The "Independence" Bag - Journey from the mainland to the remote island

From Vinh city, a small straw bag painted with a red flag with a yellow star and the words "Independence" followed me across thousands of nautical miles, passing through the islands of the Truong Sa archipelago, stopping at DK1 Platform and ending the journey, being given to the wife of a Navy soldier - as a message of love and pride.

The author with a Navy soldier on the DK1 platform. Photo: PH

That simple straw bag is a handmade product of specialized children in Vinh City. They have diligently sowed faith and hope through hand-drawn strokes to create it on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the country's reunification. On the body of the bag stand out two words: "INDEPENDENCE", just that simple but containing the history, blood and great aspirations of the Vietnamese people.

Proudly checking in between the sacred sea and sky of the Fatherland. Photo: PH

When I brought the bag with me on the journey with Working Group No. 16 - KN290 to visit Truong Sa and DK1 Platform, I simply thought that I loved this bag and wanted to spread an "environmentally friendly" product associated with a very meaningful message from the children to Truong Sa.

However, the more I accompany the bag to the islands, the more I feel deeply that the small bag seems to carry a soul, carrying whispers from the motherland to the ocean and, most of all, spreading the message of pride and gratitude of our generation today when living in peace , independence and freedom.

Child citizen on Tay A island (Truong Sa). Photo: PH

On the islands of Da Thi, Sinh Ton, Len Dao, Tay A, Co Lin, Truong Sa Lon… “Independence” is everywhere, blending in with the red flag with yellow star, with the bright smiles of children, and the proud eyes of marine soldiers. The image of a child on Tay A island carrying a “Independence” bag on a tiny bicycle under the bright sunlight has touched the hearts of many people there - moved, proud and confident. That is a Truong Sa growing up, innocent and resilient like the sacred sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland.

When stopping at DK1 Platform - where soldiers are guarding sovereignty day and night in the harshest conditions, everyone received and cherished the "Independence" bag with smiles, eyes and pride to record that meaningful moment of theirs. And amidst the storms, I clearly saw the light of belief, that all sacrifices and hardships are worthy of the two words INDEPENDENCE.

Giving a bag to a Navy soldier on the deck. Photo: PH

And then, at the last moment of the journey, we gave the bag to a Navy soldier, asking him to bring it back as a gift for his wife, he was very touched... I believe, it is not just a gift, but a part of the journey, a symbol of gratitude, of distant love, of the connection between the front line and the warm home. In the arms of the soldier's wife, the bag will continue a new journey, continuing to spread good and meaningful things.

I have fulfilled my wish to have that beloved souvenir in Truong Sa. I am so happy because it is not just a bag but the message of “Independence” is a journey of love from the mainland to beloved Truong Sa.

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