Your shadow is forever imprinted in the shape of the country.
Journalist Nguyen Ngoc Son, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Journalists Association, Editor-in-Chief of Thai Nguyen Newspaper
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| Journalist Nguyen Ngoc Son, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Journalists Association, Editor-in-Chief of Thai Nguyen Newspaper, during a reporting trip to Truong Sa in 2017. |
As a journalist, I have been to many places and experienced many lands, but perhaps there are few places where the two words “Fatherland” are as sacred to me as when I come to Truong Sa and the southern continental shelf of the Fatherland. When I come to this place of the waves and winds, I can fully understand the sacrifices and losses as well as the brave spirit of the officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People’s Navy.
During the 10-day cruise to visit the southern sea of the Fatherland in April 2017, my colleagues and I were very moved to attend the memorial ceremonies for heroes and martyrs right in the middle of the vast ocean and sky. I remember clearly the memorial ceremony on Len Dao island that day. The Truong Sa sea suddenly became unusually quiet.
At the memorial service, we seemed to meet again the elite sons who had fought to the death with the enemy in the naval battle to protect Gac Ma Island exactly 29 years before we arrived here. They were Heroic Martyr, Lieutenant Colonel Tran Duc Thong, Deputy Brigade Commander of Brigade 146; Heroic Martyr, Captain Vu Phi Tru, Captain of Ship HQ 604… Most special was the example of Heroic Martyr, Second Lieutenant Tran Van Phuong, Deputy Commander of Gac Ma Island. Before his sacrifice, he bravely wrapped the national flag around his body, encouraging his comrades “not to retreat, to let our blood redden the national flag and the glorious tradition of the Army Corps”.
I will never forget the memory of the memorial ceremony in the Ba Ke sea area (DK1/9 platform), the southern continental shelf of the Fatherland. Here, our soldiers, although they did not die in a confrontation with the invading enemy, were no less fierce - that is, protecting the platform from strong winds and waves.
In December 1990, storm No. 10 with wind gusts of level 12 hit the East Sea, creating huge waves that seemed to want to swallow the DK1/3 Phuc Tan platform. Under the command of Lieutenant, Station Chief Bui Xuan Bong, the soldiers on the platform tried their best to resist. However, human strength was limited, the platform was collapsed, sweeping all 8 officers and soldiers into the sea, including 3 comrades who heroically sacrificed themselves. That was also the noble sacrifice of Heroic Martyr, Captain Vu Quang Chuong, Station Chief and 8 officers and soldiers on the DK1/16 Phuc Nguyen platform, before the ferocity of storm No. 8 in 1998.
Although they never returned, their indomitable will became an immortal monument. Their blood mixed with the salty sea, reminding future generations of the spirit of sacrifice to protect the sovereignty of the Fatherland. They rested in the shadow of the waves and will certainly always bless the generations of today and tomorrow to sharpen their determination to forever protect Truong Sa and the sacred sea and sky of the Fatherland.
Towards the sea
Journalist Pham Ngoc Chuan
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| Journalist Pham Ngoc Chuan (left) at Co Lin Island. |
Since the time our ancestors built the land and opened the territory, Truong Sa has been a part of the S-shaped strip of land on the East Sea. Along the green history of the country, at the forefront of the waves and winds, generations of Lac - Hong descendants, regardless of sacrifice, have continued to write heroic history, fostering an optimistic spirit for the beautiful country of Vietnam to firmly face the sea.
I stood for hours in front of the world map and the map of Vietnam, seeing in the middle of the East Sea each island, big and small, bearing the shape of the country, gathered together to form the Truong Sa archipelago - the eastern fence of the Fatherland. I remember clearly the trip to the sea at the end of 2010, the first time I got to "ride the waves, tread the wind", eagerly facing the whirling storms. In the middle of the vast ocean, every time the radio reported a tropical depression or the monsoon intensified, the sea suddenly became fierce, each white-capped wave roared, crashing against the side of the ship as if to test the will of the people.
The sea is like that, both generous and harsh, quietly creating white sand beaches and majestic coral reefs like underground castles rising from the ocean floor. The Spratly Islands were formed from that natural tectonic process, but have a not-so-peaceful name: Storm Islands. Because every year there are more than 130 days of strong winds from level 6 and above. As soon as the Northeast monsoon calms down, the Southwest wind comes rushing in, making the sea constantly rough.
