'Sacred Vietnamese Seas and Islands': Honoring Sovereignty and Paying Gratitude to the Forces at the Front Lines

On the evening of November 18, the Vietnam Journalists Association coordinated with relevant units to organize the art program "Sacred Vietnamese Sea and Islands" at Ho Guom Theater, Hanoi. The program was broadcast live on VTV2, aiming to spread patriotism, strengthen the will to protect sovereignty, and at the same time pay tribute to the generations who sacrificed for the sea and islands of the Fatherland.

In his opening speech, Mr. Le Quoc Minh, member of the Party Central Committee, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission, President of the Vietnam Journalists Association, emphasized that the sea and islands are an inseparable part of Vietnam's territory, playing a strategic role in national defense and economic development. He acknowledged that the Vietnamese press has persistently promoted the sea and islands for many years through millions of works from current news to in-depth reports, reflecting the lives and tasks of officers, soldiers and fishermen on remote islands.

Mr. Le Quoc Minh, member of the Party Central Committee, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda and Education Commission, President of the Vietnam Journalists Association, delivered the opening speech.

According to him, the program “Sacred Seas and Islands of Vietnam” is meant to pay tribute to those who sacrificed for sovereignty, and at the same time send words of encouragement to the navy, coast guard and fishermen who are working day and night to protect the country’s waters. The program also aims to spread patriotism and the aspiration to build a peaceful and developed country.

Millions of press works have been published, not only depicting the indomitable spirit of the army and people but also opening up a picture of the strategic vision for sustainable marine economic development, contributing to building a strong Vietnam from the sea.

z7222665155416_ed5d66723b125400d12394482c7fe1dd(1).jpg — Art performance at the program.

Journalist Thuy Giang (Vietnam Plus e-newspaper) shared her deep feelings and working experiences in Truong Sa. The most impressive thing for her was the flag-raising ceremony with the 10 oaths of soldiers resounding loudly.

Sharing about her role, she affirmed: "As journalists, we are the birds of love to convey information, as well as the love from the mainland to Truong Sa and Truong Sa to the mainland." The spirit of "Steel in the pen, fire in the heart" is committed by journalists to continue to maintain, so that the press can truly be a weapon to fight against the arguments that distort the truth about national sovereignty.

z7222665155416_ed5d66723b125400d12394482c7fe1dd(2).jpg — The program was attended by Party and State leaders and representatives of ministries, departments and branches.

The program devoted solemn time to paying tribute to those who had fallen. The audience was moved by the reportage on the 1975 Truong Sa liberation campaign, especially the story of young Corporal Ngo Van Quyen, who died on his way back to the mainland after participating in the liberation of Song Tu Tay Island. The story of his comrades' failed promise to meet on the mainland, and the family's weary wait for the remains, created a sacred and emotional moment.

The report emphasized: "History will never forget the generations of fathers and brothers who heroically sacrificed... becoming immortal symbols of patriotism."

z7222665155416_ed5d66723b125400d12394482c7fe1dd(3).jpg — Art performance at the program.

The images of the flag-raising ceremony in Truong Sa, fishing boats clinging to the sea, proud drilling rigs and bustling seaports clearly depict the nation's aspiration for peace and self-reliance. The sea and islands are not only a milestone of sovereignty but also a driving force for the entire nation to "go out to sea to get rich", towards a prosperous future.

At the end of the program, the representative of the organizing committee once again emphasized: "The sea and islands are the inseparable flesh and blood of the motherland Vietnam... Let's join hands with love, with will, with practical actions. To keep the blue color of the sea forever, so that each wave not only carries the salty taste of the ocean but also carries the heavy burden of national pride. Vietnam's sea and islands are steadfast, proud and reaching out to the world."