Hon Me Island - the sounds echoing from the sea.

(Baohatinh.vn) - For me, Hon Me Island is not just a location on the sea route for reporting with the Ha Tinh working group, but also a place where sacred emotions are anchored.

Officers and soldiers of Squadron 11 (Command of Coast Guard Region 1) bid farewell to Coast Guard vessel 8004 and the working group as they depart from the naval port to carry out their mission.

On May 7, 2026, reporters from Ha Tinh Newspaper and Radio and Television had the opportunity to accompany a delegation from various localities and units on a sea voyage to survey and assess the situation in the coastal areas and islands of the Gulf of Tonkin. Leaving the naval port of Naval Squadron 11 (Dong Hai Ward, Hai Phong City), the Coast Guard vessel 8004 (Naval Squadron 11, Command of Coast Guard Region 1) sailed through the waves, taking us towards the forward outposts of the Fatherland: Hon Me Island (Thanh Hoa Province), Bach Long Vi Special Zone (Hai Phong City), and Co To Special Zone (Quang Ninh Province). In the vast ocean, each island imprinted itself with a unique shape and memory, but Hon Me – the first destination of this voyage – instilled in my mind particularly sacred sounds and emotions.

The fishermen's boats are anchored near Hon Me Island.

Early in the morning of May 8, 2026, Coast Guard vessel 8004 headed towards Hon Me Island (Hai Binh ward) after many hours of travel. Due to the unique conditions here, which do not allow large ships to dock, to reach the island we had to split into smaller groups, transferring passengers by canoes and fishing boats belonging to local fishermen. In the heavy rain, Hon Me Island loomed majestically like a "forward outpost."

Despite the rough seas, the atmosphere on board remained enthusiastic; everyone gazed towards the pier, longing to touch the land where the image of the soldiers had become an integral part of the island's character, creating a resilient "heartbeat."

Major General Tran Van Hau - Political Commissar of the Coast Guard Region 1 Command - lays flowers at the Monument to the Heroes and Martyrs on Hon Me Island.

Stepping onto the island for the first time, I felt a strange mix of emotions, both unfamiliar and deeply moving. Amidst the landscape blanketed in rain and strong sea winds, Hon Me Island was far from desolate; instead, it brimmed with life. The deep green of the vast forest blended with the bright red tiles of the well-maintained barracks, creating a striking contrast of resilience in the heart of the salty sea. The steadfastness of Hon Me Island served as a testament to the unwavering determination of the officers and soldiers stationed there to overcome adversity and master the sea and sky.

The delegation's first ritual on the island was offering incense at the Monument to the Heroes and Martyrs and the shrine dedicated to the generals and officers of Military Region 4 who sacrificed their lives while on duty in 2005. Amidst the cold rain that day, the atmosphere seemed to stand still, solemn and dignified. The incense smoke mingled with the salty breath of the sea, creating a sacred atmosphere. Silently reading each name, age, and hometown engraved on the stone tablets, my heart sank when I encountered place names from my hometown of Ha Tinh: Cam Xuyen, Duc Tho, Huong Son, Nghi Xuan. Those sons of Hong Mountain and La River who, in those years, rested on Hon Me Island. They fell for the sea and sky of the Fatherland, transforming into sacred spirits of the mountains and rivers, enduring through time.

Standing silently for a long time before the memorial, Mr. Nguyen Van Giap - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Vung Ang Ward - a member of the delegation from Ha Tinh province, said emotionally: "This is my first time coming to Hon Me, and standing before the memorial to the martyrs, including those from my hometown, I clearly feel the sacred bond between the Ha Tinh home front and this place. Returning to the mainland, each of us is even more aware of our responsibility in preserving traditions and spreading love for the sea and islands; determined to build our homeland into an increasingly prosperous and beautiful place, worthy of the sacrifices of the heroic martyrs."

The Mixed Battalion of Me Island, under the Command of the 5th Regional Defense Unit of Tinh Gia, Thanh Hoa Provincial Military Command.

The delegation visited and worked with officers and soldiers of the Me Island Combined Battalion (Command of the 5th Regional Defense Command of Tinh Gia, Thanh Hoa Provincial Military Command). Located at the forefront of the waves and winds, amidst the vast ocean of Thanh Hoa province, Me Island has long been considered a solid "barrier." Looking at the spacious and well-organized barracks today, with neatly trimmed trees and lush green vegetable gardens, few would know that this place was once a fierce battleground during the resistance war against the US for national liberation.

From 1965 to 1973, Hon Me Island became a prime target of fierce American bombing, enduring 1,631 air raids, 402 naval attacks, and over 4,200 bombs and tens of thousands of rockets and missiles aimed at leveling the island. But in the face of this relentless bombing, the will of the island's soldiers remained "harder than steel."

On the brink of "life or death," the action slogan "Three few, one many" (few guns, few men, few vehicles, but many planes shot down, many warships set ablaze) became a symbol of courage. Nearly 2,000 battles, large and small, took place, 33 planes were shot down, and 18 American warships were sunk or set ablaze in this sea region, writing a glorious chapter in history, joining the triumphant anthem of the nation.

The vegetable garden of the officers and soldiers of the Me Island Combined Battalion.

Continuing that heroic tradition, the shining qualities of the soldiers of Hon Me today are their optimism and unwavering courage in the face of countless storms. Talking with us, they enthusiastically spoke about their combat readiness shifts, their eyes reflecting the calmness and confidence of those who master the sea and sky.

Reporters from Ha Tinh Newspaper and Radio & Television interviewed Captain Ho Tung Duong - Deputy Political Officer of the Me Island Combined Battalion.

“The island is our home, the sea is our homeland – that is the command from the heart of every soldier. We feel warm and deeply moved by the visits and encouragement from delegations from the mainland. This is a great source of moral support for officers and soldiers to stand firm at the forefront, holding their weapons firmly to protect the sea and sky of our Fatherland,” shared Captain Ho Tung Duong, Deputy Political Officer of the Me Island Combined Battalion.

The delegation from Ha Tinh listened as Major General Tran Van Hau, Political Commissar of the Coast Guard Region 1 Command, shared some information about the Me Island Combined Battalion.

In the battalion's common room, the distance between the delegation and the island soldiers seemed to disappear, giving way to a deep bond of comradeship and brotherhood. In the open atmosphere, sincere sharing about life, about the home front, and the stormy seas touched the hearts of each member of the delegation. The thoughtful inquiries and words of encouragement from the mainland were not only acts of sharing but also a great source of moral support for the officers and soldiers.

Around midday, the dark clouds gradually dissipated, giving way to a clear, expansive sky on the horizon; this was also the moment when the delegation had to bid farewell to the outpost island to continue their voyage. On the pier, firm handshakes and heartfelt farewells blended the emotions of those leaving and those staying behind. As the canoes and fishing boats slowly moved away, the officers and soldiers of the Me Island Combined Battalion stood in neat, solemn rows, performing the military salute. The image of their respectfully raised arms against the vast sea filled our hearts with indescribable pride and emotion.

The delegation took a commemorative photo with the officers and soldiers of the Me Island Combined Battalion.

Gathering the materials and heartfelt emotions from my journey across the waves, I realized that Hon Me is not just a place for reporting. It is a sacred land, preserving the tragic memories of those who "transformed" themselves into Hon Me, and also witnessing the unwavering courage of previous generations. Amidst the vast ocean, Hon Me stands proudly as a living landmark of sovereignty, reminding today's generation of their sacred responsibility to preserve and protect the airspace and seas that previous generations painstakingly built with their blood and sacrifices.

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/hon-me-nhung-thanh-am-vong-ve-tu-phia-bien-post310974.html