Sacred amidst the vast ocean

National flags flutter atop ships preparing to set sail and engage in maritime activities.

We visited the fishermen of Quang Thach commune, Quang Xuong district, very early in the morning. Witnessing the lively atmosphere, filled with voices, laughter, and the sound of engines from fishing boats returning to shore after long days at sea, laden with fish and shrimp, gave us a feeling of a truly peaceful and happy countryside. And the striking image of the national flags fluttering in the wind atop each boat further deepened our understanding of the ever-present love and devotion to our homeland.

Chatting with us on the boat, the tanned man, typical of a fisherman from the coastal region – Mr. Tran Van Bao from Nam village, Quang Thach commune, captain of fishing vessel TH 90136 – shared: “Since my youth, I have been involved in offshore fishing, working in many different fishing grounds, and I have been involved in this profession for over 30 years. I have many sacred memories related to the national flag. For me, the red flag with a yellow star is always a precious image in my heart and an indispensable item whenever I go out to sea. In the middle of the ocean, seeing the national flag makes all fatigue and difficulties disappear. The flag also carries the spiritual strength to encourage and motivate us fishermen to overcome all storms, cling to the sea for our livelihood, and contribute to protecting the sacred sovereignty of our country's sea and islands.”

Sacred amidst the vast ocean

The fishermen are preparing their fishing gear for their upcoming fishing trips.

While busily preparing fishing gear on the boat, Mr. Tran Van Ngat paused to tell us: “The national flag is not only a sacred symbol for every Vietnamese citizen, but for fishermen who are forever at sea, it is a source of faith and a reminder of our responsibility to protect that sacred right. Even though we are far from the mainland and our loved ones, we are not alone in the vast ocean. Many voyages at sea, facing danger and rough waves, seeing the national flag proudly flying atop the boat, makes us fishermen feel warmer and gives us renewed faith and strength; the longing for the mainland, for family and loved ones, is also eased.”

Every Vietnamese person is proud of the red flag with a yellow star, because it is the image and sacred symbol of the nation's independence and freedom, stained with the blood of millions of heroic martyrs who have fallen. For fishermen who cling to the sea, amidst countless waves and storms, the red flag with a yellow star, proudly flying atop their ships, is always a sacred and noble symbol.

Le Xuan Binh (Collaborator)

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/thieng-lieng-giua-trung-khoi-246597.htm