A package of heartfelt gratitude sent to Truong Sa.

The hundreds of nautical miles separating the mainland from Truong Sa seem to be erased by the ships carrying warmth from the rear. The supplies that Task Force No. 14 carries towards these sacred islands include not only essential goods but also the heartfelt support from the mainland.

Báo Thanh niên•28/05/2026

Amidst the scorching sun and the salty sea air, the sprouting of a young shoot is the strongest testament to vitality. The baggage heading to the sacred islands always contains seeds of life nurtured by the mainland with heartfelt affection. Lemon saplings, carrying the flavors of home, arrived at the port and were carefully handed to the soldiers. Expressing the sentiments from the home front through each sapling, Ms. Hoang Thi Hong, Head of the Truong Sa HQ 571/2014 volunteer group, shared: "The lemon trees were brought to the islands so the soldiers can have fruit to cook in soup and make refreshing drinks. Having a green vegetable garden and lemons, a specialty of our homeland, brought to the islands will warm the hearts of the soldiers."

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

For those young shoots to take root and thrive on the barren coral reef, nourishment from "Mother Earth" is absolutely essential. Sacks of soil, filled with love from the home front, are rhythmically passed from hand to hand to the island by young naval soldiers. Amidst the endless waves, each sack of loose soil is a precious source of "nutrients" for nurturing green vegetables and fruit trees, contributing to improving living conditions and adding a touch of greenery to this frontline outpost of the Fatherland.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

Beyond the green shoots, the soldiers on the islands are also strengthened by invaluable spiritual gifts. Radiant smiles bloom on the faces of the young soldiers as they pass around handwritten letters and admire the whimsical crayon drawings brought by teacher Tham Thi Sen, who braved the waves to deliver them. Each carefully written letter, each drawing of a naval soldier holding a rifle guarding a sovereignty marker, reflects the pure feelings of the students from Hop Giang Primary School (Cao Bang province). These innocent gifts have erased all geographical distances, connecting the highlands with the sacred islands, carrying warmth and faith from the remote regions to the forefront of the waves.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

At each island location, the special gift that always brings a lively atmosphere is the vibrant cultural performance by the volunteer artists from Ho Chi Minh City, dedicated to the officers, soldiers, and residents living on the islands. Bright smiles and synchronized dances seamlessly connected the hearts of the mainland with those on the remote islands. Sharing her thoughts on this meaningful moment, singer Duong Ngoc Ha (a member of the volunteer artists from Ho Chi Minh City) expressed: "When performing on stage with the soldiers, I think it's an invaluable spiritual gift. The whole team always tries its best to deliver impressive performances to create unforgettable memories. Through our songs, we want to convey the message 'A million hearts united, sending our best wishes to our beloved Truong Sa,' hoping that the soldiers and residents will always be safe and maintain their 'iron spirit' in this challenging environment."

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

The portraits sketched amidst the vast sea and sky of Truong Sa are a special spiritual gift that artist Ho Minh Quan cherishes for the soldiers. With passionate strokes, he not only captures the unwavering gaze of the soldiers but also imbues them with deep affection. Despite having visited the islands many times, his emotions remain as strong as the first time he stood before the graves of the young soldiers. His sacred promise from years ago, "I will definitely paint for you," has become the driving force behind his tireless work. Each painting handed over today is not only a precious memento of his soldierly life but also a testament to his lifelong aspiration: "For an artist, the core principle is to have responsibility to the country, responsibility to the homeland's sea and islands."

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

Leaving behind the countless obstacles of the vast ocean, the sacred bond that remains after each trip is the unwavering faith and promise between the mainland and the distant islands. For Ms. Tran Dieu Linh (a specialist in the Youth Union's Affairs Department), the journey to Truong Sa is an opportunity for young people across the country to fully entrust their faith in the unwavering will and resilience of the officers and soldiers who are guarding the sea and islands day and night. In return for that gratitude, the reply sent back to the mainland is a steadfast will and a vow to protect the sea: Despite the countless storms, the soldiers remain loyal, holding their weapons firmly to protect the peace of the Fatherland.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

And that sacred vow is always strengthened by the simplest moments. At the end of the voyage, the most poignant moment is the hurried farewell at the dock. The hastily printed photos exchanged before the ship departs are not just souvenirs, but encapsulate the smiles and warmth of the mainland. Even as the ship's whistle blows away, those simple mementos will remain, becoming a bond of blood and flesh, so that amidst the countless waves, the homeland always feels close.

PHOTO: TUAN MINH

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/goi-tron-an-tinh-gui-truong-sa-185260528012925933.htm