In the final days of the year, I visited a naval unit. The sea was calm, the wind gentle. This tranquility easily made one forget that the sea is inherently a harsh place, always harboring unpredictable changes. But simply observing the daily routines of the soldiers there, I understood that peace is not a natural state, but the result of persistent, continuous, and responsible guarding.

Amidst the vast expanse of the ocean, discipline and precision are not only professional requirements but also essential for ensuring the safety of personnel, equipment, and the mission. Therefore, for a naval soldier, composure doesn't stem from emotion, but is honed through daily exposure to wind, waves, and unforeseen situations.

Soldiers on guard duty in the Truong Sa archipelago ( Khanh Hoa province ). Photo: TRUONG QUOC TRUNG

What struck me most was the soldiers' emotional lives in that particular environment. In their tidy living space, family photos were carefully placed in the corner of the table. Some were wedding photos, some showed their young children, and others had faded with time. These very personal images quietly existed amidst the disciplined life, like a silent reminder of what the soldiers were leaving behind.

Far from home, family, and homeland, naval soldiers also carry within them the very ordinary feelings of longing. But that longing does not deter them. On the contrary, their love for family and loved ones seems to be elevated to a clearer sense of responsibility to the country. Standing at the forefront of the waves, the soldiers understand that the peace and safety of their families can only be complete when the sea and islands are securely protected.

Stories about loved ones are often mentioned with restraint. There's no complaining, no self-pity. This is the necessary restraint of people who are clearly aware of the boundary between personal emotions and the common good. It is this restraint that creates a beautiful quality: knowing how to put the interests of the nation above personal desires. Love between couples and family love doesn't disappear, but is expanded and naturally and firmly integrated into love for the country.

In their daily work, Navy soldiers demonstrate remarkable perseverance. Without ostentation or seeking recognition, they quietly fulfill their duties as an essential part of life. Their sacrifices are not dramatic, but rather quiet, consistent, and extended through each shift and patrol. It is this quiet dedication that gives their service its depth.

In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), when the mainland is bustling with preparations and the atmosphere of reunion permeates everywhere, the rhythm of life for naval soldiers at sea remains unchanged. They don't slow down because of the end of the year, nor do they slacken because Tet is approaching. The sea doesn't choose a time to be rough, and duty doesn't allow for relaxation. At a time when homesickness might become more apparent, responsibility to the nation takes precedence.

Leaving the unit in the final days of the year, what remains in my mind is not only the impression of their disciplined conduct, but also a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude to the naval soldiers who have sacrificed their personal happiness to maintain peace for the common good. Thanks to them, family love is extended by love for the country, so that every spring can return fully to every home. Peace after the storm, therefore, is not just the calm of the sea, but also the achievement of those who silently stand guard amidst the vast ocean.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/binh-yen-sau-bao-1025490