Writing Contest on National Sovereignty: Guarding Every Inch of the Fatherland's Sacred Land

At the Quang Tri - Savannakhet - Salavan border, border guards silently guard every inch of the Fatherland, preserving the strong friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

Under the intense sun of central Vietnam, where lush green fields intertwine with towering mountains creating a majestic natural landscape, lies a region at the intersection of three provinces: Quang Tri (Vietnam), Savannakhet and Salavan (Laos), a place that commemorates the brotherly friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

Marking glorious chapters in history.

I sat on a high hill, gazing towards the horizon where the borders of the three provinces of Quang Tri, Savannakhet, and Salavan intersect. Here, the border is not just a line on a map, but a long story, steeped in history and human connection in the effort to maintain peace and border security.

• Launching the writing contest "National Sovereignty Is Inviolable" and the photo contest "The Sacredness of the National Flag".

Three provinces of the two countries lie adjacent to each other along a 206-kilometer border. The majestic mountain ranges and rushing rivers bear witness to the glorious history of generations of ancestors who sacrificed themselves for independence and freedom during the two wars of resistance against French colonialism and American imperialism. The blood of countless people has soaked into the land, so that today we can stand here in peace, gaze at the clear blue sky, and listen to the gentle breeze rustling through the endless primeval forests.

Border guards and civilians participate in patrols near border marker 608 on the border line between the three provinces of Quang Tri, Savannakhet, and Salavan. Photo: LE MINH

This border is a place where cultures, people, and friendships intersect. Small villages are scattered along the border, where Vietnamese and Laotian people live together in harmony and friendliness, like brothers and sisters in one family. Sharing roads and rivers, they also work together to protect the peace of this border region.

Exchange of experiences and gift-giving between teachers and students of Vietnam and Laos. Photo: TRUC HA

Even in peaceful times, border guards silently watch over every inch of the homeland. Like eagles, their keen eyes constantly observe every subtle movement in the border region. Peace does not come by chance, but is the result of silent sacrifice and dedication.

On cold winter days, when thick fog blankets every road, border guards silently patrol, maintaining security for both countries. They face many difficulties, from harsh climate and treacherous terrain to dangers from smuggling, drug trafficking, trafficking of women and children, and illegal border crossings... But in their hearts, they always burn with faith and responsibility to their homeland and country. They are not only border guards but also bridges between the two nations, preserving the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

Sharing joys and sorrows

The Quang Tri - Savannakhet - Salavan border region is surrounded by high mountain ranges, dense forests, and fast-flowing rivers.

During the rainy season, floods from the mountains pour down, turning streams into raging torrents. Forest trees are blown down by the wind, and the tiny roads along the border become more dangerous than ever. But even in these harsh conditions, nature offers a wild and captivating beauty. The sight of mountains shrouded in mist, or the deep green forests under the afternoon sun, always creates magical scenes.

The natural environment here is rich in valuable resources. The pristine forests are home to many rare species of plants and animals. However, illegal logging and hunting of rare animals remain a pressing issue that border guards and forest rangers must confront. While persistently protecting border security, these border guards also work together to protect the environment and preserve natural resources for future generations.

And what is particularly special is that this border region is deeply marked by the friendship between the Vietnamese and Lao peoples. From the years of fierce war, the two nations stood shoulder to shoulder, fighting together and building a better future. Today, that sentiment continues to be nurtured and developed through cooperation, cultural exchange, and economic activities.

Leaders of the three provinces of Quang Tri, Savannakhet, and Salavan signed cooperation agreements at their annual meeting. Photo: TIEN NHAT

People from both countries, whether Vietnamese or Lao, share a common spirit of patriotism, love for peace, and respect for traditional values. They live close together, united, sharing everything from meals to joys and sorrows. At the border markets, you'll see people from both countries exchanging goods, their faces beaming with smiles. Lao children run and play alongside their Vietnamese friends, without any distinction based on nationality or language. They all seem like brothers and sisters, creating a vibrant picture of human connection and solidarity across borders.

As the sun set, I gazed into the distance, where the mountains gradually disappeared behind a hazy mist. What lingered in my heart was the silent sacrifice of the border guards, and the enduring friendship between Vietnam and Laos. All for the sake of a peaceful border, where every person is deeply connected to their homeland and determined to protect every inch of sacred land.

And I know that, no matter how difficult or arduous the challenges, this border will always be protected, always a symbol of friendship and enduring solidarity between the two brotherly nations of Vietnam and Laos.

The border region between Quang Tri and Savannakhet is a symbol of cooperation, solidarity, and friendship. Border guards and local communities have been, are, and will continue to work tirelessly to protect the peace of both countries. In the future, with economic development and the strengthening of ties between the two nations, this border region will not only be a remote and isolated area, but also one full of potential.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/canh-giu-tung-tac-dat-thieng-lieng-cua-to-quoc-196250322205156258.htm