Songs from the Forefront of the Waves

Amidst the vast, windswept ocean, artistic programs from the mainland reaching Truong Sa serve as a source of encouragement and strength, helping officers and soldiers stand firm at the forefront of the waves.

Unforgettable emotions

Recently, Delegation No. 15, led by Rear Admiral Pham Minh Tuan, Deputy Commander of the Vietnam Navy, visited and worked in the Truong Sa archipelago and the DK1 platform. The delegation consisted of 187 delegates from various agencies and units nationwide. Among them, the delegation from Khanh Hoa province comprised 68 members, led by Ms. Chamaléa Thi Thuy, Member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee and Director of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religion. The delegation included 10 singers, actors, and musicians from the Provincial Traditional Arts Theatre's Mobile Arts Team, who presented unique artistic performances for the officers and soldiers stationed on the islands.

Delegates from Task Force No. 15 sang together with soldiers on Truong Sa Island.

When the performing arts team arrived on Song Tu Tay Island, the atmosphere became lively. A makeshift stage was quickly set up under the cool shade of coconut and banyan trees. Songs about the sea, the homeland's islands, love for the country, and soldiers on the front lines resonated amidst the vast ocean and sky, blending with the sound of waves and the gentle sea breeze. Soldier Nguyen Thanh Hao shared: "When we were informed that the performing arts team from the Khanh Hoa Provincial Traditional Arts Theater would be performing, we were very excited and looked forward to interacting and enjoying the performances." Singer Nguyen Hoai Thuong, who has performed in Truong Sa eight times, emotionally shared: "Each time I sing for the officers and soldiers on the remote islands, I pour my deep admiration, gratitude, and shared feelings into every lyric and melody. My joy each time I come to the islands is to sing and interact with the soldiers. I can't experience those moments and emotions on other stages."

Singers and actors from the Provincial Traditional Arts Theatre interacted with soldiers on Song Tu Tay Island.

A touching moment during the voyage was when the delegation arrived at the DK1 platform. Due to rough seas, the delegation was unable to directly visit the platform, offer gifts, and hold a performance as planned. Therefore, the delegation's leaders decided to gather the delegates on the bridge to interact with and encourage the officers and soldiers. Meanwhile, the artists, via radio, performed many songs about the sea and islands of their homeland, such as "In the Distant Islands," "Nostalgia for Truong Sa," etc. Without a dazzling stage or professional lighting, amidst the vast ocean waves, the songs and melodies resonated, warming the hearts of the officers and soldiers and leaving the delegates deeply moved. Many silently gazed towards the platform, their eyes welling up with emotion as they felt the silent sacrifice and unwavering will of the soldiers who are day and night guarding the sea and sky of their homeland. Singer Le Thi Ngoc Chau emotionally said: “Meeting, interacting, and singing with the soldiers on the island is a great source of pride and happiness for me. I chose the song “Proud of the Soldiers” as a gift to them, hoping they will always be healthy, steadfast in their faith, and successfully complete their assigned tasks.”

Delegates from Task Force No. 15 sang together with soldiers on duty at the DK1 platform.

A bridge connecting across the vast ocean.

Of all the cultural troupe's performances, the one on Truong Sa Island was the largest in scale. As night fell, the island lit up with stage lights, resounding with music. Songs about the sea, the homeland, and love for the country were sung with emotion; interspersed with performances showcasing the rich Cham culture, creating a vibrant and captivating artistic atmosphere. Especially noteworthy was the interaction between the artists and the officers and soldiers, with their youthful and lively songs, creating a warm and close-knit atmosphere amidst the vast ocean. Laughter, applause, and warm embraces left unforgettable memories for those present. Each time the music began, the soldiers felt as if the mainland was very close.

Singer Nguyen Hoai Thuong performed and interacted with soldiers on Truong Sa Island.

Lieutenant Colonel Tran Huy Phung, Political Officer of Truong Sa Island, shared: “The visit of the delegation left many emotions for the soldiers and people on the island. Besides the practical gifts, the songs and performances that the delegation brought were truly invaluable spiritual gifts, encouragement, sharing, and strength, helping the officers and soldiers to have more confidence, firm grip on their weapons, and determination to excellently fulfill the task of protecting the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland's sea and islands.”

The soldiers on Song Tu Tay Island were delighted to watch the cultural performance.

Comrade Chamaléa Thị Thủy - Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Director of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions: The working trip to Trường Sa is an activity with profound political and social significance. Besides material support, the artistic programs have immense spiritual value, serving as a sacred bridge bringing warmth from the mainland to the distant islands. Maintaining and improving the quality of these cultural and artistic activities aims to care for the spiritual life, provide motivation, strengthen willpower, and help officers and soldiers firmly hold their weapons to protect the sovereignty of the Fatherland's seas and islands.

MA PHUONG

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/truong-sa-bien-dao-que-huong/202605/nhung-khuc-ca-noi-dau-song-8b141f7/