This spring, Truong Sa...

The town of Truong Sa welcomed the Lunar New Year amidst gentle rains. The island was adorned with flags and flowers. From the military barracks to the houses, everywhere was vibrant with peach and apricot blossoms, indistinguishable from the mainland. Notably, every house had an altar dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, complete with offerings of five kinds of fruit and incense; the atmosphere was solemn and warm.

Chairman of the People's Committee of Truong Sa town, Tran Quang Phu, happily stated: "The soldiers and civilians on the island are celebrating Tet early after receiving many gifts from the leaders of the Navy, the leaders of Khanh Hoa province, and the people of the whole country. This Tet, Truong Sa town has fully prepared material resources as well as cultural and artistic programs, folk games, so the soldiers and civilians are celebrating Tet happily. While enjoying the New Year, we do not forget our duty; the soldiers of Truong Sa always stand firm, ready to firmly protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the sacred islands and seas of the Fatherland, so that the people of the whole country can enjoy the New Year with peace of mind..."

On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, the soldiers and civilians of the town solemnly saluted the flag. The sight of the soldiers facing the national and military flags and reciting the Ten Oaths of Honor moved many. Then the entire island listened to the New Year's greetings from the Minister of National Defense .

Private First Class Ngo Tri Quyet emotionally shared: "This is the first time I've celebrated Tet away from home. My comrades and fellow soldiers are close and supportive, so it helps ease my homesickness. I will try my best to study and train so as not to disappoint my family, comrades, and superiors."

In Truong Sa, on New Year's Day, the image of soldiers and civilians going to the temple together is a unique spiritual and cultural beauty on the island every time Tet (Lunar New Year) comes around. Venerable Thich Nhuan Dat, abbot of the temple in Truong Sa town, shared his emotional and proud feelings at being appointed by the Vietnam Buddhist Association of Khanh Hoa province to be the abbot of the temple in this sacred land of the Fatherland.

The Venerable Monk affirmed that for generations, wherever Vietnamese people have settled and prospered, there have been temples and pagodas. Not only do they worship Buddha, but the temples in the Truong Sa island district also have altars dedicated to the heroic martyrs. On New Year's Day, soldiers and civilians come to the temples to offer incense, pray to Buddha, and remember the contributions of the heroic martyrs. The offerings are simple, consisting only of fruits and flowers from their own gardens, but they carry within them the hopes and dreams of the soldiers and civilians on the island for a peaceful and prosperous life.

Teacher Phan Quang Tuan, a teacher at Sinh Ton Primary School, said this was the first time he had celebrated Tet (Lunar New Year) away from home. Sinh Ton Primary School has four classrooms. The students here study diligently. "Living and teaching on Sinh Ton Island is a very sacred experience. I will try my best to contribute to building our beloved Truong Sa," Mr. Tuan said emotionally.

Visiting the family of Ms. Tran Thi Thu Huyen on Sinh Ton Island, she said that the lives of the islanders have improved significantly. "The children receive a good education and attentive healthcare. The relationship between the military and civilians on the island is very close and friendly. The soldiers teach the children to sing and play traditional games. My family encourages each other to build a more stable and prosperous life. As spring arrives, I send my best wishes to the mainland for a healthy and peaceful New Year," she shared.

On Sinh Ton Island, Lieutenant Bui Hoan Hai, commander of Group 3, Brigade 146, Region 4 of the Navy, said: "During Tet (Lunar New Year), we take turns on duty, ready for combat and supporting fishermen staying at sea. We celebrate the New Year with the motto of being cheerful, healthy, and economical, while maintaining high combat readiness and determined to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Fatherland's seas and islands."

According to Rear Admiral Ngo Van Thuan, Political Commissar of the 4th Naval Region Command, for many years, the Truong Sa troops have always created the best conditions to help fishermen do business and exploit marine resources in the waters of the Fatherland. With the spirit of "Warm welcome upon arrival, attentive care during stay, and thorough instructions upon departure," the military medical stations on the islands have provided free emergency care, examinations, and medicine to thousands of fishermen and civilians. Through these practical and compassionate actions, the Truong Sa troops are truly a solid support for fishermen, allowing them to confidently venture out to sea and contribute to strengthening national defense and security at sea.

Comrade Nguyen Hai Ninh, Member of the Central Committee of the Party and Secretary of the Khanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee, emotionally shared: "Seeing the joyful and warm atmosphere of the traditional Tet celebration among the officers, soldiers, and people of Truong Sa, I am deeply moved. In the new year 2024, we have even more motivation and expectations to achieve even more accomplishments. Khanh Hoa and the whole country always look towards our beloved Truong Sa. I believe that the officers, soldiers, and people of Truong Sa district will always unite and work together to overcome all difficulties and challenges, building and developing Truong Sa district into a maritime economic, cultural, and social center of the country; a solid fortress protecting the sovereignty of the Fatherland."

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