The national anthem resounds amidst the vast expanse of the homeland.

Amidst the vast ocean, under the fluttering red flag with a yellow star on Truong Sa Island, the flag-raising ceremony is not only a sacred ritual affirming sovereignty over the sea and islands, but also a moment that fosters patriotism and a sense of responsibility towards the homeland's sea and islands. For the members of Delegation No. 17, including the delegation from Thai Nguyen province, this was one of the most moving moments in their journey to Truong Sa.

Flag-raising ceremony on Truong Sa Island.

After many days battling the waves, Truong Sa welcomed the 17th working group with the salty sea breeze and the vibrant red of the national flag fluttering in the wind. At the sovereignty marker, officers, soldiers, and delegates lined up in preparation for the flag-raising ceremony. Amidst the vast expanse of the homeland's sea and islands, the moment the national anthem resounded at the forefront of the waves brought many to a standstill with emotion.

Before the flag-raising ceremony, delegates attended a parade of officers, soldiers, and other forces on the island. Amidst the sun and wind of Truong Sa, the even, decisive steps and neat formation demonstrated the discipline, will, and determination of the soldiers who are protecting the sacred maritime sovereignty of the Fatherland day and night.

A troop review ceremony for officers and soldiers on Truong Sa Island.

As the national anthem played, the delegates could not hide their pride and emotion. For many, this was their first time attending a flag-raising ceremony at sea, and every lyric, every glance directed at the national flag, held a special meaning like never before.

Amidst the vast ocean and sky of Truong Sa, the sound of the national anthem resonates even further, more sacredly. No longer a familiar ritual in auditoriums or squares on the mainland, the flag-raising ceremony on the remote island makes each person feel more acutely the value of peace, independence, and the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland.

Colonel Nguyen Xuan Son, a member of Task Force No. 17, shared that he had attended many flag-raising ceremonies before, but the feeling in Truong Sa was very different. Participating in the flag-raising ceremony with the soldiers and civilians on the island brought him unforgettable emotions, happiness, and honor.

Soldiers stand guard beside a sovereignty marker on Truong Sa Island.

The atmosphere of the ceremony became even more solemn as the ten oaths of honor of the soldiers of the Vietnam People's Army resounded amidst the vast sea and sky of Truong Sa. The resolute voice of Senior Lieutenant Ta Hong Phu, stationed on Truong Sa Island, blended with the sound of the waves in the open sea:

"Sacrificing everything for the Vietnamese Fatherland..."

"Absolutely obey the orders of your superiors..."

"Continuously enhance the spirit of socialist patriotism..."

Each oath serves as a reminder of responsibility, willpower, and a readiness to sacrifice to protect every inch of sacred land and sea of ​​the Fatherland. These oaths are not only a matter of honor for the soldiers, but also evoke profound emotions in delegates from the mainland who are visiting Truong Sa for the first time. Many delegates shared that only by standing directly in Truong Sa, witnessing firsthand the lives, activities, and spirit of the officers and soldiers, can they truly appreciate the silent sacrifices of the Vietnam People's Navy.

Soldiers and civilians on Truong Sa Island.

Comrade Tong Thi Tam, Deputy Head of the Inspection Committee of the Thai Nguyen Provincial Party Committee, said: "The trip to Truong Sa helped me understand more deeply the difficulties and hardships that cadres and soldiers are going through to protect the sovereignty of the sea and islands. The images from Truong Sa also become a motivation for each cadre and Party member to continue studying, training, and contributing to the cause of building and protecting the Fatherland."

Sharing the same sentiment, Mr. Tran Van Tuyen, Deputy Director of the Thai Nguyen Department of Health , expressed his emotion and admiration for the spirit, willpower, and professionalism of the officers and soldiers on the island. According to him, despite the harsh weather conditions, distance from the mainland, and numerous shortages, the soldiers on the island maintain discipline, a high sense of responsibility, and dedication in carrying out their duties. This further instilled in the delegation members a sense of pride and appreciation for the silent contributions of the Navy soldiers who are tirelessly defending the sea and islands.

More than just a ceremony affirming national sovereignty amidst the vast seas and skies of the homeland, the flag-raising ceremony in Truong Sa also fosters love for the homeland and national pride in every Vietnamese person. At the forefront of the waves and winds, every gaze directed towards the national flag, every rendition of the national anthem, becomes a bond connecting the mainland with the islands of our homeland…

Leaving Truong Sa, many delegates still fondly recall the moment the red flag with a yellow star fluttered in the sea breeze, the national anthem echoed, and the soldiers swore oaths of honor amidst the vast ocean. These special emotions will accompany them back to the mainland, becoming a driving force to continue spreading love for the islands, a sense of responsibility, and pride in their beloved homeland.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/chinh-polit/202605/quoc-ca-vang-len-giua-bien-troi-to-quoc-a495041/