Thanks to those storms, we had the opportunity to be guided by sailors to avoid storms at sea. Amidst the rumbling of the engine, the ship rocking on the rough waves, I had the opportunity to admire the reefs, the coral reefs shaped like scarlet, elliptical stretching for kilometers. Around the floating islands, the shallow coral reefs sparkled with emerald color, the further away, the sea water changed from light blue to deep blue, then suddenly turned pitch black in the hundreds of meters deep abysses.
The waves and winds of the ocean further foster the optimism of the officers and soldiers of Truong Sa. Because behind each soldier is the Fatherland, the homeland that is day and night looking towards the sea. After each fierce storm passes, the sea returns to peace like the tolerant and generous heart of Mother Nature. And generations of officers and soldiers of Truong Sa are more confident in their guns, steadfast in their belief in the noble ideal: The Fatherland is at the forefront, the people are in their hearts.
Truong Sa - where I learned to love my country with all my heart
Journalist Hong Tam
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| Journalist Hong Tam and the baby on Truong Sa archipelago. |
I was one of the youngest reporters to join the delegation to visit and give Tet gifts to the military and civilians of Truong Sa island district at the end of 2013. To this day, that remains the most memorable memory during my years as a journalist.
That trip happened to be a stormy one, with rough seas, so the group's journey lasted much longer than expected, a total of 32 days at sea. At one point, the HQ 571 ship had to anchor for 6 consecutive days at the port on Da Tay island to avoid the storm. That was also the reason why the time for the ship to dock at the islands and island points to serve the task of replacing troops and allowing reporters to work was very rushed, only about 2-3 hours. Arriving at Truong Sa town, the delegation's leaders had to make a difficult decision: Half of the officers and reporters on the ship stayed to work and record the activities of the military and civilians on the island, the rest continued the journey through the islands of Truong Sa Dong, An Bang, Thuyen Chai... then returned to Truong Sa island to pick up everyone.
I registered to continue and stayed for only one night on Thuyen Chai B Island - the farthest island in the southern part of Truong Sa archipelago. At that time, living conditions on the islands were still lacking. Fresh water had to be used very sparingly; salty water vapor and sea breeze caused the vegetable trays to wither. The harsh weather, "burning sun, stinging rain" was a real challenge for the officers and soldiers. Overcoming all of that, Truong Sa soldiers always kept an optimistic spirit, always changing guns to engrave the oath to protect the sea and the sovereignty of the Fatherland.
In a remote island, I understand what it means to protect every inch of sacred land. Every wave, every coral reef, every storm branch bears the mark of loyalty and silent sacrifice. Truong Sa is not just a place name, but the place where I learned to love my country - not with flowery words, but with all my heart, with sympathy, sharing and gratitude for the people who protect the sea and sky of my homeland day and night.
Proud to attend the Party Congress in the middle of the ocean
Journalist Quoc Tuan
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| Journalist Quoc Tuan with soldiers on Sinh Ton Island in 2015. |
Truong Sa in late 2014 and early 2015, the sea and sky were vast, salty and windy. I set foot on Sinh Ton Island when the place was bustling with preparations for the Party Congress - a sacred and rare moment in my career as a journalist. In the middle of the ocean, at the forefront of the wind and waves, I witnessed the image of the Party present vividly and proudly in the eyes of the island soldiers who were guarding the sovereignty of the Fatherland day and night.
When the National Anthem was played, amidst the purple sunset above the stormy mountains, my heart trembled - not only because of the sea breeze, but also because of the overwhelming emotion. It was the first time I had saluted the flag at a Party congress, not in a mainland hall, but in the middle of the ocean, where every handful of soil, every tree had been exchanged for sweat, blood and tears. I saw in that straight line of soldiers faces shining with pride and an iron will that did not need to be expressed in words: "No matter where, in any circumstance, I am absolutely loyal to the Party and the People".
The congress discussions were special - not flashy, not empty, but sincere, concise, and imbued with responsibility. The soldiers - also party members - talked about increasing production, saving fresh water, protecting resources, fighting to protect sovereignty... with an unshakable belief. They built and developed the Party from the smallest things - saving water, cooking and eating communal meals, or patrolling at night in the middle of a storm.
As a journalist, I suddenly realized that I had to write differently - not just write about the Party in a dry way, but live, breathe, and be in harmony with the Party from the most ordinary things in this difficult place. Truong Sa gave me a lesson that was not in the textbook: The Party lives in the actions of ordinary people, where each red flag not only flies, but also flows within it the resilient blood of the nation.
