Son Ca Island - A vibrant island amidst the vast ocean.

Amidst the vast expanse of the Truong Sa archipelago, Son Ca Island stands out as a unique green space. Not only is it a strategically important island in the mission of protecting maritime sovereignty, Son Ca is also known for its rare green ecosystem, a nesting ground for skylarks...

Delegation No. 17 offered incense at General Vo Nguyen Giap Park on Son Ca Island.

"A good place attracts good people."

The soldiers in Truong Sa often jokingly say that Son Ca is an island where "birds flock to a good place." For many years, flocks of seabirds have come here to roost, creating a unique feature unlike any other island. It is from this that the name Son Ca (Son Ca) was born.

During the recent working trip to Truong Sa by Delegation No. 17, Son Ca Island was one of the stops that left a strong impression on the delegates from Thai Nguyen province. From the moment the boat docked at the island, what was easily noticeable was not the harshness of the sun and wind of the open sea, but the pervasive green color.

Rows of Barringtonia, Terminalia catappa, coconut trees, and many other perennial trees provide shade along the island's internal roads. Amidst harsh weather conditions, the lush greenery here is like a miracle created by the willpower, perseverance, and hard work of many generations of officers and soldiers.

Unlike the mainland, Son Ca Island lacks natural fertile soil. The island's soil is primarily coral sand, poor in nutrients, making farming extremely difficult. Freshwater is also incredibly precious because the island has no groundwater sources; all daily activities depend mainly on rainwater collected in reservoirs.

Overcoming those difficulties, the officers and soldiers on the island have gradually improved their living environment. For many years, fertile soil has been transported from the mainland to the island to support agricultural production. From the initial small plots of land, many agricultural areas have now been established, contributing to improving the lives of the soldiers.

Officers and soldiers on Son Ca Island tend to the vegetable garden.

At the agricultural production area, the lush green vegetable beds thriving amidst the sea breeze and sunshine surprised many delegates. Water spinach, jute mallow, mustard greens, and many other vegetables were carefully tended to each day. Interspersed among the green foliage were the familiar sounds of chickens and ducks, creating a feeling of closeness reminiscent of a rural area on the mainland.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Diep, Vice Chairman of the Thai Nguyen Provincial Farmers' Association, shared: "I was truly moved to witness the lives of the officers and soldiers on the island. Despite such difficult conditions, they still managed to cultivate lush green vegetable gardens. This shows their admirable spirit of overcoming difficulties and their unwavering determination."

Standing firm at the forefront of the waves

One of the special destinations on Son Ca Island is the General Vo Nguyen Giap Park. Amidst the vast sea and sky of Truong Sa, this historically and spiritually significant structure has become a landmark for officers, soldiers, and delegations from the mainland visiting the island.

In front of the monument and memorial to General Vo Nguyen Giap, many delegates took a few moments of quiet reflection to remember the legendary Commander-in-Chief of the Vietnam People's Army. The solemn atmosphere amidst the sound of the sea waves made each person even more proud of the nation's tradition of fighting to build and defend the country.

Associate Professor, Dr. Hoang Van Phu, former Senior Lecturer at Thai Nguyen University, believes that the trip to Truong Sa in general and Son Ca Island in particular is not only a source of pride but also helps delegates better understand the silent sacrifices of the soldiers and people in the frontline islands of the Fatherland.

A cultural exchange program under the shade of the square-leaved banyan tree.

Along with training and combat readiness, officers and soldiers on Son Ca Island actively participate in building a green, clean, and beautiful environment. Many internal island roads are shaded by trees. Living quarters, living areas, and agricultural production areas are neatly planned, creating a stable living environment for the troops.

Lieutenant Colonel Dang Ngoc Trung, Deputy Political Officer of Son Ca Island, said that despite many difficulties, the officers and soldiers always remain united, uphold a high sense of responsibility, and are determined to successfully complete all assigned tasks, safeguarding the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland's sea and islands.

The harsh sun and wind of Truong Sa do not deter the soldiers; instead, they become an environment for forging willpower and courage. Every tree planted, every vegetable patch tended, every structure built embodies the hard work and determination of those who are guarding the seas and skies of their homeland day and night.

Leaving Son Ca, what lingered in the hearts of many delegates was not only the lush greenery and the peaceful beauty of the island in the middle of the ocean, but also the image of the Navy soldiers always standing firm at the forefront of the waves and winds. Amidst the vast ocean, they still hold their weapons firmly day and night, protecting every inch of the nation's sea and islands so that the mainland can be peaceful and prosperous.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/202606/dao-son-ca-suc-song-giua-trung-khoi-e917f0e/