On the pier, officers and soldiers busily welcomed the year-end supply ship. The ship, having traveled hundreds of nautical miles, carried essential supplies, Tet gifts, green plants, spring newspapers, and handwritten letters from the mainland. As the packages were unloaded onto the island, everyone clearly felt that spring was drawing very near.
For the soldiers stationed on the islands, each year-end voyage is not just a logistical mission, but also a sacred connection between the mainland and the islands. Firm handshakes and New Year's wishes echoing in the sea breeze warm the hearts of those present.
Lieutenant Colonel Vu Duc Quynh, the island's commander, shared: "Despite many difficulties, the unit always strives to ensure that the soldiers and civilians on the island can celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) fully and warmly. Taking care of the spiritual well-being of the soldiers and civilians is an important task, contributing to strengthening their will and determination to protect our maritime sovereignty ."
The atmosphere of preparing for Tet (Lunar New Year) begins with tidying up the barracks. The unit's grounds are swept clean, and the rows of buildings are decorated with flags, flowers, and red couplets. Potted kumquat trees and other flowers are placed in front of the offices, creating a familiar springtime scene.
Amidst the sun and sea breeze, the vibrant yellow blossoms of the apricot trees become a special highlight. To achieve this spring-like beauty, the soldiers have cared for the trees for many months. Each flower that blooms just in time for Tet (Lunar New Year) is a great joy for everyone.
In the cultural center, the Lunar New Year newspapers are neatly displayed. Springtime melodies blare from small speakers, adding to the festive atmosphere. The spirit of Tet (Lunar New Year) is present in every corner of the island.
Captain Tran Quoc Cuong, the political officer of the cluster, said: “Besides training and combat readiness, we pay special attention to improving the landscape and environment on the islands during Tet. Organizing general cleaning, beautifying the grounds, planting more trees, and tending to vegetable and flower gardens not only creates a spring atmosphere but also contributes to improving the spiritual life of the soldiers. A green, clean, and beautiful island also demonstrates the will to stay and build Truong Sa into an increasingly regular and modern place.”
One of the most meaningful activities during Tet on the island is the green sticky rice cake wrapping competition. From early morning, the unit's courtyard is bustling with activity like a festival. Soldiers and civilians on the island work together to prepare the ingredients: sticky rice, mung beans, pork, and banana leaves.
Hands accustomed to the elements now skillfully fold leaves and tie strings. Those who know how to do it guide those who are unfamiliar. Laughter and conversation fill the air, making the atmosphere even warmer.
When the fire for cooking the rice cakes is lit, everyone takes turns watching over them throughout the night. The smoke from the stove mingles with the sea breeze, creating a unique aroma of Tet (Vietnamese New Year) on this remote island. In the flickering firelight, stories about family and homeland are recounted with deep emotion. Rice cakes are not only a traditional dish but also a symbol of reunion. Even far from the mainland, this custom is preserved intact.
Lieutenant Tran Hoang Hai, the platoon leader on the island, enthusiastically shared his thoughts on the green sticky rice cake wrapping competition: “This is my first time participating in a sticky rice cake wrapping competition on the island. The atmosphere was very lively, with each team trying to wrap the most square and beautiful cakes. The meaningful thing is not just the judging results, but the spirit of solidarity and the smooth coordination among the comrades in the unit. In the middle of the ocean, being able to preserve this traditional custom together makes me feel that Tet (Vietnamese New Year) has truly arrived.”
The residents of the island are also busy preparing for Tet (Lunar New Year). Houses are cleaned thoroughly, and ancestral altars are decorated solemnly. Children eagerly help their parents prepare the feast.
The New Year's feast on the island, though simple, is heartwarming. Green sticky rice cakes, braised pork, vegetable soup, and familiar seafood dishes create the special flavor of spring in this island setting.
The lush green vegetable plots amidst the white sand are the result of hard work and creativity. They are also an important food source that helps soldiers and civilians improve their lives. Life on the front lines is still difficult, but human kindness is abundant. Soldiers and civilians share bundles of vegetables and Tet gifts, creating a united community.
Ms. Le Thi Huong Tram, a resident of the island, expressed: “In the days leading up to Tet, the soldiers and the people work together to clean up, plant trees, and tend to the vegetable gardens. Seeing the island becoming greener and cleaner, everyone is delighted. Tet here is simple but very warm and cozy.”
On the occasion of the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, the Party Committee and commanders of the island organized a meeting, visited, and presented gifts to comrades who are children of wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, families of policy beneficiaries, and households with difficult circumstances.
The meeting took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Representatives from the unit extended New Year's wishes, offered encouragement, and acknowledged the efforts of the families in stabilizing their lives on the remote island. New Year's gifts were personally handed to each person. Although not of great material value, they contained the deep affection and concern of the unit.
Visiting and giving gifts has become a cherished tradition every spring, reflecting the principle of "remembering the source when drinking water" and the spirit of solidarity between the military and the people.
On the last afternoon of the year, the island's courtyard became the venue for a New Year's celebration. A small stage was set up, with the national flag fluttering in the sea breeze behind it. Songs about homeland, spring, and the soldiers on the island were sung with emotion. The island's children performed dances to the enthusiastic applause of the crowd.
The cultural performance space, though simple, was filled with joy. The singing blended with the sound of the waves, creating a memorable New Year's Eve. For the soldiers and civilians on the island, such cultural programs not only bring joy but also help alleviate homesickness during Tet (Lunar New Year).
In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the communal meals of soldiers and civilians on the island are always filled with laughter. Everyone sits together, sharing simple dishes. The freshly cooked banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cake) is sliced, its aroma filling the small room. Stories about the past year are recounted with joy and pride.
Far from the mainland, shared meals become a symbol of solidarity. Each soldier regards their comrades and the islanders as family.
The Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 arrived in Truong Sa in peace and simplicity. Amidst the vast sea and sky, spring was created by camaraderie, the bond between soldiers and civilians, and the pride of living and working on the front lines of the Fatherland. The golden apricot blossoms in front of the barracks, the simmering pots of sticky rice cakes, the songs echoing in the sea breeze, and the New Year's gifts exchanged created a truly special spring.
In this remote coastal area, spring is not only the transition to the new year but also a symbol of willpower and faith. The soldiers and civilians on the island continue to cling to the sea day and night, upholding the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland.
From Truong Sa, spring is sent to the mainland with smiles, the peace of the islands, and the unwavering hearts of the naval soldiers. The Spring of the Year of the Horse has arrived on the distant islands, quietly but warmly, simply but sacredly, just like life at the forefront of the nation's defense.
Source: https://nhandan.vn/tet-ve-tren-dao-truong-sa-post943325.html
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