy's hail of bullets, the Navy soldiers with the will "Rather sacrifice than lose the sea, lose the island" fought until their last breath. Although they only had hoes, shovels, crowbars and infantry guns in their hands, they were intelligent and brave, creating immortal circles to protect the national flag.
In the moment of life and death, the nation's elite held hands tightly, determined not to retreat. Lieutenant Colonel Tran Duc Thong, Captain Vu Phi Tru, Second Lieutenant Tran Van Phuong and many other comrades have become immortal monuments of patriotism and bravery.
The image of Lieutenant Tran Van Phuong proudly wrapping the national flag around his body and his resolute declaration: "Do not retreat. Let your blood color the national flag" has become an immortal symbol. Major Vu Huy Le, with his calmness and intelligence, commanded the ship HQ 505 to charge onto Co Lin Shoal, turning the ship into a fortress of sovereignty.
Those heroic sacrifices have carved an immortal epic in the history of national defense. Although time may fade the traces, the memory of the Gac Ma incident and the indomitable fighting spirit of the marine soldiers will forever be engraved in the hearts of every Vietnamese person. To this day, many heroic martyrs still lie at the bottom of the sea, but their sacrifice has become an eternal monument of love for the Fatherland.
Colonel Nguyen Duy Thieu, Deputy Head of the Naval Logistics and Engineering Department, was moved: "Every time we pass through Gac Ma sea area, the working groups hold memorial ceremonies, release flowers and paper cranes into the sea, as a word of gratitude, a promise from the next generation to never forget those who fell for the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland."
Ms. Bui Thi Hoa, an officer of the Central Acupuncture Hospital, choked up as she shared: "Attending the memorial service for the heroic martyrs of Gac Ma was a deeply moving experience. Hearing about their brave fighting, the sound of their souls echoing in the vast sky and sea, I could not hold back my tears. They sacrificed so that Truong Sa would last forever."
Time may pass, history may turn a new page, but the Gac Ma incident will always be an immortal epic. No matter what the circumstances, the spirit of "determination to die for the Fatherland" of the Navy soldiers that year will still be the guiding light, reminding every Vietnamese citizen of their responsibility to protect every inch of sacred land and sea of the Fatherland.
A solid foundation for your voyages
Da Tay A Island carries a historical mission, guarding a strategic position, like a steel door protecting the southern sea of Truong Sa archipelago. On the island, besides the soldiers guarding the sea and sky, there is also the Fisheries Logistics Service Center, a solid rear for fishermen. The island's large dock has over the years become a safe harbor for many voyages along the central coast to the ends of the country.
Taking advantage of the natural lake bed, since 2005, the Fisheries Logistics Service Center has been built on the coral reef, becoming the largest supply station in Truong Sa. This place provides cool fresh water, full of fuel, abundant food, fresh food, quick boat repairs and timely rescue arms in the stormy sea.
Fisherman Nguyen Van Thinh from Phu Yen shared: "The sea is a source of life, but it is also full of dangers. Thanks to the support from the mainland, we are more confident in sticking to the sea."
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thuong Tin, Commander of Da Tay A Island, affirmed: "Da Tay A is like a second home for fishermen. They find here sharing, support and peace of mind to continue their long journeys."
Together with the marine soldiers, the officers and staff of the Fisheries Logistics Service Center are constantly making efforts to promote the sovereignty of the sea and islands, rescue and encourage fishermen to maintain a peaceful environment at sea. The Center is joining hands with the Vietnam Navy to affirm the sacred sovereignty over the sea and islands of the Fatherland.
Mr. Huynh Ngoc Duy, Deputy Director of the Center, proudly said: "We are always ready with all facilities and techniques to serve our people. The prices of goods are the same as on the mainland, helping fishermen save costs and feel secure when going out to sea." Every year, hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of oil, tens of thousands of blocks of ice, and thousands of cubic meters of fresh water have been provided, shortening the time and costs of sea trips.
Not only a logistical support, Da Tay A also stands tall as a living sovereignty landmark. Every roof, every row of green trees, every night light on the island is a silent but strong affirmation of Vietnam's inviolable sovereignty over the East Sea. Life here is harsh, but the soldiers, engineers, and doctors still steadfastly stick around, preserving every inch of land and every inch of sea of their homeland.
Mr. Le Xuan Viet, an islander, was moved: "Tay A Rock is a bridge between the sea and the mainland, a place where millions of hearts entrust their feelings." Each supply ship brings to the island not only supplies but also the warmth of human love, connecting the shore with the ocean.
In the middle of the vast ocean, Da Tay A Island is still quietly resilient, a solid support for ships and a shining symbol of patriotism and the will to protect sacred sovereignty. (To be continued)
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/chinh-tri/bai-2-ban-hung-ca-bat-tu-137517.html
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