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| Da Thi Island in the morning light. (Photo: Minh Nguyet) |
Visiting the Spratly Islands remains a rare opportunity and a burning desire for countless Vietnamese people. For me personally, it was not just a trip, but a special milestone as I set foot on this sacred land on my first journey at the age of 30.
The ship cut through the waves, carrying me further and further away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Never before had I felt so far from land, where the vast ocean stretched as far as the eye could see, and the only boundary was the distant horizon.
After hours of sailing through rough seas, my excitement erupted as the islands, large and small, appeared one after another on our long journey. Those tiny dots on the geographical map now seemed so close and vivid. There were Cô Lin, Len Đao, Đá Thị, Sinh Tồn, and then the majestic Trường Sa island, rising proudly with its green sea almond and square-leaved mangrove trees and the pristine white of its coral sand amidst the vast ocean.
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| Survival Island, with its lush green forest, unfolds before our eyes. (Photo: Minh Nguyet) |
I was moved and proud to see the red flag with a yellow star fluttering proudly against the backdrop of the azure sky and sea. The red of the flag blended with the blue of the sea, creating a magnificent picture. Beneath those flags, the naval soldiers, with their sun-tanned skin, resolute eyes, and unwavering stances, continue to stand guard day and night over the sacred sea and sky of our homeland.
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| The red flag with a yellow star flies proudly against the clear blue sky. (Photo: Minh Nguyệt) |
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| Ms. Lin is watching from a distance. (Photo: Minh Nguyet) |
Peaceful and vibrant
In these remote islands, the heartbeat of Mother Earth remains strong in every breath of those who protect the sea. Today, Truong Sa is no longer a collection of isolated, barren islands in the vast ocean, but has truly become a "green city" on the sea, brimming with vitality.
The open harbors, like a mother's embrace, welcome fishing boats seeking refuge after days of battling rough seas. The fishing logistics center stands tall amidst the open ocean, providing everything from fresh water to fuel, like an invisible yet strong link, bridging the gap between the front lines and the rear like never before.
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| A starry night on Truong Sa Island. (Photo: Minh Nguyet) |
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| Workers at the Da Tay Island Fisheries Logistics Service Center. (Photo: Minh Nguyet) |
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| The catch of fish was brought back to the Logistics Service Center by the fishermen. (Photo: Minh Nguyet) |
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| Storm shelters for ships. (Photo: Minh Nguyệt) |
On the larger islands, the face of life is evident in the bustling schools filled with laughter, the well-equipped health centers, and the vibrant cultural venues.
In particular, the most memorable moment of this voyage was when our delegation inaugurated the "Rainbow Park" on Da Tay A Island. Amidst the scorching sun and salty sea breeze, the vibrant colors of the swings and slides appeared like a fairytale dream in real life.
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| We can still spot the graceful ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) flowing in the distance on the islands. (Photo: Minh Nguyet) |
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| The children on the island eagerly watched as the new ball pit, brought from the mainland, was being installed. (Photo: Minh Nguyệt) |
Looking at the eager faces of the children, I felt as if the entire Truong Sa archipelago was illuminated by a powerful belief in the future. These young citizens had sun-tanned skin and clear, bright eyes.
For the first time, I heard the children singing sweetly amidst the sound of the waves: "My homeland is in Truong Sa, among the submerged and above-water islands... My homeland has the sea and sky, vast and blue in all four seasons..." The melody echoed, blending with the sea breeze, deeply moving my heart.
At this moment, Truong Sa is truly resilient, steadfast, and filled with warmth and human kindness. A sense of peace is woven from the unwavering will of the soldiers and the innocent smiles of the children, creating an enduring vitality, as proud and defiant as the white blossoms of the Barringtonia tree that still bloom amidst the storms of the open sea.
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| Children playing happily on the island. (Photo: Minh Nguyet) |
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| Neat handwriting is displayed in a classroom on Sinh Ton Island. (Photo: Minh Nguyet) |
Sacred moments
Throughout the voyage, there were moments of silence that brought a sudden, overwhelming sense of emotion to the hearts of those who visited Truong Sa. These were the ceremonies commemorating the heroic martyrs who bravely sacrificed their lives for the homeland's islands and seas, the most sacred and solemn ritual that anyone visiting Truong Sa would remember.
