Reflections on Tet in the Military

For generations, Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) has remained the most sacred time in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. It is a moment when heaven and earth harmonize, a time for children and grandchildren to gather around the family dinner table, light incense to offer to their ancestors, and send each other wishes for peace and warmth.

For many, Tet is also a sacred time of year to return home and reunite with family after a year of traveling and working. But for soldiers, Tet has a very different meaning, one that is profound, calm, and full of resilience, where personal feelings are set aside to make way for shared responsibility.

The 5th Division is a key unit of the 7th Military Region, stationed in both Ho Chi Minh City and Tay Ninh province. Every year, during the Lunar New Year, 100% of its officers and soldiers are on duty, ready for combat at their units. This means that each soldier celebrates the New Year far from their families and beloved homes. However, whether on the training ground or within the unit's grounds, the festive atmosphere of Tet is clearly evident in every corner of the yard, every row of buildings, and in the radiant eyes of the soldiers. Missing home, their hometown, and their friends is unavoidable, but above all, there is unwavering determination and a true soldierly spirit.

The soldiers of Company 6, Battalion 5, Regiment 5 are diligently and meticulously watering and caring for the spring flower garden.

Visiting units of the 5th Division in the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), we encountered a group of young soldiers from Company 6, Battalion 5, Regiment 5, diligently watering, fertilizing, and caring for their "muses"—chrysanthemums, marigolds, sunflowers, etc.—to ensure they bloom in their most vibrant colors in the coming spring. Under the gentle sunshine, the colorful flags and flowers, along with the cheerful laughter and chatter, blended with the green of their soldiers' uniforms, creating a unique springtime scene.

Speaking with us, Sergeant Vu Bao Phuc, from Thong Nhat commune, Dong Nai province, who enlisted less than a year ago and is celebrating Tet away from home for the first time, confided: “In the days leading up to Tet, we all miss our families. But being able to celebrate Tet with my comrades, with the care and attention from leaders and commanders at all levels, and the many activities organized to celebrate the spring festival, I feel truly warm and full of family affection. This will be a valuable experience in my life. It promises to be a memorable Tet, and I will have stories to tell my family and friends back home later.”

Soldiers of the 271st Regiment practice lion dance in preparation for the "Spring Festival for Soldiers".

Soldiers of Battalion 6, Regiment 5 were thrilled with the prize-winning games at the spring camp.

The festive atmosphere of Tet (Lunar New Year) truly permeated the unit very early. From the gate of the 5th Division to the internal roads and the grounds of the units, everywhere was filled with the vibrant colors of spring. Despite being busy with year-end tasks, the leaders and commanders of the agencies and units closely monitored activities, regularly inspecting, supervising, and encouraging preparations for Tet and combat readiness. For them, the joy of the spring festival is only complete when the soldiers can celebrate Tet fully, with discipline and safety.

Speaking with us, Lieutenant Colonel Pham Van Uoc, Commander of Regiment 4, said: “The unit considers organizing Tet celebrations for the soldiers as an important task, ensuring both their material and spiritual well-being while maintaining strict combat readiness. The soldiers' entitlements and rations must be fully and properly ensured. Logistical preparations are meticulously made early, especially ensuring food safety and hygiene, so that the soldiers can enjoy delicious meals and consume their full rations during the Tet celebrations.”

Soldiers from Regiment 4 and its affiliated unit participated in a folk dance competition that was both spectacular and impressive.

Officers and soldiers of the units under the command of Regiment 5 pose for a commemorative photo at the unit's spring camp.

Before Tet (Lunar New Year), units throughout the division organized many lively and practical activities such as rice cake wrapping competitions, cooking contests, feast judging, spring flower and bonsai competitions. Hands accustomed to holding guns on the training ground now skillfully wrapped each rice cake and decorated each feast, conveying not only the flavors of Tet but also the camaraderie and strong bonds of brotherhood. In particular, unit leaders and commanders sent Tet greetings and informed the families of soldiers about their achievements and training over the past year, bringing joy and reassurance to their loved ones.

Every year, units within the 5th Division welcome numerous delegations, many of whom are former soldiers who enlisted and celebrated Tet (Lunar New Year) at the unit. Despite having completed their military service, they return to visit their unit and comrades during the days leading up to Tet, reliving the glorious youthful days of their military career. They recount their Tet memories with enthusiasm and pride in the moments they celebrated New Year's Eve at the unit.

This is the entry for the Tet feast presentation competition from Battalion 2, Regiment 4.

Returning to his unit for Tet this year, Nguyen Tuan Khanh, a native of Trang Bang commune, Tay Ninh province, and a former soldier of Regiment 4, recalled: “Activities such as spring camp competitions, spring newspaper presentations, lion dances, folk dances, traditional games, and cultural and artistic exchanges have left us with beautiful and unforgettable memories. It was a very soldierly Tet, but also very warm and full of camaraderie.”

The poignant atmosphere of Tet in the military is not one of sadness, but rather a deep reflection of emotions, a quiet beauty of dedication from young soldiers ready to set aside personal feelings for the common good, for the peace of the people and the nation. And in the sacred moment of New Year's Eve, amidst the peaceful atmosphere of the unit, the spring of the soldier still blossoms quietly, optimistically, simply yet generously, and profoundly noble.

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/lang-dong-tet-quan-ngu-1025367