"Iron fortress" safeguards maritime border sovereignty.

Kinhtedothi - Surrounded by the vast ocean with year-round sun and wind, the soldiers on the offshore platforms have become strong and resilient. Their will and spirit always affirm their determination to fulfill their nhiệm vụ and safeguard the sovereignty of the Fatherland's maritime territory.

With longing for the mainland, longing for home.

Upon setting foot on the offshore platform, what made us feel closer to the mainland was that, despite being surrounded by waves and sea winds, the platform itself was calm and peaceful. The platform was built in a modern and sturdy manner, with all the necessary equipment to ensure the living, working, and daily activities of the officers and soldiers.

Officers and soldiers at the DKI offshore platform are busily decorating the space to welcome Tet (Lunar New Year) - Photo: Van Ha

The Tet atmosphere on the offshore platform became lively when the delegation arrived with gifts and Tet supplies. The officers and soldiers happily arranged and decorated the altar dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh with gifts full of spring colors: kumquat trees, yellow apricot blossoms, cakes, candies, etc. To celebrate Tet early, the platform also organized the making of banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) with all the flavors of home.

Deeply moved upon receiving the goods and gifts brought by the delegation, Captain Nguyen Tien Tung, a professional soldier and radar operator at the DKI/21 platform, shared: "The affection, encouragement, and gifts from the mainland have brought the distance closer. Even though we are far from the mainland, we can still feel the atmosphere of Tet in our homeland."

The offshore platform hosts a traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) rice cake-making event with all the flavors of the mainland - Photo: Van Ha

Tet on the DKI/9 offshore platform is complete with kumquats, peach blossoms, apricot blossoms... The altar dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh is decorated with fruits, cakes, and candies... - Photo: Van Ha

In a warm and cozy atmosphere, officers and soldiers on the offshore platform and members of the delegation together wrapped banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) and sang songs about the soldiers on the offshore platform - Video : Van Ha

Despite having celebrated Tet (Lunar New Year) on the offshore platform for 10 years, Captain Pham Tien Dung's feelings remain unchanged every time Tet arrives. "Tet at sea is just as full of flavor as on land. We all socialize, play chess, and have fun. On New Year's Eve, we gather together to wish each other peace and good fortune," said Captain Pham Tien Dung.

The delegation brought the spirit of spring to the offshore platforms, but we felt closer to the mainland when we saw the cheerful images of lush green vegetable beds with various kinds of cabbage, spinach, water spinach, and even herbs like onions, mint, and chili peppers... and to prepare for Tet, the DKI/21 platform also raised chickens and pigs to provide fresh food for the soldiers.

Love for one's country gives one strength.

One thing that is easily noticeable when interacting with the soldiers on the offshore platforms is their indomitable spirit, unwavering loyalty, and their commitment to dedicating their youth and strength to safeguarding the sovereignty of the nation's maritime territories and islands.

The offshore platform has brought the mainland closer to lush green vegetable gardens that are carefully and meticulously tended - Photo: Van Ha

Having served in the navy for 30 years, Major Bui Xuan Ngoc, stationed at the DKI/9 offshore platform, still possesses a burning spirit of dedication. He confided that ever since he was 14 or 15 years old, he dreamed of becoming a naval soldier, and therefore, he always strived to study and work hard to make that dream a reality.

"Having been dedicated to this work for 30 years, I feel very proud to have contributed my strength and youth to the Fatherland; firmly protecting the sacred seas, islands, and continental shelf of the Fatherland, whether at the DKI platform in the face of the waves and winds. Although living and working conditions on the platform are more difficult than on the mainland, the soldiers overcome these challenges with determination and a deep love for the Fatherland," said Major Bui Xuan Ngoc emotionally.

For Sergeant Dinh Thai Duc of the DKI Battalion, this was his first time serving on an offshore platform, and he felt extremely nervous, partly because he was far from home and partly because being on an offshore platform means facing waves and wind year-round. However, encouraged by his family and comrades, the 20-year-old decided to go to the offshore platform to protect Vietnam's maritime territory, hoping to contribute to the defense of his homeland.

Major Bui Xuan Ngoc, DKI/9 offshore platform - Photo: Van Ha

For Captain Hoang Ngoc Phuong, stationed at the DKI/21 offshore platform, working there is an honor not only for him personally but also for his family. His children are very proud to have their father serving in this remote island region. During traditional events such as the founding of the Vietnam People's Army and Vietnam's Sea and Islands Week, the school congratulated, encouraged, and showed concern for the children, making them very excited and eager to share the news with their father.

"Hearing those words from my child, I felt happy and told myself I would have to try even harder to complete the mission," Captain Hoang Ngoc Phuong shared.

Proud to be a part of our homeland's islands and seas.

For Lieutenant Nguyen Trung Duc, Squad Leader at the DKI/21 offshore platform, before enlisting he had already wished to dedicate his life to the military. Duc believes that youth is meant for dedication, doing whatever it takes, going wherever the country needs him. Therefore, celebrating Tet on the offshore platform, far from his family and wife, Duc always strives to fulfill his duties and firmly hold his weapon to protect the southern waters of the Fatherland.

Lieutenant Nguyen Trung Duc, Squad Leader, DKI/21 Platform - Photo: Van Ha

"Whether it's in the remote islands or border areas, it doesn't matter, as long as we're protecting the homeland. I feel proud to be a part of the Fatherland, a part of our homeland's islands," Lieutenant Nguyen Trung Duc expressed.

Having worked at the DKI/21 platform for nearly a year, Captain Le Xuan Thuat felt a mix of excitement, nervousness, and emotion as spring arrived, as this was his first time celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year) on the platform. He happily welcomed the visiting delegation, saying, "I'm very happy that my colleagues and I haven't had contact with people from the mainland for a long time."

Sending a message to the mainland, Senior Lieutenant Le Xuan Quy, Political Officer of the DKI/21 platform, emphasized: "We are proud to be serving at this frontier landmark of our nation's sovereignty. Rest assured, we are always ready to protect our homeland's seas and islands with the motto 'as long as there are people, there is the platform' to ensure peace for the people."

( To be continued)

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/mua-xuan-tren-vung-bien-tien-tieu-bai-3-thanh-dong-giu-vung-chu-quyen-bien-gioi-bien.html