In the middle of the ocean, the vast space was filled only with scorching sun and biting sea winds, making us feel both the grandeur and the challenges of this place. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Chi Thanh, Deputy Head of Political Affairs of the Khanh Hoa Provincial Military Command, smiled warmly: “The harsh sun and wind do not discourage the soldiers on the island. The officers and soldiers of the unit find joy in caring for the landscape and preserving the living environment. They have transformed this place into a vibrant space.”

Upon entering the unit's gate, the natural rock formations, adorned with vibrant colors, radiated a powerful energy amidst the sun and sea breeze. The walls and rock formations were decorated with vivid paintings, rich in political, historical, and cultural significance, leaving us amazed by the skill and dedication of the soldiers stationed on the island.

Captain Huynh Duc Trung instructs the soldiers on decorating the unit's landscape.

After a few minutes of meeting and discussion, we witnessed firsthand the landscaping work being done by the officers and soldiers stationed there. In the main courtyard, under the golden sunlight, Captain Huynh Duc Trung, Political Officer of the Hon Tre Island Combined Company, stood before the central rock formation, holding a brush, his eyes intently observing each faded brushstroke caused by sun, wind, and sea salt. He leaned over, pointing to areas that needed touch-ups, meticulously explaining to the soldiers how to mix colors evenly and how to draw sharp lines that still harmonized with the overall picture.

“This part of the red needs to be a little darker. Pay close attention and touch it up carefully so it doesn’t fade in the sunlight,” Captain Huynh Duc Trung’s voice rang out. He walked around the rock, guiding the soldiers step by step to hold the brush at the right angle and maintain a steady rhythm so the paint would adhere firmly to the rough surface. The soldiers followed closely, observing and listening intently to every word. Sergeant Cao Hoang Ung bent down meticulously to apply each stroke of white; Private Le Hoang Huy mixed a vibrant yellow; while Sergeant Dang Hong Canh adjusted the blue to make the background more lively. Each brushstroke, each shade of color, seemed to convey pride, responsibility, and love for the unit, the sea, and the islands in each painting.

Not only the central rock formation, but also many walls and slabs of stone surrounding the barracks are painted with landscapes of the homeland, the sea, islands, or action slogans. The deep blue of the sea, the bright yellow of the sun, interspersed with vibrant red, all create a green, clean, and beautiful space that is both friendly and welcoming, yet deeply imbued with military culture. These paintings make every corner of the barracks come alive, like an art gallery on the island.

According to Captain Huynh Duc Trung, when decorating the landscape, they usually choose oil paints that can withstand sun, rain, and sea salt spray. All the oil paints have to be purchased from the mainland. Every time they go to the port, the officers and soldiers take advantage of civilian ships to go to Vinh Nguyen market (Nha Trang ward, Khanh Hoa province) to select and buy a full set of colors.

Those simple colors, through the hands of these "soldier-artists," have breathed new life into Hon Tre Island. Each wall and rock seems to have been infused with fresh, artistic spirit, affirming the resilience and unwavering commitment of the officers and soldiers of the Hon Tre Island Mixed Company in overcoming difficulties and standing firm at the forefront of the waves.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/net-co-to-tham-sac-mau-dao-hon-tre-1014824