May at the border

May arrives across the country with the vibrant red of flamboyant flowers, the chirping of cicadas in the scorching midday sun, and a breeze carrying the breath of a season full of memories. For soldiers on the border, May is not only a transformation of nature, but also a season of pride and sacred emotion as they stand amidst the borderlands, truly feeling the closeness and profound weight of the word "Homeland." In those places at the forefront, May also marks the silent footsteps of patrols, sleepless nights in the deep forests or amidst the raging waves of the open sea, and the silent sacrifices of those who are tirelessly maintaining peace for our beloved country.

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The border in May possesses a unique beauty, both harsh and poetic. It's the scorching sun stretching along the winding patrol roads through the mountains and forests, the salty sea air clinging to the soldiers' uniforms after long days of duty at sea and on the islands. Some mornings, just as dawn breaks on the horizon, the soldiers begin their patrol along the border, traversing ancient forests still damp with night dew. Other nights, the sea is rough, the waves so high they threaten to swallow everything, but on the patrol boat, the soldiers' eyes shine with unwavering determination. They stand amidst the vast expanse of sky and sea not only to fulfill their duty, but also to affirm that: Wherever the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland lies, the footsteps of border guards will be found.

Border guards on patrol. (Photo: Le Khoa)

Perhaps only by visiting the border in May can one fully understand the silent sacrifices of the soldiers in green uniforms. Their youth is not tied to bustling city streets or the revelry of their twenties. That youthful energy is left behind at border markers, at remote border posts that face hardship year-round. Some soldiers haven't been home for months. Some elderly mothers, frail and weak, can only see their sons through the flickering signal of a phone screen. Some children grow up proud that their fathers are soldiers, but also gradually get used to their fathers missing birthdays or holidays. Yet, the soldiers never consider this a loss. Because in their hearts, they always burn with a simple yet sacred belief: the peace of the people is the greatest happiness of a soldier.

May on the border is even more beautiful because of the deep and heartfelt bond between the military and the people. There, the image of the soldier is not only present during patrols or guard duty, but also in every home and every small village of the border people. Soldiers help the people rebuild houses after storms, help them pull in fishing nets from the open sea, and help children learn to read in remote classrooms. "Borderland Lessons," programs to help people develop their economy and care for social welfare, become bridges connecting hearts on the front lines of the Fatherland. From this, the bond between the military and the people grows stronger. So that every time the soldiers in their green uniforms appear, the people's eyes light up with a love, trust, and peace that is difficult to express in words.

Amidst the sacred days of May, the hearts of the soldiers are filled with even deeper memories of beloved President Ho Chi Minh. During his lifetime, he always showed special concern for the border guard forces and their mission to protect national sovereignty and border security. Therefore, on the border today, his teachings remain a guiding light for every officer and soldier. This is not only the responsibility to protect every inch of land and every sea of ​​the Fatherland, but also the responsibility to maintain peace and security for the people. Border guards understand that behind every border marker lies their homeland, and behind every sea voyage lies the lives of countless families who depend on the sea for their livelihood. Therefore, no matter how difficult the circumstances, they remain steadfast on the front lines with all the loyalty and pride of a soldier in a green uniform.

May at the border therefore always evokes very special emotions. It's the pride of seeing the red flag with a yellow star fluttering against the windy border sky; the emotion of hearing the national anthem resounding at the sovereignty marker amidst the vast forests or the boundless sea; the sacred feeling of standing on the land at the northernmost point of the Fatherland, understanding that every inch of our homeland today was bought with the sweat, tears, and even blood and bones of previous generations. It is also there that today's young soldiers are continuing this glorious tradition through silent dedication, with the spirit of "the outpost is our home, the border is our homeland, and the people of all ethnic groups are our brothers and sisters."

Time will pass, and the May seasons will return again with the sun and wind of the borderlands. But perhaps for those who have been connected to the front lines of the Fatherland, the memories of May on the border will forever remain a sacred and unforgettable part of their lives. For there, there was youth, comrades, the people, and a profound love for our beloved Vietnam. A love written in the tireless footsteps of border guards along the long stretches of the country's border.

Luong Van Binh

Source: https://baocamau.vn/thang-nam-o-bien-gioi-a129023.html