A sacred sea voyage amidst the "front waves and strong winds".

VHO - The trip to the Truong Sa archipelago and the DK1 platform was not only a sea voyage through rough seas but also a process of touching the depths of emotion and belief. In this place "at the forefront of the waves," each coral reef and rock formation is a vivid testament: Maritime sovereignty is sacred and inviolable.

Officers and soldiers of the DK1/16 Phuc Tan offshore platform participated in a cultural exchange with the visiting delegation in a warm atmosphere amidst the vast ocean.

In April, the Truong Sa archipelago is a deep blue, with sunlight stretching across the vast expanse of water like poured honey. Naval vessel 571 of the 4th Naval Region cut through the waves, carrying the 8th Task Force, comprising 178 delegates, on their voyage filled with a multitude of emotions.

Standing on the ship's deck, amidst the vast expanse of sea and sky, one suddenly feels incredibly small, but it is at that very moment that love for the homeland becomes greater than ever. The coral reefs and rocky outcrops in the middle of the ocean are no longer inanimate objects, but appear as "living fortresses," where officers, soldiers, and people hold their ground day and night, forming a solid stronghold to protect the sacred sovereignty of the sea and islands.

From the very first days of the voyage, the atmosphere on board ship 571 was vibrant with many meaningful activities. Well-organized competitions about the homeland's seas and islands attracted a large number of participants. Meticulously folded paper cranes, tense chess games, and heartfelt cultural exchanges created a special space where the mainland and the islands seemed closer together. Without a stage or dazzling lights, the songs sung amidst the ocean sounded more sincere and moving than anywhere else.

“All-ship wake-up call…”, the loudspeaker blared each morning, not only marking the start of a new day but also awakening the growing emotions within each member of the delegation. On the second day of the voyage, the sea was calmer, the sky a clear blue stretching to the horizon. The sunrise over the sea was like a giant painting, the water shimmering with silver light. Schools of flying fish darted across the waves, creating dazzling streaks of light. Dolphins rarely appeared; only a few lucky ones caught a fleeting glimpse of these playful creatures diving and disappearing beneath the deep water.

But all of that seemed to subside as the ship approached Song Tu Tay Island, the first stop on the voyage. From afar, the red flag with a yellow star fluttering on the flagpole symbolizing sovereignty amidst the vast sea and sky stirred strong emotions in everyone's hearts. It was not just a flag, but a symbol of the homeland, of sovereignty, and of national pride.

Warmth of the bond between soldiers and civilians

Song Tu Tay Island appeared familiar and endearing with its red tiled roofs and sturdy rows of Barringtonia and Terminalia trees standing firm against the sea breeze. Welcoming the delegation were officers, soldiers, and residents of the island, along with the teachers and students of Song Tu Tay Primary School, who temporarily set aside their classes to greet the delegation. It was a touching encounter between the yearning for the sea of ​​those from the mainland and the longing for home of the people on this remote island.

More than just a strategic outpost, Song Tu Tay Island boasts a complete set of facilities including offices, a cultural center, schools, and a medical station – all well-maintained and clean. These structures not only affirm sovereignty but also demonstrate the enduring presence of human life amidst the vast ocean. In a space seemingly filled only with wind and waves, life on the island unfolds warmly, like a village. Small classrooms resound with the clear voices of students reciting lessons.

Teacher Le Thanh Chien shared that besides imparting knowledge, the most important thing is to instill in students a love for their country and its islands. “Here, teachers and students are close like a family. We don't just teach literacy; we also teach them to love the sea and islands, and to understand our country's sovereignty,” he said. In that classroom, student Nguyen Hoang Chi Thien innocently shared his dream of becoming a soldier to protect the islands. For him, life on the island is not lacking in anything, because “everyone here loves me.” These simple words were enough to move anyone.

The smile of a soldier in Truong Sa.

Leaving Song Tu Tay, ship 571 continued its journey through the night. The lights on the island gradually faded into the distance, but it felt as if "eyes" were still watching. The flashing of the lighthouse throughout the night was like a message, a symbol of the mainland's companionship with the distant island. The next morning, Son Ca Island appeared in its characteristic green color. Many projects have been invested in and built, such as Son Ca Pagoda, the General Vo Nguyen Giap Park, and the wind and solar energy systems, contributing to improving the material and spiritual lives of the officers and soldiers on the island.

Lieutenant Colonel Dang Ngoc Trung, Deputy Political Officer of Son Ca Island, said that in recent times, the unit has always focused on political and ideological education; taking care of the material and spiritual lives of the soldiers so that they can work with peace of mind. The attention of the Party, the State, and the people of the whole country is a great source of encouragement for officers and soldiers to stand firm at the forefront of the waves. On Son Ca, as on many other islands, green vegetable gardens are grown in harsh conditions, every drop of fresh water is carefully conserved, every handful of soil is brought from the mainland… all creating a vivid picture of the indomitable spirit of the island soldiers.

Nam Yet, the "green island" of the Truong Sa archipelago, evokes a different feeling. The shady ancient trees and fruit orchards make it resemble a miniature countryside. Meanwhile, on islands like Da Lon B and Sinh Ton, each place the delegation visited left its own unique impression. Corporal Tran Quang Canh shared about his initial bewilderment upon arriving on the island and how the help of his comrades helped him adapt quickly.

He said emotionally that the delegations from the mainland were a great source of moral support. In Sinh Ton, the local people and the soldiers formed a close-knit community. Shared meals, handshakes, and sincere greetings fostered a strong bond between the military and the people. Despite being far from the mainland, holidays and festivals were still filled with warmth and human connection.

"The Circle of Immortality"

One of the most moving moments of the voyage was the memorial ceremony for the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the Spratly Islands. In the middle of the ocean, 178 members of the delegation, dressed in red and yellow uniforms, stood solemnly, observing a moment of silence to remember the 64 soldiers who died on March 14, 1988, in the Co Lin - Len Dao - Gac Ma area.

Wreaths and paper cranes were released into the deep blue water, carrying boundless gratitude. The "Circle of Immortality" is not just a symbol, but also a testament to the unwavering will and the spirit of self-sacrifice in defending the nation's maritime sovereignty. Many in the delegation could not hide their emotions as they stood amidst this historic sea. Colonel Doan Bao Anh, Deputy Commander of the 3rd Naval Region, said emotionally: "The blood of 64 soldiers has mingled with the blue sea, forming the 'Circle of Immortality,' a symbol of patriotism and the will to uphold national sovereignty." He emphasized that paying tribute to the martyrs is a reminder of the responsibility of today's generation.

The journey continued to Truong Sa Dong Island, the center of the Truong Sa archipelago. Truong Sa today has undergone many changes, with a modern infrastructure and stable living conditions. It is not only a strategic location but also a symbol of the faith, will, and unity of the entire nation. The final destination of the journey was the DK1/16 Phuc Tan platform, one of the "living landmarks" in the middle of the sea. Despite the rough seas and difficult access, the members remained determined to reach the platform. The soldiers, with their sun-tanned skin and strong smiles, welcomed the delegation with sincerity.

Lieutenant Tran Trung Duc, Deputy Commander of the DK1 platform, shared: “These waves are normal. Sometimes, with waves reaching level 6 or 7, we have to use ropes and cranes to lift people up.” He affirmed: “Despite the difficulties, we are always ready, because this is a sacred duty.” He also added emotionally: “The concern of the Party, the State, and the people is a great source of encouragement. For us, working at the DK1 platform is an honor and a source of pride.”

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/chinh-polit/hai-trinh-thieng-lieng-noi-dau-song-ngon-gio-223854.html