There, the officers and soldiers of the Bach Long Vi Island Defense Battalion celebrated Tet amidst hardship but with warmth, transforming each moment of the changing seasons into an affirmation of their love for their homeland and their responsibility to maintain peace in the islands.
* Turning hardship into pride
The Bach Long Vi Island Defense Battalion is under the command of the Area I - Gia Vien Defense Command, Hai Phong City Military Command. The battalion's primary political task is training and maintaining combat readiness. It is also the core force for firmly protecting the sovereignty and maritime territory of Bach Long Vi Island in all situations.
Inheriting the traditions of its predecessor units, for nearly 50 years since the establishment of Team 152, Battalion 152, and Regiment 952, the Battalion has remained steadfast, self-reliant, and strong, using unity to overcome difficulties and create a combined strength, building increasingly modern and impressive unit infrastructure amidst the rapid development in all aspects of the Bach Long Vi Special Zone.
According to Bui Trung Tien, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Bach Long Vi Special Zone, loving the sea and islands, and being ready to fight and sacrifice to firmly protect the sovereignty of Bach Long Vi is not only a duty but has become a distinctive cultural characteristic of the officers and soldiers of the Island Defense Battalion. This culture has been forged through long days facing the waves and storms, through nights of watch duty at sea, and through the close-knit camaraderie that feels like family. It is this love for the sea and islands that has transformed hardship into pride, and homesickness into strength, enabling each soldier on the front lines to stand firm, maintaining peace for the Fatherland.
The soldiers on the islands don't measure Tet (Lunar New Year) by days off or trips home, but by familiar signs of nature and the sea. Migratory birds flying from the North to escape the cold, the chilly monsoon winds sweeping through, or the dwindling number of ships in sight… all are "signs of Spring" that they clearly recognize. For the officers and soldiers on the remote islands, it's a familiar rhythm heralding the arrival of Spring, simple yet meaningful.
Amidst the relentless pace of life on the remote island, there are people who silently contribute with responsibility and medical ethics. Lieutenant Colonel Le Ngoc Trong, Head of the Battalion's Military-Civilian Medical Clinic, is one such officer. Having been on the island for many years, he understands that each Tet holiday brings even heavier responsibilities: caring for the health of the soldiers, supporting fishermen, and being on duty 24/7 in all weather conditions. He shared: "For us, Tet is another season to care for the health of our officers and soldiers, so that the fishermen can confidently go out to sea. On the island, just one successful emergency case, one smile from a soldier after recovery, is the greatest joy."
Never having experienced Tet (Lunar New Year) on the front lines like their seniors, the soldiers who enlisted in 2025, such as Corporal Nguyen Van Thai of the Infantry Company, are the most excited about the 2026 Lunar New Year. For Thai, this is his first Spring in the military, and also his first Tet away from his family's dinner table and his parents' embrace. Despite some initial awkwardness and homesickness, the young soldier's eyes still shine with pride.
"Celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year) on the island for the first time, I clearly feel the essence of spring from the cool sea breeze and the responsible lifestyle of the senior soldiers. Although far from family, the warm camaraderie helps me stay strong and feel myself growing amidst the vast sea and sky of our homeland. Being on duty at the front lines during this sacred time of spring is a special source of pride. I promise to always be vigilant, train diligently, and fulfill my duties well, contributing to keeping the island peaceful," said Corporal Nguyen Van Thai.
* Firmly believe in protecting our maritime sovereignty and islands.
Major Pham Xuan Nha, Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of the Bach Long Vi Island Defense Battalion, said that to ensure the soldiers have a complete and warm Tet holiday, the battalion started preparations early. Logistics actively increased production, carefully tending to each vegetable patch and each flock of chickens and ducks to supplement the supply of fresh food. Food and provisions were thoroughly checked to ensure sufficient supplies for the Tet holiday. Each house and each barracks was renovated and decorated, creating a warm and festive atmosphere to boost the morale of officers and soldiers.
The Tet atmosphere on the remote island is further enhanced by festive activities rich in cultural traditions. The "Making Green Sticky Rice Cakes" competition is one of the most anticipated activities. Hands accustomed to guns and combat maneuvers now skillfully wrap each square of sticky rice cake, imbuing them with feelings for their unit, their comrades, and their longing for family. The joyful laughter around the glowing fire makes the remote island feel closer.
Traditional folk games like blindfolded chicken catching, tug-of-war, volleyball, and even modern sports like pickleball were organized by the battalion, creating a lively and united atmosphere. These joyful New Year's celebrations helped dispel the chill of the sea breeze and uplifted the soldiers' spirits after hours of strenuous guard duty. Despite the festivities, vigilance and readiness for combat remained paramount. All activities were guided by the motto, "Enjoy the New Year, but don't forget your duty."
Major Pham Xuan Nha affirmed that, under any circumstances, the officers and soldiers of the Bach Long Vi Island Defense Battalion always clearly understand that the task of protecting the Fatherland is sacred and noble. While celebrating the Lunar New Year, they must absolutely not lower their guard; every combat position and every duty shift must be maintained rigorously. This message is not only a command from the heart, but also a driving force, adding strength to each officer and soldier to remain resilient at the forefront of the waves and winds.
"Despite many hardships, material shortages, and intense homesickness during reunions, on the frontline island of Bach Long Vi, the spring season for soldiers remains vibrant and meaningful. Their Tet (Lunar New Year) is not only a moment of reunion with comrades, but also a sacred oath sworn to the sea and sky of the Fatherland. Amidst the crashing waves and salty sea breeze, the image of soldiers with firm grip on their weapons, unwavering faith, and silently dedicating their youth to the sovereignty of the islands has become a beautiful symbol of the new spring – a peaceful spring for the mainland," shared Major Pham Xuan Nha.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/tet-cua-nguoi-linh-giua-trung-khoi-20260217190724641.htm
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