The "Independence" Bag - A journey from the mainland to a remote island.

Independence 1 — The author with a Navy soldier on the DK1 offshore platform. Photo: PH

That rustic straw bag is a handcrafted product of special needs children in Vinh City who diligently sowed faith and hope through hand-drawn designs, creating it just in time for the 50th anniversary of the reunification of the country. The bag prominently displays the words: "INDEPENDENCE," a simple yet profound expression encompassing the history, sacrifices, and great aspirations of the Vietnamese people.

independence 3 — Proudly checking in amidst the sacred sea and sky of our homeland. Photo: PH

When I carried this bag with me on the trip with Task Force No. 16 - KN290 to visit Truong Sa and the DK1 platform, I simply thought that I loved this bag and wanted to spread the word about an "environmentally friendly" product associated with a very meaningful message from the children visiting Truong Sa.

However, the more I traveled to the islands with that bag, the more deeply I felt that this small bag seemed to carry a soul, whispering messages from Mother Earth to the vast ocean, and above all, spreading the message of pride and gratitude of our generation today for living in peace , independence, and freedom.

Independence 2 — Young citizens on Tay A Island (Spratly Islands). Photo: PH

On the islands of Đá Thị, Sinh Tồn, Len Đao, Tây A, Cô Lin, Trường Sa Lớn… everywhere the word “Independence” is present, blending with the red flag with a yellow star, alongside the radiant smiles of children and the proud eyes of naval soldiers. The image of a child on Tây A island carrying a bag with the word “Independence” on a tiny bicycle under the bright sun has touched the hearts of so many there – evoking emotion, pride, and confidence. This is a Trường Sa that is growing, innocent and resilient, just like the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland's sea and islands.

Upon arriving at the DK1 platform – where soldiers are guarding sovereignty day and night under the harshest conditions – everyone received and cherished the "Independence" bag with smiles, eyes, and pride, capturing that meaningful moment. And amidst the stormy seas, I clearly saw the light of faith, that all sacrifices and hardships were worthwhile for the sake of INDEPENDENCE.

independence 4 — Presenting the bag to a Navy soldier on the ship's deck. Photo: PH

And then, at the very end of our journey, we handed the bag to a Navy soldier, asking him to take it back as a gift for his wife. He was deeply moved... I believe it wasn't just a gift, but a part of the journey, a symbol of gratitude, of distant love, of the connection between the front lines and the warm home front. In the arms of the soldier's wife, that bag will continue its journey, continuing to spread good and meaningful things.

I have fulfilled my wish to have that cherished memento present in Truong Sa. I am truly happy because it's not just the bag, but the message of "Independence" has become a journey of love from the mainland to beloved Truong Sa.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/chiec-tui-doc-lap-hanh-trinh-tu-dat-lien-ra-dao-xa-10296960.html