A truly authentic and vivid cruise experience.

Recently, a delegation from the General Political Department of the Vietnam People's Army, led by Lieutenant General Do Xuan Tung, Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Deputy Head of the General Political Department...

Warmth of the bond between soldiers and civilians

One day in April, we set foot on Sinh Ton Island at dawn. Alongside cultural buildings and military barracks were rows of houses belonging to local families. In front of each house, the national flag fluttered in the sea breeze.

In his cozy home, Mr. Nguyen Tuan Ngoc, a resident of Sinh Ton Island, shared: "When we first came to live on the island, everything was unfamiliar, we weren't used to the rhythm of life amidst the vast ocean. But thanks to the dedicated guidance of the officers and soldiers, we quickly adapted. On holidays, festivals, or when welcoming visiting delegations, everyone pitches in to prepare, so the bond between the military and the people has become even stronger."

General Do Xuan Tung and his delegation visited a household on Sinh Ton Island.

Also from the same hometown as Mr. Ngoc is Mr. Le Thanh Tuan. After completing his military service at Brigade 146, Region 4 of the Navy, he returned home and married Ms. Bui Thi Kim Ngoc. When he learned about the plan to work on the island, he discussed it with his wife and received enthusiastic support from his family and relatives. On the island, they overcame difficulties together, nurtured their family, and raised their two young children amidst the sound of the waves and the love of the entire island community.

Walking around the island, what impressed us was not only the green of the mangrove trees, but also the sight of the graceful women and children in their traditional ao dai dresses, their radiant smiles, eagerly welcoming visitors from the mainland. Despite being hundreds of nautical miles from the shore, the scenery felt like a familiar and beloved village on the mainland.

A family on Sinh Ton Island prepares to welcome visitors from the mainland.

Under the shade of the Terminalia catappa tree, we chatted with Ms. Nguyen Thi Ut Lan, a resident of Sinh Ton Island, who said: “Living on the island, I’ve gotten used to it. Every time I go back to the mainland, I miss the island, I miss the sound of the temple bells, the roosters crowing in the early morning, and the thoughtfulness of the Navy soldiers.” These simple words are vivid proof of the determination to cling to the sea and protect the island, and of the unwavering bond between the military and the people in this remote and challenging place.

After bidding farewell to Sinh Ton Island, the delegation continued its sea voyage to other islands. Images of unwavering determination, close ties between the military and civilians, the women in traditional ao dai dresses, and the sounds of children learning their alphabet in newly built tiled houses… will forever be etched in the memories of each delegate.

Changes happen every day.

Upon visiting the islands within the Truong Sa Special Zone, we were impressed by the changes, development, and the unwavering resilience and strong determination of the officers, soldiers, and people there. All of this left a deep impression on each member of the delegation.

Flag-raising ceremony on Truong Sa Island

The solemn moment of the flag-raising ceremony on Truong Sa Island, when the ten oaths of honor of the soldiers echoed across the vast ocean. Especially the final line of the third oath: "...Every task will be completed, every difficulty will be overcome..." was clearly demonstrated by the officers and soldiers in their training and combat readiness. Not only them, but also the people of Truong Sa possess this spirit and will.

Lieutenant Colonel Huynh Thi Kim Hue, Deputy Head of Political Affairs of the Southwest Company, Military Region 7, shared: "When I sang the national anthem and listened to the 10 oaths of honor, it gave me a very special feeling. This moment will become a memory that will stay with me for the rest of my life."

The head of the General Political Department and the Navy Command visited and encouraged fishermen on Truong Sa Island.

Fishing boats lined up, heading out to sea and returning to shore, bustling, hurried, and brightly colored, leaving a lasting impression on the members upon arriving at the harbor of Da Tay A Island. Fisherman Ngo Van Thuy, 50 years old, from Phuoc Dinh commune, Khanh Hoa province, captain of the vessel KH 91077TS, was checking fuel and provisions at the harbor. He shared: "When we are at sea for long periods, lacking fresh water, fuel, or experiencing machinery breakdowns, we always receive timely support from the Navy. The bond between fishermen and soldiers at the forefront of the waves is a solid foundation that allows us to confidently continue fishing in our traditional fishing grounds."

Two soldiers on Sinh Ton Island adjust each other's uniforms before handing over their shift.

Thanks to the attention of the Party, the State, the Central Military Commission, and the Ministry of National Defense, Truong Sa today boasts a modern and well-equipped appearance with facilities such as housing, schools, and medical centers. The lives of officers, soldiers, and civilians are constantly improving. These achievements are the result of the sweat, effort, and silent sacrifices of the soldiers and civilians of Truong Sa, who always consider "the island as their home and the sea as their homeland."

Text and photos: XUAN AN

Concluding the working trip, General Do Xuan Tung emphasized: Each member of the delegation, upon returning from Truong Sa, should act as a reporter to disseminate and spread what they experienced in a truthful and vivid manner. According to their responsibilities and duties, each member should research and synthesize information to promptly advise and propose to the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense policies and solutions for protecting sovereignty and developing the marine and island economy.

Source: https://baohaiquanvietnam.vn/tin-uc/hai-trinh-trai-nghiem-chan-thuc-sinh-dong