Sacred Truong Sa

The Truong Sa archipelago appears before many people not only as a majestic and indomitable beauty amidst the vast ocean.

For many, Truong Sa appears not only as a majestic and indomitable beauty amidst the vast ocean, but also as a collection of touching, sacred, yet familiar images and stories.

From May 11th to 17th, the ship KN290 departed, carrying a delegation from Ho Chi Minh City to visit Truong Sa and the DK1 platform. This voyage carried a heavy burden of affection from the mainland to the distant islands, including the heartfelt sentiments of mothers for their sons guarding the nation's seas and skies.

Reunion on a remote island

As the ship KN290 departed for Truong Sa, Mrs. Dao Thi Binh (Ward 8, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City) paced back and forth anxiously, leaning against the railing, her eyes fixed on the distance. The moment she set foot on the island and reunited with her son after so many days apart, Mrs. Binh was overjoyed.

Mrs. Binh's son is soldier Nguyen Anh Tuan, 24 years old, currently the commander of an 82mm mortar squad on Da Tay Island, Brigade 146. After graduating from the Business Administration program at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Tuan joined the military and has been serving on Da Tay Island since December 2024.

"When I first arrived on the island, the harsh weather made it difficult for me to adapt. However, thanks to the care and encouragement from the officers, soldiers, and people on the island, I gradually overcame the challenges and strived to complete the assigned tasks well," Tuan shared.

Now, Tuan is proud to be a naval soldier, day and night, firmly holding his rifle to protect the border. Tuan is also the pride of his family. The image of her son standing strong amidst the waves and winds has been deeply etched in the heart of Mrs. Dao Thi Binh. That joy is doubled when she witnesses her son's life on the remote island, yet still comfortable, with spacious and well-equipped living conditions, far exceeding what she had imagined.

Mrs. Binh expressed her gratitude: "This is thanks to the profound concern of the Party, the Government , and the people of the whole country for the officers and soldiers at the front lines of the Fatherland. I am very reassured and hope that my son will remain steadfast and successfully complete all his tasks."

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Lien, the mother of Private Nguyen Thanh Tam (currently serving on Sinh Ton Island), was also very happy to see her son in this remote location. Holding her son in her arms, Ms. Lien listened as he enthusiastically recounted the camaraderie, the close bond between soldiers and civilians on the distant island. "It's truly moving and I'm proud that my son has become a Navy soldier. The harsh conditions have forged his strength, and I believe he will become even stronger," Ms. Lien expressed.

Soldier Tâm said he considered the couple on the island as his sworn siblings: "They often chat with me, ask about my well-being, and encourage me. They occasionally invite me over for meals. When I have free time, I often go to their house to play, help with chores, tend the vegetable garden, and play with their children. To me, they and their children are like family, so even though I'm far from home, I still feel the warmth of their affection and their support," Tâm proudly shared.

Mrs. Binh and Mrs. Lien are two mothers of soldiers serving in the Spratly Islands who were invited to participate in this sea voyage. For them, setting foot in the Spratly Islands is a memorable experience, helping them to understand more deeply about maritime sovereignty and the sacrifices of the soldiers. Seeing their sons healthy, holding them in their arms, and witnessing their lives and duties helped the mothers dispel all worries and feel secure on the home front. This sacred family bond is a strong spiritual support, helping the soldiers overcome all difficulties, successfully complete their missions, and feel even prouder of the path they have chosen.

Navy soldiers on duty on Sinh Ton Island.

We can overcome any difficulty.

What remains in the minds of the delegates from the voyage of over 2,000 nautical miles to Truong Sa and the DK1 platform is the beautiful image of the steadfast and unwavering naval soldiers at the forefront of the waves and winds. They are a vivid symbol of the indomitable will and resilience of the Vietnamese people.

As the KN290 ship prepared to anchor near the islands, regardless of day or night, weather conditions, or rough seas, the soldiers were always present and ready for duty. They were quick and coordinated to transfer goods from the ship to the islands. From large crates containing essential supplies, food, and provisions to small baskets of flowers and gift packages, everything was handled with care and transported with precision.

On small boats connecting the larger ships to the island, or on the pier, the island soldiers, wearing life jackets and helmets, always ensure the safety of people and goods. Their strong arms swiftly pass packages to each other, assisting the flow of people onto the island. In the soldiers' eyes, there is always a glimmer of joy and optimism.

Lieutenant Colonel Le Xuan Vu, a professional soldier and staff member of the Planning and Synthesis Department of the Naval Political Department, said that amidst the stormy seas, all matters of transportation, accommodation, and safety for the delegations require meticulous preparation. The soldiers are always present to guide and assist with even the smallest things, such as arranging luggage, boarding and disembarking from ships, arranging meals and sleeping quarters, as well as ensuring security and medical care. This professionalism and dedication help the delegations feel secure in carrying out their missions, feeling protected and cared for. Meals filled with camaraderie between soldiers and civilians, and cultural exchanges always overflowing with laughter, all create a special atmosphere of unity, bridging any distance between them.

Rear Admiral Le Ba Quan, Deputy Commander of the Vietnam People's Navy, stated that through the visit, we have seen even more clearly the affection and concern of the people on the mainland for the military and civilians in Truong Sa, and the soldiers serving on the DK1 platform. This is a great source of encouragement, motivating the officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Navy to overcome difficulties and resolutely protect the sovereignty of the Fatherland's sea and islands.

"The officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Navy deeply understand the sacredness of every inch of island. Respecting and honoring the great contributions of previous generations, no matter how difficult or arduous the circumstances, we always maintain a high level of vigilance, readiness to fight, readiness to undertake missions, and readiness to sacrifice for the cause of protecting sovereignty and building a continuously growing, strong, and modern Vietnam People's Navy, contributing to maintaining peace at sea, worthy of the trust of the Party, the State, and the people," Rear Admiral Le Ba Quan emphasized.

Mrs. Dao Thi Binh is happy with her son, soldier Nguyen Anh Tuan, on Da Tay Island.

Members of the Ho Chi Minh City delegation were transported by boat to Da Thi Island to visit the officers and soldiers.

Ho Chi Minh City turns its attention to the homeland's seas and islands.

Mr. Pham Thanh Kien, Standing Committee Member and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council, and Head of the Ho Chi Minh City delegation visiting Truong Sa and the DK1 platform (Delegation No. 21), stated that the visit has become a fine tradition of the Party Committee, Party members, officials, and people of Ho Chi Minh City. This is also a great source of encouragement and motivation, helping officials, soldiers, and people on the islands overcome all difficulties, maintain solidarity, and steadfastly remain at the forefront of the waves and winds, proving themselves worthy as the core force in the cause of firmly protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands. The visit also helps the people of Ho Chi Minh City better understand the lives and activities of the people and soldiers on the remote islands; thereby actively responding to the "For the homeland's sea and islands - For the frontline of the Fatherland" movement launched by the Ho Chi Minh City Fatherland Front Committee.

During this visit, the Ho Chi Minh City delegation visited, encouraged, and presented many practical gifts to the soldiers and people on the island. The total value of gifts and support exceeded 32.5 billion VND, of which 26 billion VND was specifically allocated by Ho Chi Minh City for the "For a Green Truong Sa" project.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thieng-lieng-truong-sa-19625052521521307.htm