The Spratly Islands captivated me with their waves lapping against the white sandy shores, and the sturdy, towering trees of the Barringtonia and Terminalia species standing tall in the sun and wind of the remote islands.

Returning from Truong Sa, I am filled with mixed emotions. Truong Sa stands there, sacred and steadfast amidst the vast sea and sky, and the soldiers remain loyal to the Fatherland day and night.

During my trip to Truong Sa, I was not only impressed by the lush green vegetable gardens on the islands, the plump pigs, chickens, and ducks thanks to the skillful care of the naval soldiers, but I was also particularly fascinated by the sea snails.

Photo: vov.gov.vn

The sun and wind of Truong Sa may roughen their skin, but they cannot roughen the souls of the naval soldiers. From seashells, the Truong Sa soldiers meticulously "cultivate" them into beautiful, eye-catching "seashell flower trees," captivating anyone who sees them for the first time and inspiring admiration for the skillful hands and flexible creativity of these naval soldiers.

In the vast ocean, seashells become confidants of the naval soldiers. Seashell-shaped plants, crafted with vivid imaginations, naturally become an integral part of the soldiers' spiritual lives in the Truong Sa Islands.

In conversations with the families of naval soldiers, I learned that the sea snail flowers are precious gifts that wives and girlfriends on land cherish and preserve.

The humble sea buckthorn tree, though simple, embodies the heartfelt affection of naval soldiers sent back to their families. These sea buckthorn trees, carried on ships to the mainland, became a source of strength and comfort for those on the home front when feelings of emptiness and longing for their husbands and loved ones suddenly overwhelmed them. And it was these very sea buckthorn trees that strengthened the resolve of the soldiers' families. They understood that personal loves had to be temporarily set aside for the sake of their shared love for their country.

The name "sea snail flower" has become so familiar and endearing, a symbol of faith and hope, a bridge connecting the mainland with distant islands—where day and night, loyal husbands, fathers, and sons stand firm, protecting the seas and islands of the Fatherland, always cherishing the memory of their beloved homeland.

Returning to the mainland, my heart was filled with emotion upon receiving so many seashells and seashell plants as gifts from the naval soldiers. That heartfelt gesture was a precious gift that not everyone has the opportunity to receive.

The sea voyage to the remote islands made me realize that the soldiers of Truong Sa, whether young or old, always possess an unwavering will. Along with their love for their homeland, they also have a great and equally romantic love for the home front, just like the beauty of the sea snail flowers blooming amidst the sun and wind of the distant islands...

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/van-hoc-nghe-thuat/qua-quy-tu-truong-sa-1040849