In harmony with the sacred sea and islands.

Journalists and the Spratly Islands

The opportunities presented by their profession have given many journalists the chance to visit Truong Sa – the sacred islands and seas of our homeland. For all of them, it was an invaluable sea voyage, not only broadening their personal experiences and deepening their love for their country and homeland, but also making them more aware of their responsibility to disseminate information, refute false and distorted claims about the sovereignty of our country's seas and islands, strengthen national unity, and firmly protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation. The Journalists & Public Opinion newspaper records some of these emotions and experiences of theirs.

According to representatives of the Navy ( Ministry of National Defense ), from the beginning of the year until before our delegation began its voyage (around mid-April 2024), nearly 15,000 delegates registered to go to Truong Sa. This demonstrates the special attention of central and local ministries, departments, political and social organizations, businesses, entrepreneurs, and overseas Vietnamese towards the islands of the Fatherland.

During our trip, our delegation visited, encouraged, and presented gifts to the military and civilians at five island locations in the Truong Sa archipelago, the DK1/8 platform, lighthouses, meteorological stations, patrol boats, etc. Witnessing the difficult and arduous lives and harsh weather conditions—scorching hot days and fierce storms—that our officers, soldiers, and people face daily, I felt proud and understood more clearly the immense contributions and glorious achievements of generations who have steadfastly defended every inch of land and the sacred sovereignty of our sea and islands. I love the sea and islands even more and realize my responsibility in promoting and encouraging activities focused on our homeland's sea and islands.

Journalist Nguyen Huong.

Over the years, with the attention of the Party and the State, many delegations have visited the military and people of Truong Sa island district and the DK1 platform, creating a meaningful and vibrant movement of "The whole country for Truong Sa, Truong Sa for the whole country". These movements not only bring the islands closer to the mainland but also affirm that the cause of protecting sacred sovereignty in the open sea is the responsibility of the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army.

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In response to the affection and expectations of the entire nation, the Navy has been striving, overcoming all difficulties, to build each island, islet, and offshore platform into: "Strong in defense, good in living standards, beautiful in environmental landscape, and exemplary in military-civilian relations." Our trips are vivid evidence of the extraordinary efforts of the soldiers of the Vietnam People's Army and the great results of movements focused on our beloved seas and islands. The delegates gained valuable experiences, leaving behind beautiful memories and impressions, and providing valuable practical insights to advise local Party committees and authorities on implementing effective solutions, working together with the armed forces to firmly protect the sovereignty of the seas and islands.

One of the most memorable moments for anyone visiting the Spratly Islands is the flag-raising ceremony on Truong Sa Island. Before the sovereignty marker, under the bright red flag fluttering in the sea breeze, the national anthem resounds with a heroic, sacred, and proud spirit, firmly affirming the inviolable sovereignty of the Fatherland.

The flag-raising ceremony on Truong Sa Island is a symbol of the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. Everyone participating in the ceremony felt the spirit of unity, unwavering determination, and strong patriotism. Tears were shed not only out of pride but also out of emotion at the silent sacrifices of the soldiers at the forefront of the waves. It was truly a deeply moving experience!

Rear Admiral Hoang Hong Ha, Deputy Commander of the Vietnam People's Navy, emphasized: "The flag-raising ceremony on the Truong Sa archipelago has special significance, so that officers, soldiers, and people understand that under any circumstances, officers and soldiers remain absolutely loyal to the Party, the State, and the People, and are ready to fight and sacrifice to protect the Fatherland, the People, and the regime. The flag-raising ceremony on Truong Sa island also affirms that the regulations and work procedures of the Vietnam People's Army will always be strictly maintained everywhere, even in remote islands nearly 1,000 km from the mainland."

The Newspaper & Public Opinion newspaper visits the soldiers in Truong Sa. Photo: Son Hai

Another unforgettable event for me was the "Commemoration Ceremony for Officers and Soldiers Who Sacrificed Their Lives for the Cause of Protecting the Sovereignty of the Fatherland's Seas and Islands" in the waters near Gac Ma, Co-Lin, and Len Dao islands. Here, more than 36 years ago, on March 14, 1988, a heroic battle took place between officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Navy against the invading enemy to protect the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland's seas and islands.

The waters of Gac Ma, Co-Lin, and Len Dao will forever remain a heroic epic of the nation. With profound respect and boundless sorrow, the delegation respectfully bowed before the spirits of the martyrs – the outstanding sons and daughters of Vietnam who dedicated their lives to the integrity of the sea and islands. After the incense offering ceremony, the delegation released flower arrangements, offerings, lanterns, and paper cranes into the waters of Truong Sa, praying for the souls of the martyrs to find peace. In the sacred and moving atmosphere of the Memorial Ceremony, many delegates could not hold back their tears.

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The islands and seas are a sacred part of Vietnam's territory, an integral part of Motherland, holding a particularly important strategic position in the nation's construction, development, and defense. Currently, with the complex developments in the East Sea, protecting maritime sovereignty has become more urgent than ever. The belief and responsibility to protect Truong Sa and the islands and seas of the Fatherland need to be strengthened and widely disseminated.

This trip helped me better understand the resilience and determination of the soldiers, military forces, and civilians in Truong Sa to safeguard our maritime sovereignty. Upon returning to the mainland, I vowed to work even harder with my colleagues in our propaganda efforts to raise awareness and ignite patriotism in every citizen, uniting them in the cause of protecting our maritime territories, so that Vietnam truly becomes a strong maritime nation, developing from the sea and prospering from the sea.

Nguyen Huong

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nha-bao-nguyen-huong-bao-nha-bao-va-cong-luan-hoa-chung-nhip-dap-voi-bien-dao-thieng-lieng-post299601.html