 |
| Each peach blossom and kumquat tree is labeled with the name of the individual or organization that donated it. |
During the 2026 New Year's holiday, while many families were enjoying their reunions, at Hanoi station, trains carrying very special "packages" quietly rolled along the tracks. These were carefully selected peach blossom trees and kumquat trees laden with fruit, sent to officers, soldiers, and people in remote and challenging areas.
This is a key activity in the "Sending Spring to the Islands" program organized by the Vietnam Sea and Islands Association, aiming to contribute to bringing the traditional Tet atmosphere from the mainland to Truong Sa, the DK1 platform, and the southwestern islands of the Fatherland, and to encourage the spirit of the resilient people who are day and night clinging to the sea and defending the islands.
 |
| Transporting peach and kumquat trees has never been an easy task. |
According to the Vietnam Association of Seas and Islands, in early 2026, three ships will depart in succession, carrying more than 200 peach trees along with many kumquat trees and ornamental flowers to key areas and islands. The first ship will depart on January 3rd, followed by ships scheduled for January 7th and 8th.
A highlight of this year's program is the responsible and compassionate support of the Vietnam Railway Transport Joint Stock Company. The company provided free transportation for all the ornamental plants used in the program along the North-South railway lines.
In addition to providing free transportation, railway staff also directly coordinate with the Vietnam Sea and Islands Association in loading, storing, and monitoring the transportation journey, ensuring that the peach trees and kumquat trees arrive at their destination while maintaining their shape, buds, and vitality.
 |
| Ornamental plants are cared for all the time, everywhere. |
Behind the trains departing from Hanoi station lie the sleepless nights of the members of the Vietnam Sea and Islands Association and the local gardeners. For weeks before departure, members of the Association were present in the peach and kumquat orchards in the outskirts of Hanoi from early morning until late at night, working alongside the growers to dig up roots, prune, wrap roots, maintain moisture, and monitor each flower bud.
Each step is carried out carefully and meticulously, because the peach trees and kumquat trees will be transported by ship over long distances to the island. The members take turns staying up all night tending to the trees, checking the moisture level, protecting the flower buds from cold winds, and watching for dew to ensure the trees maintain the best possible health when loaded onto the ship.
 |
| The journey was made possible with the enthusiastic and warm support of railway personnel. |
In the bustling atmosphere of the year-end days, joy mixed with nervousness was evident on every face. Each peach tree was carefully handled, secured with string, and wrapped in cloth to retain moisture, like a precious gift. Members shared that the feeling of loading each peach tree and kumquat tree onto the truck was a mix of anxiety and excitement, as they carried wishes for peace and prosperity with each blossom and bud.
The sleepless nights in the peach orchards, the quiet hands tending the trees and preserving the buds, have contributed to making the spring journeys complete, so that when the flowers bloom on the distant islands, the efforts, feelings, and hearts of the people on the mainland towards the sacred islands are subtly reflected.
 |
| All the plants have been carefully preserved. |
Before boarding the ship, each peach tree and kumquat tree was fitted with a small plaque clearly stating the name of the individual or unit that donated it, along with New Year's wishes. Among those who participated in supporting the program were many family members of the Navy, those who remained on land but always kept their thoughts of the front lines.
Ms. Thuy Duong, the wife of an officer working at the DK1 platform, sent a meaningful gift: spring plants. She shared that her gift might not reach the platform where her husband is stationed, but it will certainly reach another island or platform where soldiers are guarding the nation's seas and skies.
 |
| Poet Nguyen Thi Hong Dieu has consistently been a part of the activities of the Vietnam Sea and Islands Association. |
Mr. Tran Vu Thanh, Chairman of the Vietnam Sea and Islands Association, emotionally shared: "There are springs that always reside in hearts filled with love, compassion, and hope. For us, each gift sent to the islands is a cherished part of our homeland, sent with faith and gratitude. At the forefront of the waves, every blooming flower, every sprout heralding the new year, also shares with the soldiers the story that the mainland is always watching over them."
 |
| Despite the cold weather in the north, the atmosphere in the peach and kumquat orchards is always warm and lively thanks to the enthusiastic and bustling people. |
Mr. Tran Vu Thanh further shared that, through 12 visits to Truong Sa, the DK1 platform, and the southwestern islands of the Fatherland, he has come to understand even more deeply that, as a soldier, not everyone can return home for Tet. Therefore, everyone's effort is to hope that spring arrives sooner at the forefront of the waves, with flowers, joy, and wishes from those who always share the same heartbeat towards the islands. Each ship that rolls on is another signal of faith sent from the mainland: wherever there are soldiers, there will never be a lack of the warmth of the Fatherland.
 |
| The peach orchards had been selected and cared for many months beforehand. |
This year, the Vietnam Sea and Islands Association selected peach blossoms and kumquats from gardens in Dong Anh and Quang Ba (Hanoi). Each peach blossom tree and kumquat tree sent symbolizes New Year wishes, sharing, and encouragement for officers, soldiers, and people in remote islands to work with peace of mind and stand firm at the forefront of the waves.
From Hanoi station, the spring trains continue to roll. When the peach blossoms bloom on the distant islands, it is also the moment when spring on the mainland has truly arrived at sea, seamlessly connecting the feelings, responsibilities, and faith of the entire nation towards the islands of the Fatherland.
According to Nhan Dan newspaper
Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/xa-hoi/202601/nhung-chuyen-tau-cho-mua-xuan-tu-dat-lien-ra-dao-a6d6943/
Comment (0)