Arriving at Brigade 573 in the early days of the new year, we noticed that everything seemed to have been given a fresh new look. The walls had been repainted, a few small flower pots were placed in front of the rooms, and the bright red national flag stood out in the spring sunshine. Speaking about the unit's New Year's atmosphere, Lieutenant Colonel Tran Dinh Phuc, Political Commissar of Brigade 573, shared: “We believe that Tet (Lunar New Year) must be joyful, but we must not neglect our duties. The unit takes care to ensure that the soldiers have a fulfilling and warm Tet, and can focus on their work; at the same time, we strictly maintain the discipline of command duty, duty officer, and combat readiness shifts. When the soldiers are confident and steadfast, then the spring sky of the people will truly be peaceful.”

Leaders of Military Region 5 inspect combat readiness at the air defense position of Brigade 573.

Behind the unit, the artillery positions remained silent. The gun mounts pointed upwards, still and steadfast. Orders were given concisely and decisively. Shift after shift, the rhythm of life here as regular as breathing. Spring had arrived, but discipline and concentration remained intact. Major Bui Hoa Tien, Deputy Battalion Commander of Battalion 1, said: “During the Tet holiday, along with organizing celebrations for the soldiers, the unit strictly maintained the command, duty, and combat duty regimes at all levels. Officers and soldiers clearly understood their duties and were ready to handle any situation well, avoiding passivity and surprise.”

From the observation post, a cool mountain breeze blows. Standing in the expansive space, one can clearly feel the changing seasons. Below lies a peaceful village, with smoke from cooking fires drifting in the early morning mist. Corporal Kpuih Nghiêng, of the Signal and Visual Observation Platoon, Battalion 1, confided: “Celebrating Tet on the watch post, we are very aware of our responsibilities. The unit ensures all Tet provisions are met, allowing the soldiers to focus on their duties. Looking down at the peaceful rooftops beside the quietly flowing river, everyone feels their shift becomes even more meaningful.”

For many young soldiers, this is their first Tet holiday away from their families. The longing for home and family meals remains quietly in their hearts, but it is compensated by the care of their superiors and commanders, and the sharing of their comrades. In their eyes, there is a touch of wistfulness, but more than anything, a sense of pride in standing on the front lines, guarding the skies of their homeland.

Training to upgrade combat readiness at the air defense position of Battalion 1, Brigade 573.

On Tet (Lunar New Year), the unit commander visited and inspected the guard posts, inquired about each soldier's well-being, and wished them good health and success in their assigned duties. His words of advice were brief but warm: Hold your weapons firmly, keep your faith. Here, Tet is not ostentatious or noisy; only the quiet perseverance of people accustomed to setting aside personal matters to maintain peace for the common good.

The spring of the soldiers guarding the skies is therefore very different. Not vibrant with color, but as steadfast as steel, like cannons rising proudly. In the gentle spring breeze, the soldiers of Brigade 573 silently stand guard, ensuring that the people's spring is complete and peaceful.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/sac-xuan-tren-tran-dia-phao-1027596