From the ship's kitchen to the green sprouts on the island.

  As the evening light faded over the sea, the KN-491 ship, carrying the delegation from the General Political Department, began to bustle with the end-of-day activities. From the loudspeaker system, invitations to dinner echoed throughout the ship's cabins. After a day of visiting islands, going on boats, and inspecting work sites, many delegates hurried back to their rooms to prepare for dinner during the voyage... After a day of inspecting, visiting, and encouraging officers and soldiers on the islands, everyone was rushing to shower and rest before dinner. Yet, in the kitchen area, Captain Hoang Thi Tuong, Women's Assistant, Mass Mobilization Department, Political Department of the Special Forces Command, along with several female delegates, were already present early.

The women didn't do anything extravagant; they just picked vegetables, arranged dishes, set tables, and assisted the crew with meals. But amidst the hustle and bustle of the ship at sea, these small tasks made the ship's kitchen more lively. Comrade Tuong shared: "Seeing that the men in the kitchen were all working almost all day, from very early in the morning until late at night, we helped out wherever we could. For us women, cooking is something we're used to."

From just a few initial members, helping out in the kitchen gradually became a "small movement" among the female delegates. As lunch and dinner approached, without needing any prompting, the women would head to the kitchen area. Some would pick vegetables, others would set the table, and some would inquire about the family lives of the ship's crew members. Sometimes, they would even sing a few songs to ease the fatigue of the kitchen staff. Laughter and conversation made the kitchen in the middle of the ocean feel almost like a kitchen on land.

The women also showed special care for the students on the island. Small gifts such as books, newspapers, colored pencils, school supplies, candies, and toys were handed directly to the children, filling them with eager joy. Teacher Phan Quang Tuan, a teacher on Sinh Ton Island, said: "Although the children's learning conditions are increasingly being cared for and improved, gifts from the mainland always bring a special joy. When they receive gifts, every child is excited. The gifts not only help them have more school supplies, but also let them know that they are always loved and watched over by the mainland."

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thi Thanh, Deputy Head of the Women's Committee of the Army, presents seeds to officers and soldiers on Da Lon A Island.

Beyond simply sharing with the islands, the female delegates also contributed to the greening program in Truong Sa with very special gifts: seeds, seedlings, and advice on caring for the plants, protecting the soil, and conserving water. For Truong Sa, each green sprout is not just a source of shade and foliage amidst the sun and wind, but also a symbol of life, faith, and the love left behind by the mainland.

On the islands, the green of the Barringtonia, Barringtonia, and Terminalia trees, the small vegetable patches, and the carefully sheltered potted plants always evoke emotion in those from the mainland. For a plant to survive here is the result of the tireless efforts of the officers and soldiers, carefully conserving every handful of soil, every can of fresh water, and protecting it from the salty wind and scorching sun. Therefore, the packets of seeds handed directly to the soldiers are a very meaningful gift.

The female delegates of the working group and the officers and soldiers on Truong Sa Island made glutinous rice dumplings and vegetarian cakes together.

The taste of home amidst the vast ocean.

During that journey, one memory stands out. The female delegates prepared glutinous rice dumplings and vegetarian cakes, bringing the flavors of the Cold Food Festival to the island. Despite the cramped conditions of the boats and limited time, they still prepared about 20kg of flour, sugar, sesame seeds, coconut, etc., to make the cakes. These round, white cakes were made with skill and the love of mothers and sisters from the home front.

Corporal Ly Xuan An, a soldier stationed on Truong Sa Island and originally from Quang Ngai province, was deeply moved when he tasted glutinous rice balls and vegetarian cakes for the first time. For many people on the mainland, these are familiar dishes enjoyed during traditional holidays. But on the remote island, surrounded by waves, the small plate of these cakes carries the taste of home. An said, "I've heard a lot about glutinous rice balls and vegetarian cakes, but I've never tasted them before. Trying them for the first time in Truong Sa, made by the women in the delegation, warmed my heart."

Representatives from the Army Women's Committee presented gifts to teachers and students on Sinh Ton Island.

Perhaps what the soldiers remember most is not just the sweetness of the cake, but the sentiment behind it. In a place where salty winds blow year-round, a simple dish from the mainland can become a precious spiritual gift. It reminds the soldiers of home, of their mothers, of holidays and festivals back home; and at the same time, it gives them added motivation to stand firm on the remote island.

Prior to the memorial service for the martyrs of the Vietnam People's Navy who sacrificed their lives while defending the sovereignty of the nation's seas and islands, we often saw female servicemen sitting quietly in the rest rooms and on the ship's corridors, carefully folding paper cranes. Nearly 500 white cranes were completed during the voyage, then lovingly released into the sea along with yellow chrysanthemums by members of the delegation.

Officers and soldiers on Son Ca Island interacted and chatted with female delegates from the working group.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thi Thanh, Deputy Head of the Women's Committee of the Army, shared that women in the rear areas supporting soldiers on the islands always face many disadvantages and make silent sacrifices. She expressed hope that mothers, wives, and sisters will continue to be a strong support system, allowing officers and soldiers to focus on their work. The Women's Committee of the Army will continue to implement many policy activities to care for the families of soldiers, sharing both material and spiritual support with the families of officers and soldiers serving on the front lines.

Leaving Truong Sa, what remains is not just the green of the trees and leaves, the sweet taste of the rice dumplings, or the white cranes soaring over the sea. It is also the image of the women silently giving love through simple acts. It is this gentleness that makes Truong Sa feel closer to the mainland, making each island and platform warmer amidst the vastness of the waves and winds.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/phu-nu-quan-doi-mang-yeu-thuong-ra-truong-sa-1040915