Now, as the whole country is preparing for Party Congresses at all levels, towards the National Congress, I am more deeply aware of the mission of a journalist: Not only to reflect, but also to contribute to building trust and national pride. From Truong Sa - where I once saluted the flag in the howling wind, shed tears while singing "The Party is my life" - I vow to keep my pen always bright, always in the right direction, always towards the people and the noble ideals of the Party.
Sacred Flag Salute Ceremony on Truong Sa Island
Journalist Nguyen Ngoc
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| Journalist Nguyen Ngoc works on Truong Sa island. |
In December 2016, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Truong Sa archipelago with a delegation of press agencies. The trip began from Cam Ranh Military Port (Khanh Hoa) when the ship HQ 561 cut through the waves towards the East Sea. With each passing nautical mile, I felt the vastness and majesty of the ocean. Small but resilient islands appeared in the middle of the vast ocean, like sturdy fortresses protecting the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland.
In Truong Sa, I met the island soldiers, young people, full of enthusiasm and patriotism. They lived and worked in extremely harsh conditions, far from their families and the mainland, but always maintained an optimistic spirit and strong will. Their silent sacrifice made me extremely impressed and respected.
One of the most memorable moments was when we participated in the flag-raising ceremony on Truong Sa Island. Under the fluttering red flag with yellow star, the national anthem resounded in the vast sea and sky, making my heart filled with pride and emotion. It was a sacred feeling, hard to describe in words, I only knew that my heart was beating in unison with many Vietnamese children on the distant island.
More than 10 years after that special mission, the image of the national flag fluttering in the sky and sea, the smiles of the island soldiers, the innocent eyes of the children on the remote island… all have been deeply engraved in my mind, becoming unforgettable memories. That trip contributed to fostering in me a love for my homeland and country and a sense of responsibility as a journalist in protecting the sacred sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland.
The sea is home, the island is homeland
Journalist Viet Dung
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| Journalist Viet Dung works in Truong Sa archipelago. |
The working trip to Truong Sa archipelago in 2022 was one of the most memorable experiences in my journalism career. In the middle of the stormy sea, at the forefront of the Fatherland, I not only witnessed the majestic beauty of the sea and sky of my homeland, but also deeply felt the close comradeship and solidarity between the island soldiers and the warm and affectionate relationship between the army and the people.
From the moment we set foot on the islands during the journey, the image of the navy soldiers smiling brightly, quickly helping us carry our belongings down the ship and the welcoming hugs like those of distant relatives we had not seen for a long time made me extremely emotional. We called each other comrades, talked closely like brothers in a family. The jokes that rang out while working made the atmosphere light, erasing the harsh sun and salty sea breeze of the islands.
The life of the islanders surprised me. Schools, medical stations, solar power systems, sports fields… all were fully invested. Children played happily in the schoolyard, singing songs about the sea and islands, about Uncle Ho. The people lived in harmony, always willing to share with the soldiers each bundle of vegetables, fish, and food. The affection between the army and the people was intertwined, imbued in the occasions of having meals together, in the hearty laughter of each cultural activity.
But what impressed me the most was the fighting spirit and the willingness to endure hardships of the island soldiers. The soldiers stayed up all night on guard duty in the storms and winds, always being proactive in all situations. Some had been away from the mainland for nearly two years, never once returning home on leave, but still maintained a spirit of steel, a smile always on their lips. “The sea is home, the island is homeland. A moment of negligence is a sin against the motherland,” a young soldier told me.
Returning to the mainland, my heart still lingers with the interwoven images of the beautiful life on the islands and the brave soldiers, ready to endure hardships to serve the country. Truong Sa is not only a sacred territory, but also a place that deeply inculcates human love - where the camaraderie, the love between the army and the people has turned into a warm fire in the middle of the ocean.
Waves, wind and unforgettable feelings in Truong Sa
Journalist Luong Hanh
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| Journalist Luong Hanh and soldiers on Da Tay A island. |
There are trips that are not just for filming and taking notes, but for memorizing with my heart. For me, the business trip to Truong Sa on ship 561 in early 2024 was such a trip, a trip to bring back so much love, and every time I remember it, my heart suddenly feels an emotion that is difficult to name.