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| The ceremony commemorating the fallen heroes was held in the glorious sunset light. (Photo: Minh Nguyet) |
As the solemn strains of the "Song of the Fallen Soldiers" echoed through the vast space, the ship fell silent, with only the sound of waves lapping and the wind blowing away the swirling incense smoke.
Standing on the ship's deck overlooking the waters of Gac Ma, Co Lin, and Len Dao, we respectfully released vibrant fresh flower wreaths and thousands of pristine white paper cranes into the ocean.
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| Branches of flowers and paper cranes sent to the soldiers. (Photo: Minh Nguyệt) |
Branches of flowers and cranes drifting on the deep blue sea carry the profound gratitude of the people from the mainland to the soldiers who perished at sea at a young age, defending every inch of the islands and stretches of sea for the Fatherland. The nation will never forget them, those who dedicated their youth to writing the immortal epic of the nation amidst the blue ocean.
In the moment of silence, I looked up at the vast sky, and a large cloud gradually appeared, swirling like a horse ascending to heaven. This image evoked ancient tales of brilliant generals who, after completing their glorious missions, rode horses back to the celestial realm, making the already solemn atmosphere even more mystical and sacred. The pungent incense smoke mingled with the salty scent of the sea, causing a stinging sensation in everyone's nose.
I can clearly feel the presence of immortal souls; you haven't gone far, you have become one with every wave, with the very form of our nation stretching out to the vast ocean, forever guarding our national sovereignty . I tell myself that I must live and contribute in a way that is worthy of those silent but great sacrifices.
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| The clouds appeared like horses' hooves soaring towards the sky. (Photo: Minh Nguyệt) |
The Sea Keepers
If Truong Sa is an epic of the nation amidst the ocean, then the naval soldiers are the most resilient and brilliant notes.
In this place at the forefront of the waves, the image of soldiers with skin tanned by the sun and wind, thickly weathered by the salty sea, has become a symbol of courage. Their eyes radiate a strange maturity and unwavering determination, as if each of them carries within them the strength of the white-crested waves.
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| The sailors have a courageous appearance. (Photo: Minh Nguyệt) |
During the trip, I happened to meet a young soldier from Khanh Hoa province . He smiled brightly and eagerly told me that as soon as he was old enough, he volunteered to go to the island. He said, "I was so happy to be assigned to Truong Sa, sister."
That simple statement left me speechless. At an age when their peers were engrossed in their city dreams, these men had chosen to set aside their personal concerns to fulfill their duty to the Fatherland. Under the scorching sun, they stood proudly, guarding every inch of sacred land and sea.
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| The vegetable garden, tended by the soldiers on the island, continues to thrive amidst countless difficulties. (Photo: Minh Nguyệt) |
But behind that serious facade were incredibly warm hearts. I will never forget the gentle smiles on their faces as they received greetings from the mainland, or the image of the lush green vegetable gardens, meticulously cared for with every drop of carefully collected fresh water.
Especially for the soldiers stationed on offshore platforms, where the song "thirst remains in the vast ocean" becomes a harsh reality. During stormy seasons, they have to live with fierce waves up to 20 meters high, shaking the entire platform, but their will has never wavered.
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| "Our coastline is long and beautiful; we must know how to preserve it." (Photo: Minh Nguyet) |
They are my brothers, my friends, my compatriots. Their spirit instills in me strength and a sense of responsibility: I must live a worthy life, contribute through my work and daily efforts, and help fulfill Uncle Ho's teachings.
"In the old days, we only had night and the forest."
Today we have the day, the sky, and the sea.
"Our coastline is long and beautiful; we must know how to preserve it."
Epilogue
The ship weighed anchor and left the island, waving hands fading into the distance until they were just tiny dots in the vast ocean. This trip was not just a geographical journey; it was a journey home. I carried back to the mainland not only souvenirs but also a silent lesson.
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| The soldier stands proudly under the sun and wind on the remote island. (Photo: Minh Nguyệt) |
The Spratly Islands are not far away; they lie right in the heart of every Vietnamese person. The sound of the East Sea waves will forever echo in our minds, a reminder of the beauty of sacrifice and the proud stance of our nation amidst the storms. Those coral reefs continue to bloom day by day, hour by hour, beneath the waves.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/toi-da-thay-truong-sa-389357.html
