In the final days of the year, the sea was no different from usual, still deep blue and the wind colder than usual, but in the hearts of the soldiers, a mix of emotions arose that were difficult to put into words. Everyone had a family on land, a home waiting, a New Year's Eve dinner missing someone...

In keeping with the spirit of Uncle Ho's soldiers serving the people and the nation, the officers and soldiers of the Vietnam Coast Guard are determined and ready to undertake long voyages at sea to maintain peace for the Springtime of the Fatherland.

Colonel Le Huy, Political Commissar of Coast Guard Region 2, encouraged officers and soldiers before they began their Tet holiday duty at sea.

Officers and crew members of Coast Guard vessel 4040 decorated with banners welcoming the new year.

A young soldier, on his first Tet holiday duty far from home, cherishes a small branch of apricot blossoms that he brought along on the ship.

On each ship, in the common room, spring arrives simply. A small branch of apricot blossoms is carefully brought from the mainland, a few red couplets are pasted near the duty room, and a pot of sticky rice cakes steams as the crew takes turns tending the fire after each patrol shift. Amidst the vast expanse of the sea, the atmosphere suddenly becomes strangely warm, as if carrying the breath of home.

There are often night patrols in the cold wind, assistance to fishing boats in trouble, or simply being present at sea to reassure fishermen and encourage them to continue their work. These seemingly ordinary actions are precisely how spring is preserved silently but enduringly.

We noticed that many officers and soldiers, while on duty during Tet far from home, carried family photos in their luggage. During moments of rest on the ship, they often took them out to look at. They didn't talk much about missing home, but within that longing lay something sacred and noble: the dedication and sacrifice of the soldiers of Uncle Ho's army, for the peace of the nation in general and for their beloved families in particular. This longing and affection blended together, illuminating the sacred camaraderie as they shared pieces of sticky rice cake and hot tea in the cold wind; the laughter that rang out after a long shift; the firm handshake that replaced New Year's greetings. There, comrades became family, and the ship became their shared home! Tet at sea is a day of reunion and camaraderie!

Accompanying fishermen amidst the sea and sky as spring arrives.

The CSB 8002 vessel maintained strict combat readiness and carried out its duties during the Tet holiday.

Coast Guard soldiers take advantage of the time after each shift to decorate their rooms for the Lunar New Year.

Spring at sea may not be vibrant in color, but it is profound. It is not noisy, but it is imbued with deep affection. Each silently patrolling ship is a "living landmark" affirming sovereignty , a pillar of support for fishermen to confidently venture out to sea, and for those on land to enjoy a complete season of reunion.

Perhaps that's why, for the Coast Guard soldiers, the greatest "spring blessing" isn't a red envelope of money or a reunion meal, but seeing the sea and sky peaceful, fishermen safely harvesting seafood, and the homeland standing strong amidst turbulent waves... Spring anchors alongside the ships at sea, and the Coast Guard soldiers silently guard the nation, ensuring a complete and fulfilling Tet holiday.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/mua-xuan-neo-bien-xa-1026110