Leaving the mainland for Truong Sa

A-un immersed herself in this initially unfamiliar yet familiar setting. Besides the 19 members of the National Assembly's Ethnic Council, she was meeting for the first time nearly 300 fellow overseas Vietnamese from 26 countries, as well as representatives from various agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in front-line work, diplomacy , science, technology, business, intellectuals, artists, and especially the team guiding people to the Truong Sa archipelago.

The voyage took place at a time when the whole country was focusing on many important events: the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and the complete reunification of the country (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025), the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Navy (May 7, 1955 - May 7, 2025),...

Everyone's expressions were filled with an indescribable excitement and anticipation. A-un crossed her arms over her chest, looked up at the sky, closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled to control the high-frequency vibrations of her emotions. "Heart, don't tremble!" A-un reassured herself. But in an instant, A-un had to open her eyes again, fearing that this beautiful moment between people, between people and the vast sea and sky, would slip from her sight.
A-un looked down at the harbor, waved, and said:

- Goodbye mainland, see you again soon!

The ship KN390 quickly moved away from the mainland, and A-un remained standing there, gazing down at the sea. The waves seemed stronger now, crashing repeatedly against the ship's hull. Suddenly, she thought idly, "Could this ship possibly get damaged by stronger waves than those in the Spratly Islands?" Then she thought again, "But what if it does? The soldiers on the islands are present day and night, battling storms. Some will stay with the sea forever, after all!"
A-un shook her head, dismissing the unsettling thoughts, and strode toward the deck where many people were "checking in." She also took the opportunity to snap a few souvenir photos with her familiar smartphone.

While struggling to find the best angle for her photo, A-un turned around when she heard a mature male voice from behind:

Let me help you take the picture.

With friendly, gentle eyes, a sturdy build, and a dark complexion, she broke the silence in A-un's eyes and smiled in response:

- "Thank you. I need your help!"

A-un happily chose camera angles and adjusted her poses accordingly, quickly capturing quite a few photos. One person after another... came to choose angles and take pictures of each other.

The goodwill and hospitality of each person brought everyone closer. They introduced themselves, stating their names, occupations, and places of residence. The first person A-un recognized was Tony Nguyen, from Russia, who had helped her take the photos. Then there were Vietnamese expats from France, Japan, the United States, Hungary, Belgium, Germany, Australia, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Poland, etc. And, A-un confidently and gently introduced herself as being from her homeland, Vietnam.

Officers, soldiers, and residents of Truong Sa welcome the ship as it arrives at the island.

Tim A-un's heart raced as he listened to the broadcast about the program and activities throughout the voyage. There were quizzes about the sea, islands, and traditions of the People's Navy; chess competitions, flower arranging, origami, and fashion shows; cultural and artistic exchanges... And, moreover, witnessing and enjoying the spirit, attitude, and responsibility of the Navy leaders, officers, and soldiers towards all members of the delegation, A-un felt reassured, confident, and deeply grateful. The inspection, work, meals, rest, and daily life were all meticulously and thoughtfully arranged by the soldiers. Meetings and exchanges throughout the ship became increasingly open, close-knit, and sharing...

"Oh, it's like I'm in a big house on the mainland!" A-un exclaimed to herself. Each time she did, her eyes sparkled and gleamed.

The value of teamwork is immense. Many people, like A-un, are undoubtedly aware of this, which is why she constantly strives and actively participates with her team in the launched emulation movements. How touching it is that the leaders of the youth union and teams fully demonstrate their responsibility and know how to inspire enthusiasm in their members.

The arrival time was set, only hours remained. Suddenly, a feeling of emptiness and separation welled up in A-un's heart. Countless tears welled up in his eyes. So many beautiful images from the past few days flashed before him: the outstretched arms of international friends; the joyful, radiant eyes and lips of the people and soldiers on the islands as they received loving gifts; the waving hands between those leaving and those staying behind after each departure from the islands and offshore platforms; the golden hearts and profound expertise of the 108th Military Medical Corps who helped the oldest member of the delegation from the United States to be reborn right on the sacred Truong Sa Island. Especially poignant was the memorial ceremony for the heroic martyrs of the Gac Ma Island battle...

Never before had the longing in A-un's small, fragile heart—a girl of the Ta Oi ethnic group—been so overwhelming as it is now!

What a beautiful voyage, named "The Journey of Great Unity"!

A-un vowed to sincerely and profoundly convey the picture of Vietnamese life in the sea and islands to his community, compatriots, comrades, colleagues, family, and loved ones, and to continuously learn, improve himself, and cultivate a persistent, resilient, and empathetic mind and spirit, contributing to the preservation and development of Vietnam's sea and islands in the capacity entrusted to him by the Party, State, and People.

Nguyen Thi Suu

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/chuyen-tau-dai-doan-ket-153199.html