Yet, overcoming the harshness of nature, the island soldiers are still brave, steady in their guns, day and night firmly protecting the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland; persistently and diligently cultivating and caring for each vegetable bed, each tree root and leaf. The green color of the remote island is also the color of faith and hope, symbolizing the intense love of the sea, islands, homeland and country of Uncle Ho's soldiers.

The island is home, the sea is homeland

Home and homeland are the most beloved and warmest places that everyone wants to return to. For Uncle Ho's soldiers, the sea and islands of the Fatherland are like "a bunch of sweet star fruit", like their second home. That is why, in addition to the determination to excellently complete the task of firmly protecting the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Fatherland, the officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Army always love, are attached to, and are enthusiastic and responsible in building our sea and islands to be more and more beautiful.

Uncle Ho's soldiers sow green seeds on the sea and islands.

On the remote islands of the Fatherland, where the scorching sun seems to burn the white sand and coral reefs, there are things that seem impossible, but under the hands of Uncle Ho's soldiers, they miraculously appear, that is the green of the homeland, of life.

Those who have been to Truong Sa and seen the vegetable gardens with all kinds of green vegetables: mustard greens, water spinach, Malabar spinach; the trellises of squash and luffa trees laden with fruit, carefully tended every day; and the cool foliage of the maple trees and the banyan trees stretching in the wind... all feel a strange sense of familiarity. The green color of the trees and leaves not only helps the unit's campus to be more vibrant but also contributes to cooling the souls of officers and soldiers after hours of arduous and hard training. More deeply, it is also the breath and resilience of Uncle Ho's soldiers on the remote island.

On a remote island, each green sprout contains so much enthusiasm, soaked with countless drops of sweat, perseverance, endurance and a love for the sea and islands as passionate as the "homeland" of the cadres and soldiers. Each row of vegetables, each leaf full of life is proof of the beauty of a revolutionary army that is not only excellent in combat but also creative in work and effective in production. At the same time, it is a strong affirmation: "There is nothing that Uncle Ho's soldiers cannot do".

The cool green patches appearing among the layers of white-capped waves seem to add to the beauty of the homeland's sea and sky, making the "fence of the Fatherland" more vibrant, truly a spiritual support for officers and soldiers to always have faith and hold their guns firmly even when they are far away from their homeland, family and loved ones.

Keep the "heart" of the home front intact

Land and fresh water are very familiar and extremely necessary for life around us, but in the middle of the vast ocean, these seemingly ordinary things are extremely rare. From the mainland, each piece of land, each drop of water sent to the remote islands is cherished and respected by officers and soldiers. Land is to nurture green shoots, water is to sustain life. And more importantly, it is also the heart, the warmth of mother earth spreading out to the ocean.

For the officers and soldiers at the front lines of the Fatherland, each ship from the mainland brings to that faraway land so much joy, happiness and hope. Happy because the officers and soldiers know that, from the rear, millions of Vietnamese hearts are always looking out to the East Sea; happy because on those ships, in addition to countless patriotic hearts, there are also letters and simple gifts from home.

The lush green vegetable gardens of Uncle Ho's soldiers.

For the delegations visiting the island, each look, each optimistic smile, full of steel of the officers and soldiers amidst countless difficulties and hardships will inspire endless love for the sea and islands; spread optimism and strengthen the steadfast belief in Uncle Ho's soldiers, soldiers of the people, by the people and for the people. Because the deep affection and values ​​sent from the mainland are always preserved, cherished and respected by our soldiers.

And then, on the dry rocky islands, amidst the vast white sand, under the sun, the wind and the salty taste of the sea, life still grows and flourishes like spring flowers. That is also the message about the spirit of overcoming difficulties and hardships to contribute to the Fatherland of Uncle Ho's soldiers. Just like the romantic but steely verses of the island soldiers: .

"Secret" of growing vegetables of Uncle Ho's soldiers

At the front lines of the Fatherland, officers and soldiers not only protect the sky, the sea, and the islands, but also use their intelligence, hands, and hearts to preserve the lives of green shoots. From generation to generation, Uncle Ho's soldiers have continuously researched, experimented, and created "secrets" for growing vegetables right on the mottled white sand, amidst the scorching sun and harsh wind.

If On the mainland, farmers grow vegetables on vast fields stretching as far as the eye can see, while on submerged and floating islands, our soldiers create mini vegetable gardens from foam boxes, plastic cans, cement tanks, and even from sea snail shells... Sand is mixed with soil sent from the rear in a suitable ratio, plus kitchen ash and rotten leaves to create a living and growing environment for green vegetables.

There is a paradox that only the officers and soldiers on the island can understand: "still thirsty in the middle of the vastness". Out at sea, sometimes storms suddenly come, but sometimes there is no rain for months. In such circumstances, the officers and soldiers measure and divide each bucket of water: some for cooking, some for daily use, some for plants, flowers, vegetables... creating a closed loop, very scientific and extremely economical. There, Uncle Ho's soldiers do not freely "cool off" the vegetables like on the mainland, but carefully pour each small ladle of water onto each dry bed; watering the vegetables is also only done at appropriate times, usually early in the morning and late in the afternoon, before the sun rises or when the weather is cool so that the water vapor does not evaporate quickly.

The "secret" to sowing green seeds on white sand of Uncle Ho's soldiers.

During the day, to prevent the leaves of the vegetables from being burned by the sun, wind and sea salt, the officers and soldiers set up a sturdy frame covered with a green net. At night, the net was opened so that the vegetables could "bathe in dew" instead of "bathe in water". Every day, our soldiers always remembered and followed the recipe for caring for and protecting the vegetables that had been passed down for generations.

Those experiences and initiatives have become the “secret” for sowing green seeds on the white sand of Uncle Ho’s soldiers. Therefore, even though they only have calloused hands, no high technology or modern machinery, but with the creative minds and diligence of officers and soldiers, from Truong Sa Lon to Da Tay, Da Nam, Son Ca, Co Lin, Sinh Ton… are always filled with the green color of trees and leaves. In particular, the soldiers’ meals are therefore supplemented with green vegetables. There Not only is it an indispensable dish, but it is also a source of pride because it is a product of love and labor, the result of sweat and effort.

At the forefront of the storm, Uncle Ho's soldiers are not only the ones who keep peace for the homeland, but also the creators, the masters, the ones who sow faith amidst the waves. Every time the purple sunset, the unique sunset of the sea, falls, looking at the rows of trees and green vegetable patches swaying to the rhythm of the waves helps the officers and soldiers ease their homesickness and longing for the mainland.

Sowing green seeds on the white sand is the aspiration to build the homeland's sea and islands to become more and more beautiful. At the same time, it is the spirit, the will, the determination to overcome circumstances, the determination to excellently complete the sacred mission assigned by the Party, the State and the people of Uncle Ho's soldiers.

Article and photos: VU QUOC - NGO THUY

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/bo-doi-cu-ho-soe-mam-xanh-tren-mien-cat-trang-1012392