Where spring anchors itself amidst the distant sea.

Amidst the vast ocean, Vietnamese Coast Guard vessels silently cut through the waves, carrying out their duties. For Coast Guard officers and soldiers, Tet (Lunar New Year) is not a break, but a sacred responsibility to keep the seas and skies peaceful so that the spring on land can be complete.

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

In the final days of the year, the sea was not much different from usual, still deep blue and the wind colder than usual, but in the heart of the soldier, emotions arose that were difficult to name.

Everyone has family on the mainland, a home waiting for them, and a New Year's Eve dinner with one less seat. Yet, they choose to stay at the forefront of the waves because the peace of the nation always needs to be guarded, even during the most sacred moment of the year.

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

In the common room, spring arrives simply. A small branch of apricot blossoms, carefully brought from the mainland, a few red couplets pasted near the guard room, a pot of steaming sticky rice cakes that the brothers take turns tending after each patrol shift. Amidst the vast expanse of water, the atmosphere suddenly becomes strangely warm, as if carrying the breath of home.

Officers and crew members of the CSB 4040 ship decorated with banners welcoming the new year.

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.

Accompanying fishermen amidst the sea and sky as spring arrives.

Many young soldiers, on their first Tet holiday away from home, often carry a family photo, sometimes just a naive drawing by their child. They don't talk much about missing home, but their gazes towards the mainland whenever they have a free moment speak volumes. And then, the sea itself offers them a different kind of reunion.

It's the camaraderie of sharing every piece of sticky rice cake and cup of hot tea in the cold wind; the laughter that rings out after a long shift; the firm handshake that replaces New Year's greetings. In that place, comrades become family, and the ship becomes their shared home.

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

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.

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

Perhaps that's why, for the Coast Guard soldiers, the greatest "spring blessing" isn't a red envelope or a reunion meal, but seeing the sea and sky peaceful, fishermen safely harvesting seafood, and the nation standing firm at the forefront of the waves... Spring is still following the ships out to sea. And there, the Coast Guard soldiers silently ensure the country has a complete and fulfilling Tet holiday.

NINH CO - DUC TINH - THE DAI

Source: https://nhandan.vn/noi-mua-xuan-neo-lai-giua-bien-xa-post943420.html