The train carries with it green hope.

Recently, more than 1,000 saplings of various types, including casuarina, Terminalia catappa, and lemon trees, were brought to Truong Sa by Task Force No. 14. Lieutenant Colonel Chu Hai Cong, Director of Public Relations at the Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank, shared: "One tree cannot fully express our gratitude for the silent sacrifices of the soldiers on the island, but it can contribute shade, vitality, and hope."

Lieutenant Colonel Chu Hai Cong, Director of Public Relations at the Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank, shared his thoughts with the press on Truong Sa Dong Island. Photo: Minh Tuan.

Sir, funding for the Spratly Islands is not new, but why did your unit choose to focus on "greening"? Since the beginning of the year, the islands in the Spratly archipelago have been experiencing drought. How carefully did your unit consider which types of seedlings or supplies to bring to the islands to ensure their survival?

The Truong Sa Special Zone is the frontline of the Fatherland, a "steel fortress" for national defense and security, and also an area subject to many harsh natural conditions. A tree on the island not only enhances the landscape but also provides shade, acts as a windbreak, helps retain soil, improves the living environment, and creates more favorable conditions for officers, soldiers, and people to live and work with peace of mind.

Therefore, when the Navy launched the "Greening Truong Sa" initiative in 2021, MB identified this as a strategically significant task, consistent with the green development orientation and social responsibility that MB is persistently pursuing.

Representatives of the Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank present gifts to officers and soldiers on Song Tu Tay Island. Photo: Viet Thang.

Regarding seedlings, supplies, and implementation plans, MB always respects the professional role, guidance, and organization of the Navy. The selection of tree species, seedling specifications, supplies, and allocation to each island is researched and evaluated by the Navy based on the climate, soil, water resources, and care capabilities at each island location. MB focuses on mobilizing social resources, totaling nearly 170 billion VND, through the "HiGreen Truong Sa" campaign, to support the Navy in realizing the goal of sustainably greening Truong Sa.

“Standing on Son Ca Island amidst the vast sea, sky, and dazzling white sand, we realized that the number of trees our team brought on this journey to Son Ca and other islands was small and that we needed much more. By bringing trees to the islands, we not only brought shade, but also a promise: the mainland will always be the source of water and spiritual nourishment so that Truong Sa will forever remain green,” said Lieutenant Colonel Chu Hai Cong.

Transporting saplings to the island was a challenge. How could these saplings, accustomed to the loamy soil and freshwater of the mainland, withstand the sun, salty winds, and rough waves on the ship for many days? How did your unit coordinate with the Navy to accomplish this task, sir?

Transporting saplings to Truong Sa is a very unique task. The long distance, lengthy travel time, and fluctuating sea transport conditions, coupled with the need for saplings that require specific moisture levels, space, arrangement, and timing for delivery to the islands, necessitate practical experience, technical planning, and close coordination from the Navy.

During this process, the Navy played a leading role in terms of professional planning, logistics, transportation, and distribution of trees and supplies to the islands. During the recent trip, the image of the delegation members directly working alongside soldiers, shoveling and planting trees under the scorching sun, left a strong impression. Witnessing the soldiers' care for each green sprout at a time when fresh water is more precious than gold, what are your thoughts on the responsibility of the home front towards the front lines? I am truly fortunate to have visited Truong Sa for the third time; each visit is an unforgettable experience.

Lemon trees on board ship 571 are being transported to the islands of the Truong Sa Special Zone. Photo: Minh Tuan.

Every time I set foot in the Truong Sa Special Zone, I feel more strongly the unique and vibrant life of this place. Truong Sa has harsh natural conditions, yet it always embodies unwavering resilience and perseverance. Every sapling on the island is nurtured with the affection of the officers, soldiers, and people here.

During the trip, I particularly appreciated the spirit of the customers, partners, and delegates who accompanied MB. Members of the delegation directly participated in planting trees, transporting supplies, and sharing firsthand the conditions with the officers and soldiers on the island. These concrete actions demonstrate that responsibility towards Truong Sa has been transformed into practical participation by all members of Delegation No. 14.

From MB's perspective, the home front needs to support the front lines with persistent and practical actions. A single tree cannot fully express gratitude for the silent sacrifices of the soldiers on the islands, but it can contribute shade, vitality, and hope. This is how the community, businesses, and people nationwide express their affection, responsibility, and lasting support for Truong Sa.

Delegates from ship 571, along with officers and soldiers, at the nursery on Son Ca Island. Photo: Minh Tuan.

Giving a tree is giving life; what message does he hope these green shoots will convey to the officers, soldiers, and people who are guarding the nation's seas and skies day and night?

On behalf of MB, its staff, and nearly 100,000 contributions from MB customers nationwide who have supported the “HiGreen Truong Sa” campaign, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the officers, soldiers, and people of the Truong Sa Special Zone. The peace and security of this frontline island today are built upon the courage, discipline, perseverance, and silent sacrifices of the military and people of Truong Sa. These are values ​​we cherish and consider as the driving force for MB to continue fulfilling its responsibility as a military-owned enterprise to the nation, the community, and society.

The saplings sent to Truong Sa carry the affection, trust, and responsibility of the mainland. Each tree planted today is a tribute to those who are guarding the nation's seas and skies day and night; it is also a commitment to long-term partnership in building a greener, more sustainable, and more resilient Truong Sa Special Zone in this challenging environment.

MB hopes that these green trees will take root and grow alongside the lives of the soldiers and civilians on the island, adding shade, vitality, and hope. For us, HiGreen Truong Sa is a journey connecting social responsibility, patriotism, and the aspiration for sustainable development; it's how MB and the community join hands to cultivate greenery for Truong Sa, for Vietnam's islands and seas, and for the future of our nation!

Thank you very much, sir!

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/van-de-quan-tam/chuyen-tau-mang-theo-niem-tin-xanh-20260514001245500.htm