The first days of drifting in the vast waves, seasickness made me and many of my colleagues almost exhausted. The officers and soldiers on ship 561 did not talk much, did not make much noise, just gently knocked on the door, handed us a bowl of hot porridge, wrapping all their kindness in each small spoon. And not only them, the colleagues who accompanied me also became a loving support during the days of big waves. Someone quietly brought peeled jicama, someone gently put crispy rice in a bag. While I was struggling with seasickness, a colleague slipped me their last anti-seasickness pills. All of it gathered into a pure, sincere and precious feeling, like a small gift in the middle of the vast ocean.
When we arrived on the island, we were not only welcomed with flags and handshakes, but also with affectionate eyes and thoughtfulness in every meal and glass of water. The soldiers and people here warmly welcomed us like old friends who had not seen each other for a long time. The feeling of strangeness disappeared without us knowing, leaving only the closeness and warmth of coming home. In the middle of the vast ocean, at the forefront of the waves and winds, the officers, soldiers and people of Truong Sa island district still steadfastly hold their guns day and night. Despite facing many hardships, their optimism and love of life have never faded, which I truly admire. The small roofs, the red flag with yellow star fluttering in the ocean sun and wind, the lush green vegetable gardens in the middle of the coral island, the laughter of children mixed with the singing of the marine soldiers... have left an unforgettable impression on me.
The day we left the island, the ship slowly moved away from the dock. On the pier, people stood in long lines, waving their hands, their eyes following us without leaving. The sea breeze was strong, but my eyes were stinging. It was a feeling that was hard to describe: nostalgia, gratitude, and longing for the day I could return. Every glance, every smile, every wave... all seemed to be engraved deep in my heart.
Truong Sa is not only the sacred sky of the Fatherland. Truong Sa is also the place where I can touch the most beautiful things of humanity: camaraderie, military-civilian love, warm human love. From that trip, I brought back not only the pages of notes, but also a whole area of fond memories. And I know, wherever I go, whatever I do, those dear feelings will always be in me, warm as the sunshine in the vast ocean and sky.
Truong Sa Memories - A Journey That Touches the Heart
Journalist Linh Lan
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| Journalist Linh Lan interviewed soldiers from Thai Nguyen who are working on Truong Sa island. |
The sea breeze was stinging my face, the waves were rolling, but my heart was still filled with intense emotions as the ship carrying the working group gradually entered Truong Sa in early 2025. For me, this is not only a destination in the middle of the ocean, but also a place where I deeply understand the responsibility of journalists when contributing to spreading love for the Fatherland from faraway islands.
The small island welcomed me with the harsh sunlight and the scorching wind, but also with proud green trees, lush vegetable beds cultivated from every drop of water as precious as gold, and the gentle, resilient purple Indian almond flowers like the island soldiers.
I brought with me my working tools, Thai tea, and letters and pictures filled with the feelings of teachers and students of the Steel City to the marine soldiers. I want each word and each frame I record to become a bridge connecting the hearts of the mainland with Truong Sa.
On that voyage, I met three young men from Thai Nguyen - young soldiers with eyes shining with faith. The conversation was short but full of affection. They carried in their hearts noble ideals, the taste of their homeland and the aspiration to protect the sea and sky of the Fatherland. The promise to meet again in the peaceful land of tea moved me to think: The connection between the mainland and Truong Sa not only transcends geographical distance, but is also extended by a sacred and profound love for the country.
The day I left the island, I brought with me not only images and footage, but also the mission of connection. When I returned, I contacted the mothers and wives of soldiers who always followed each wave. The tears of happiness and sincere thanks made me understand more deeply the value of each news line and each photo. Journalism is not only about recording and reflecting, but also a bridge full of love.
I share the image of a soldier carefully holding each letter and each drawing of the students of Nha Trang Primary School and Chu Van An Secondary School (Thai Nguyen City), excited to see the bright eyes of the students. Although they have never set foot on Truong Sa, they still express their love and pride for the country through each drawing and clumsy line.
Truong Sa has given me a special journey - the journey of a writer not only to report news, but also to connect and spread patriotism. I am happy that each of my articles is a bridge connecting the mainland with the distant islands, so that those who have never set foot on this stormy archipelago can still feel, love, and appreciate the small but great people who are guarding every wave and every inch of their homeland day and night.
Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202506/tu-truong-sa-viet-tiep-nhung-trang-bao-mang-hinh-to-quoc-41b3504/
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