Lesson 2 - The Immortal Epic

VHO - Amidst the vast ocean of Truong Sa, the naval soldiers not only sculpted an immortal epic of the past but also served as a safe haven for fishing boats venturing out to sea. Truong Sa is a common home in the ocean, a living monument to the indomitable will and resilience of the nation at the forefront of the waves and winds.

Truong Sa, proud and enduring in the East Sea: Part 1 - The sea and islands are our homeland.

Commemoration ceremony for the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of protecting maritime sovereignty in the Truong Sa archipelago.

You have transformed yourselves into waves.

Deep in the hearts of the Vietnamese people, we can never forget the event 37 years ago at Gac Ma reef in the Truong Sa archipelago, where 64 Vietnamese Navy soldiers bravely fell in an unequal battle to protect every inch of the sacred sea and islands of our homeland.

On March 14, 1988, amidst a hail of enemy bullets, the Navy soldiers, with the unwavering resolve of "Rather sacrifice ourselves than lose the sea and islands," fought to their last breath. Armed only with hoes, shovels, crowbars, and infantry rifles, they displayed resourcefulness and courage, creating immortal circles to protect the national flag.

In those life-or-death moments, the nation's finest sons and daughters clasped hands, determined not to retreat. Lieutenant Colonel Tran Duc Thong, Captain Vu Phi Tru, Second Lieutenant Tran Van Phuong, and countless other comrades have become immortal monuments to patriotism and courage.

Ceremony of offering incense and flowers to commemorate the heroic martyrs in the Co Lin sea area - Truong Sa archipelago.

The image of Lieutenant Tran Van Phuong proudly wrapping the national flag around his body and his resolute declaration: "We must not retreat. We must let our blood stain the national flag" has become an immortal symbol. Major Vu Huy Le, with his calmness and resourcefulness, commanded the HQ 505 ship to run aground on the Co Lin reef, transforming the ship into a fortress of sovereignty.

Those heroic sacrifices have forged an immortal epic in the history of the nation's defense. Although time may fade the traces, the memory of the Gac Ma incident and the indomitable fighting spirit of the naval soldiers will forever be etched 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 to love for the homeland.

Colonel Nguyen Duy Thieu, Deputy Head of the Naval Logistics and Technical Department, said emotionally: "Every time the delegations pass through the Gac Ma sea area, they organize memorial ceremonies, releasing flowers and paper cranes into the sea, as a token of gratitude, a promise from future generations that they will never forget those who fell for the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland."

Fisheries logistics center on Da Tay Island

Ms. Bui Thi Hoa, a staff member of the Central Acupuncture Hospital, shared with a choked voice: "Attending the memorial ceremony for the Gac Ma martyrs was a deeply moving experience. Hearing about the courageous fighting of the heroes, the voices of the fallen soldiers echoing across the vast sea and sky, I couldn't hold back my tears. They sacrificed themselves so that Truong Sa would forever endure."

Time may pass, history may turn a new page, but the Gac Ma incident will forever remain an immortal epic. Regardless of the circumstances, the "fearless determination to fight to the death for the Fatherland" spirit of those naval soldiers will continue to be a guiding light, reminding every Vietnamese citizen of their responsibility to protect every inch of sacred land and sea of ​​their homeland.

A solid foundation for voyages at sea.

Da Tay A Island carries a historical mission, strategically positioned as a steel gate protecting the southern waters of the Truong Sa archipelago. On the island, alongside the soldiers guarding the sea and sky, there is a Fisheries Logistics Service Center, a solid support base for fishermen. The island's large harbor has for many years served as a safe haven for countless voyages along the central coast to the southernmost tip of the country.

Fisheries logistics services on Da Tay A Island

Taking advantage of the natural lagoon's location, since 2005, the Fisheries Logistics Service Center has been built on coral reefs, becoming the largest supply station in Truong Sa. It provides fresh, cool water, ample fuel, abundant food supplies, fresh produce, quick boat repairs, and timely rescue assistance amidst stormy seas.

Fisherman Nguyen Van Thinh from Phu Yen shared: "The sea is our livelihood, but it is also full of dangers. Thanks to support from the mainland, we feel more secure in continuing our work at sea."

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thuong Tin, Commander of Da Tay A Island, affirmed: "Da Tay A is like a second home for fishermen. Here they find sharing, help, and peace of mind to continue their long voyages."

Together with naval soldiers, the officers and staff of the Fisheries Logistics Service Center are constantly striving to promote awareness of maritime sovereignty, conduct search and rescue operations, and encourage fishermen to maintain a peaceful environment at sea. The Center is contributing to the Vietnamese Navy's efforts to affirm the sacred sovereignty over the nation's maritime territories.

West Stone Island A

Mr. Huynh Ngoc Duy, Deputy Director of the Center, proudly stated: "We always have all the necessary facilities and equipment ready to serve the fishermen. Prices of goods are the same as on the mainland, helping fishermen save costs and feel secure when venturing out to sea." Each year, hundreds of thousands of cubic meters of fuel, tens of thousands of blocks of ice, and thousands of cubic meters of fresh water are supplied, shortening the time and cost of fishing trips.

More than just a logistical outpost, Tay A Reef stands tall as a living landmark of sovereignty. Every house, every green tree, every night light on the island is a silent but powerful affirmation of Vietnam's inviolable sovereignty in the East Sea. Life here is harsh, but the soldiers, engineers, and doctors remain steadfast, protecting every inch of land and stretch of sea of ​​their homeland.

Mr. Le Xuan Viet, a resident of the island, said emotionally: "Tay A Reef is a bridge between the sea and the mainland, a place where millions of hearts entrust their feelings." Each supply ship brings not only goods but also the warmth of human kindness, connecting the shore with the open sea.

The House of National Unity of Vietnam on Da Tay A Island

In the vast ocean, Da Tay A Island stands silently and resiliently, a solid anchor for ships and a shining symbol of patriotism and the will to protect sacred sovereignty. (To be continued)

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/chinh-polit/bai-2-ban-hung-ca-bat-tu-137517.html