Youthful energy amidst the vast ocean: The sacred national anthem.

TP - During the nearly 1,000-nautical-mile voyage through the Truong Sa archipelago and the DK1 platform of Task Force No. 14 in 2026, the flag-raising ceremony "I Love My Homeland" became the most special moment for more than 70 exemplary youth union members from many localities and units across the country. Amidst the vast ocean, many fell silent, some with tears in their eyes, others clasped their hands tightly to their left chests as the national anthem resounded in the sacred expanse of the sea.

Sacred ceremony amidst the sea and sky of our homeland.

The morning at sea was scorching hot. Strong winds lashed relentlessly against the deck of the Truong Sa 571, causing the ship to sway with each large wave. But in that harsh environment, more than 70 young volunteers diligently prepared their ranks, decorated the ceremonial area, and focused their attention on the national flag.

Flag-raising ceremony "I love my homeland" in Truong Sa.

Under the guidance of Mr. Nguyen Tuong Lam, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Youth Union and President of the Vietnam Youth Union, all preparations were completed quickly. On the cramped deck of the ship in the middle of the ocean, the red flag with a yellow star and the flag of the Vietnam Youth Union stood out against the deep blue sky.

In that sacred moment, as the national anthem resounded, the entire space seemed to fall silent. “The Vietnamese army marches on, united in saving the nation…” The voices of the young people blended with the sound of the waves crashing against the ship, echoing across the Trường Sa sea and sky. Without being prompted, everyone sang with overwhelming pride and emotion.

The familiar songs sung during weekly flag-raising ceremonies on the mainland now become sacred and heart-wrenching when sung at the forefront of the nation's defense. There, amidst the vast ocean, one truly feels the value of the word " sovereignty ." And there, every young person understands that the red flag flying high in the sea and sky today is the result of countless sacrifices, sweat, and the youth of generations of ancestors who left their mark on the islands.

As the national anthem ended, the song "Onward" resounded with vigor. The voices of young people soared amidst the ocean waves, a powerful affirmation of their spirit of dedication and their aspiration to build and protect the homeland's seas and islands.

Love the homeland even more, love Truong Sa.

Participating in the Trường Sa (Spratly Islands) expedition for the first time, Dương Ngọc Hà, a member of the volunteer artist task force, couldn't hide her emotions when recalling the moment of saluting the flag in the middle of the ocean. Her voice still choked with emotion, Hà recounted that she got "goosebumps" when the national anthem resounded in the vast ocean.

“Standing amidst the vast sea and sky of Truong Sa, seeing the national flag fluttering and singing the national anthem, I was truly moved. That feeling is very difficult to describe in words. I felt proud, I loved my country even more. And I felt that I had a greater responsibility to the Fatherland and to the sacred sovereignty of our islands and seas,” Ha shared.

For Dang Phuong Nam, a specialist in the Youth Affairs Department (Central Committee of the Youth Union), the flag-raising ceremony in the middle of the sea and islands is not simply a ritual. "It was a moment that made me realize I need to live more responsibly towards my country. When singing the national anthem amidst the sea and sky of Truong Sa, a feeling of pride surged within me," Nam expressed.

The flag-raising ceremony "I love my homeland" was also held on Truong Sa Island when the delegation visited the soldiers and civilians there. Standing next to the sovereignty marker on Truong Sa Island, listening to the national anthem resounding amidst the "front lines," many delegates were moved to silence.

Flag-raising ceremony with the slogan "I love my country" on board the Trường Sa 571 ship.

Mr. Nguyen Tuong Lam, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Youth Union and President of the Vietnam Youth Union, along with young people, participated in the flag-raising ceremony "I Love My Homeland".

Mr. Do Duy Kien, representative of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Bac Ninh province, said: "This will be an unforgettable memory in my life."

“Being able to come to Truong Sa, to salute the flag, sing the national anthem and the Youth Union anthem amidst the sea and sky, the sacred islands of our homeland, is a truly sacred experience. I am deeply moved and proud. There are emotions that cannot be expressed in words,” Kien said, his voice choked with emotion.

At each stop, the bond between soldiers and civilians, the firm handshakes, and the smiles amidst the sun and sea breeze left a special impression. But for many young people, the most memorable moment was standing solemnly beneath the red flag with a yellow star amidst the sacred islands of the Fatherland. Some silently wiped away tears after singing the national anthem. Others stood for a long time beside the sovereignty marker, gazing at the flag fluttering against the deep blue sky.

"Truong Sa, with the young people who stood and sang the national anthem today, will forever remain a sacred and unforgettable part of our memories. Because amidst the vast sea and sky of our homeland, they heard their hearts resonate with the national anthem. In that moment, love for the country, national pride, and responsibility for our homeland's islands and seas silently grew in the hearts of each person." - Nguyen Tuong Lam, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Union, President of the Vietnam Youth Union.

Mr. Nguyen Tuong Lam shared that each trip to Truong Sa and the DK1 platform is not just a simple business trip, but also a journey back to the roots of national strength.

"We want each delegate who comes here to witness firsthand the lives and duties of the soldiers and civilians in the frontline islands, so that each person can reflect on their own responsibility to the Fatherland," said Mr. Lam.

According to Mr. Lam, the greatest value that the journey brings lies not in the gifts or projects donated, but in the spread of patriotism, a sense of responsibility, and a will to act in each young person.

“Returning from Truong Sa, each delegate will be an ambassador of the islands and seas. Every story told, every photo shared will help bring Truong Sa closer to the mainland, so that love for the islands and seas will penetrate deeper into the hearts of the young generation of Vietnam,” Mr. Lam emphasized.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/suc-tre-giua-trung-khoi-thieng-lieng-quoc-ca-post1847128.tpo