During the reception, Comrade Huong was pleasantly surprised to meet Captain Nguyen Duc Thanh, Deputy Political Officer of Company 4, Brigade 147 (Naval Region 1), who was conducting joint training on the island. Comrade Thanh was a former student of Course 57 at the Artillery Officer School. While at school, Thanh achieved the title of all-around outstanding student. It was Comrade Huong who discovered, mentored, and brought Thanh into the school's Olympic team for the 2018 all-army competition in Marxist-Leninist Science, Ho Chi Minh Thought, and socio-political awareness.

Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Thanh Huong and Captain Nguyen Duc Thanh on their happy reunion day.

On a remote island, the reunion between teacher and student was deeply moving. In the small living room, Teacher Huong quietly observed his former student, now a strong and mature officer, and asked, "Do you still remember those late-night training sessions, those lively debates in the classroom?" Thanh replied, "Yes, teacher, I still remember the experience in handling situations that you taught me."

In the afternoon, the delegation organized a cultural exchange event. Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Thanh Huong was the host. The stage was in front of the building, with several rows of chairs neatly arranged for the soldiers to sit on. Above, the sky was a clear blue, and the sound of waves lapped rhythmically in the distance.

“Today, we are not just having a cultural exchange. We sing for camaraderie, for the youthful years of soldiers. We sing to bridge the gap between the mainland and the islands. And we sing when we meet our students again, now steadfast officers on the front lines,” Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Thanh Huong began.

Applause erupted. Thanh sat in the front row, his eyes sparkling with joy. In the center of the stage, songs about the homeland, soldiers, and the sea and sky rang out in the simple, vibrant voices of the soldiers and officials in the delegation. The exchange ended with firm handshakes and lingering, emotional glances.

Teacher Huong walked over to Thanh and took a handwritten letter from his breast pocket with a message: "Just a few lines for you. Amidst the stormy seas, remember to take care of your health." Thanh accepted the letter and gave the teacher a small gift: a box containing seashells and coral pieces taken from the sea, along with wishes for a safe and smooth journey.

As the ship weighed anchor and left the island, standing on the deck, Teacher Huong silently watched his student wave goodbye. In his hand, he clutched a gift box filled with his student's affection. The reunion on this remote island, though brief, was brimming with emotion. Time may pass, but the bond between teacher and student will never fade.

Text and photos: HAI DANG

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    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/hoi-ngo-tren-dao-tien-tieu-836517