Youthful energy amidst the vast ocean: Singing drowns out the sound of waves.

TP - In May, more than 70 outstanding youth union members from across the country, along with Task Force No. 14 (2026), participated in the "Youth for the Homeland's Seas and Islands" journey to Truong Sa and the DK1 platform. Tien Phong reporters recorded the touching and memorable stories and moments of this meaningful voyage amidst the vast ocean of the Fatherland.

The Trường Sa 571 ship departed Cam Ranh International Port with a long, resounding horn blast on a sunny May morning. Below the pier, hands waved incessantly. On the deck, people stood close together, singing songs about the homeland and the sacred islands, beginning a meaningful voyage.

Young people practice performing arts in the sweltering heat on the deck of the Trường Sa 571 ship.

A bustling sea voyage

At 8 a.m., the mooring ropes were pulled up, the Trường Sa 571 ship gently trembled, and then slowly left the dock.

Young people from diverse backgrounds and professions began to get acquainted, chat, and quickly bonded as if they had known each other for a long time. The ship's balcony became a special stage in the middle of the ocean. The sound of guitars drowned out the sound of the waves.

Alongside People's Artist Tu Long, actor Do Duy Nam, and the volunteer team of artists from Ho Chi Minh City, cultural exchange programs were continuously organized to energize the entire delegation of Task Force No. 14 in 2026 throughout the sea voyage. No need for a large stage or dazzling lights; just a guitar and passionate hearts were enough to illuminate the night sea.

People's Artist Tu Long has appeared many times among the young people on the ship's deck. Without any distance between artist and audience, he blended in with the singing and laughter of the young people like an older brother in the group. The male artist said that each trip to Truong Sa brings very different emotions. "Going to Truong Sa, everyone will feel a much deeper love for their country. And I am most moved when I see the spirit of today's young people. They bring energy and youthful enthusiasm to Truong Sa with all their hearts, with a passionate love," artist Tu Long shared.

Against the azure sky of the ocean, Phan Duc Hung passionately played his guitar, accompanying young singer Truong Tran Anh Duy as he sang his newly composed song, " Nguyen" (Wish), released just two weeks before Duy boarded the ship. A single, concise word, yet it encapsulates love for the homeland and the promise of youth to the islands and seas of their country.

The song, echoing across the vast ocean, silenced many delegates who were conversing: “We vow to uphold our borders, to keep our oath! Though hardships may come, we will stand tall, our hearts steadfast…” Amidst the crashing waves, the voice resonated with such heartfelt emotion that many leaned against the ship's railing in silence. Some even quietly wiped away tears.

Duy recounted that the inspiration for writing the song came from his trip to Truong Sa in 2025. Upon his first visit to the submerged islands, above-water islands, and the DK1 platform, the young singer was haunted by the saying: "Truong Sa for the mainland, the mainland for Truong Sa."

“I remember hearing that, my heart suddenly ached. On the mainland, we often live too peacefully, so we haven't fully appreciated the sacrifices of the soldiers on the front lines. But when I came to Truong Sa and saw the lives of the officers and soldiers amidst the vast sea, I cried a lot,” Duy shared.

The sound of singing drowns out the sound of the waves on the journey of Youth for the Homeland's Seas and Islands.

Duy said the song is called "Nguyện" (Wish). Because it was the vow of a young person to their homeland and country. It was a promise to live worthy of the silent sacrifices of countless soldiers who are guarding the seas and skies of the Fatherland day and night. And then, the young man sang "Nguyện" (The Vow) loudly at the islands where the group stopped. And singer Anh Duy and the team of volunteer artists also prepared a large national flag to perform "Nguyện" during the cultural exchange night on Truong Sa Island.

The singing at sea that day was more than just a musical performance. It was like a small flame that ignited emotions in the entire delegation.

The spirit of youth at sea.

The Trường Sa 571 ship continued to rock with each large wave. The first days of the voyage proved a real challenge for many young people unfamiliar with the sea. Some turned pale from seasickness. Others rushed to the ship's railing to vomit immediately after eating. Their steps on the deck were also unsteady with each fierce wave. But strangely, the more difficult the situation, the more resilient the youthful spirit became.

On the scorching deck of the ship under the midday sun, the young people diligently practiced performing arts in preparation for cultural exchange events with the soldiers and civilians on the island. Some, having just taken seasickness medication, continued practicing dances and songs with their comrades. The sounds of music, laughter, and words of encouragement echoed incessantly.

Amidst the scorching sun of the open sea, Nguyen Hoang Tinh Uyen, a female lecturer from Da Nang University of Education, and her group of young friends persevered in practicing until midday. The group conceived and staged their performance in just a few hours to be ready for the first cultural exchange night on the ship.

Young people before departing on the Trường Sa 571 ship.

The big waves forced everyone to hold onto each other's shoulders to stay upright. Sometimes, while the group was practicing, one member would rush to the side of the ship or sit down on the floor because of seasickness. But just a few minutes later, that person would return to continue practicing with everyone else.

“Going to Truong Sa is a great honor for us young people. Despite the sun, wind, and seasickness, everyone encourages each other to keep going. I think these difficulties are nothing compared to the sacrifices of the soldiers on the islands,” Uyen said with a smile, then rejoined the training formation amidst lively music under the blazing sun.

In that vast expanse of sea and sky, the power of teamwork is most clearly felt. There are young people who had never met before, yet after just a few days at sea, they are ready to help each other every step of the way when seasick, sharing pills and bottles of water to get used to life at the forefront of the waves.

As night fell, the sea turned pitch black, yet the ship continued to cut through the waves, heading towards Truong Sa. On the deck, the sound of music echoed again. Songs about the soldiers on the islands and about the homeland followed one another amidst the strong sea breeze.

Many people sat leaning against the ship's railing, gazing up at the starry sky. In that space, the distance between the mainland and the islands seemed to be bridged by music and the love for their homeland of these young people.

NT

Source: https://tienphong.vn/suc-tre-giua-trung-khoi-tieng-hat-at-tieng-song-post1846829.tpo