Two times to Truong Sa island

As a singer of the Lao Cai Province Ethnic Arts Troupe, for Manh Tin, the two business trips to Truong Sa Archipelago in 2019 and 2023 were not only a duty but also two special journeys, deeply imprinted in his memory. Overcoming the days of drifting at sea, he brought his love and culture of the Northwest to the soldiers who are day and night protecting the sacred sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland.

In the memory of singer Manh Tin, a son of the Northwest mountains and forests, he was never used to the harshness of the ocean, so the long voyage to Truong Sa became an extremely great mental and physical challenge for him.

"During that trip, I was really knocked out by the ocean. The feeling of seasickness was extremely uncomfortable. During the days drifting at sea, I was exhausted and my mind was spinning. All the psychological preparations seemed meaningless before the harshness of the ocean. At that time, I was almost exhausted and felt so small before nature," - singer Manh Tin emotionally shared.

But in that moment, the image of the Truong Sa soldiers appeared clearly in his mind. They - the people who voluntarily put aside their personal joys, put aside the warmth of their families, accepting a life facing the sun, wind, storms and loneliness on a remote island. Their great and enduring sacrifice was much greater than the artist's fleeting fatigue. At that moment, Manh Tin told himself that it was not just a business trip, but also a training - an honor that he would always remember.

Singer Manh Tin had the honor of coming to Truong Sa twice. (Photo provided by the character)

After many days drifting at sea, emotions burst forth, all fatigue seemed to disappear when the ship cut through the waves, heading towards the island, excitement was evident when Manh Tin officially set foot on the beloved Truong Sa land. That moment was only the pride of a Vietnamese son standing on the sacred, flesh and blood territory of the Fatherland.

The warm hugs, firm handshakes, bright smiles and affectionate eyes; the sincerity and simplicity of the island soldiers were the most effective spiritual medicine, helping him forget the seasickness and fatigue of the voyage. He clearly felt the strong connection between the army and the people like a strong embrace.

Coming to Truong Sa, Manh Tin witnessed with his own eyes the daily life and work of young soldiers. He saw the lush green of the banyan tree, the maple tree standing tall in the sun and wind, the neatness and solemnity of the sovereignty markers - things that he had previously only known about through the Internet.

In Manh Tin's memory, Truong Sa is not only about islands and corals, but also about soldiers who sacrificed their youth, put aside their own happiness to protect every inch of land, the sacred sea and sky of the Fatherland. Witnessing the resilience, steely will, and optimism of the soldiers in the middle of the ocean, he was filled with boundless pride and gratitude.

Singer Manh Tin (standing farthest from right to left) with colleagues at Truong Sa archipelago.

With pride, singer Manh Tin stepped onto the stage, under the fluttering national flag. At that time, he was not simply performing but also conveying emotions, representing the mainland’s love for beloved Truong Sa. During those two trips, Manh Tin sang songs imbued with the breath of the mountains and forests, with the typical Northwest sound.

During the music night, when the song about the homeland was played, Manh Tin saw the emotional tears of young soldiers, who had been away from home for many years. He always remembered the image of a soldier clapping his hands and singing along to the melody, his face filled with nostalgia for his homeland but also shining with pride. That moment made Manh Tin choke up. He understood that each lyric was not only a joy but also a connection, a great spiritual encouragement. He sang with all his national pride, with the immense love of a son from the mainland sent to the island.

Singer Manh Tin sings in the arms of island soldiers.

For singer Manh Tin, the two trips to Truong Sa were a great honor, like a spiritual "medal" that he always cherished. It was not just a memory, but a profound lesson about resilience, determination and patriotism. The moment of standing and singing under the proud national flag in the middle of the ocean will forever be an unforgettable memory in the artist's life, helping Manh Tin deeply understand his responsibility towards the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland. He told himself to always keep the flame of enthusiasm, to devote himself to art and to his beloved Fatherland.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/hai-lan-ra-dao-truong-sa-post886617.html