This spring, Truong Sa...

Truong Sa town welcomes Spring in light rains. The island is bright with flags and flowers. From military barracks to houses, everywhere is full of peach and apricot blossoms, just like on the mainland. Notably, every house has an altar to President Ho Chi Minh, full of fruits and incense; the atmosphere is solemn and warm.

Chairman of the People's Committee of Truong Sa town Tran Quang Phu happily said: "The soldiers and people on the island celebrate Tet early when receiving many gifts from the leaders of the Navy, leaders of Khanh Hoa province as well as people across the country. This Tet, Truong Sa town has fully prepared materials as well as cultural, artistic and folk games programs, so the soldiers and people celebrate Tet happily. Celebrating the New Year without forgetting their duties, Truong Sa soldiers always hold their guns firmly, ready to firmly protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and sacred seas and islands of the Fatherland, so that people across the country can enjoy the Spring with peace of mind"...

On the morning of the first day of Tet, the town's people and soldiers solemnly saluted the flag at the beginning of the year. The image of soldiers looking at the national flag, reciting the 10 honorary oaths of soldiers moved many people. Then the whole island listened to the New Year's greetings from the Minister of National Defense.

Private Ngo Tri Quyet emotionally shared: "This is the first time I celebrate Tet away from home. My brothers and teammates are close and help me a lot, so I miss home less. I will try to study and practice so as not to let down my family, teammates and superiors."

In Truong Sa, on the first day of the new year, the image of soldiers and civilians going to the pagoda together is a unique cultural and spiritual beauty on the island every time Tet comes and Spring comes. Venerable Thich Nhuan Dat, abbot of Truong Sa town pagoda, shared his emotional and proud feelings when being appointed by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Khanh Hoa province to preside over the pagoda in the sacred land of the Fatherland.

The Venerable affirmed that for generations, wherever Vietnamese people have settled down and made a living, there have been communal houses and pagodas. Not only worshiping Buddha, pagodas in Truong Sa island district also have altars to heroic martyrs. On the first day of the new year, soldiers and civilians come to pagodas to offer incense to Buddha and commemorate the heroic martyrs. The simple offerings are just fruits from home gardens, but they contain many wishes 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 celebrated Tet away from home. Sinh Ton Primary School has four classes. The students here study hard. "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 Tran Thi Thu Huyen's household on Sinh Ton Island, she said that the islanders' lives are much better than before. "The children are able to study and receive good health care. The relationship between the army and the people on the island is very close and intimate. The soldiers teach the children to sing and play folk games. My family encourages each other to build a more stable and prosperous life. Spring is coming, I send my best wishes for a healthy and peaceful new year to the mainland"..., she shared.

On Sinh Ton Island, Lieutenant Bui Hoan Hai, squad leader of Group 3, Brigade 146, Naval Region 4 said: On Tet holiday, we are assigned to be on duty ready to fight, supporting fishermen at sea. We celebrate Spring and Tet with the motto of being happy, healthy, frugal, highly combat ready, determined to protect the sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland.

According to Rear Admiral Ngo Van Thuan, Political Commissar of the Naval Region 4 Command, over the years, Truong Sa soldiers have always created the best conditions to help fishermen do business and exploit seafood in the country's waters. With the spirit of "warmly welcoming, attentive care, and thoughtful instructions", the military medical stations on the islands have provided first aid, medical examinations, and free medicine to thousands of fishermen and people. With practical and caring actions, Truong Sa soldiers are truly a solid support for fishermen to confidently go out to sea, contributing to strengthening the national defense and security posture at sea.

Comrade Nguyen Hai Ninh, member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of Khanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee, was moved to share: "Seeing the traditional New Year atmosphere in the joyful and warm atmosphere of the cadres, soldiers and people of Truong Sa, I was very moved. In the new year 2024, we have more motivation and hope to reap even more achievements. Khanh Hoa and the whole country always look towards beloved Truong Sa. I believe that the cadres, soldiers and people of Truong Sa district will always unite, join hands and overcome all difficulties and challenges, build and develop Truong Sa district to become the economic, cultural and social center at sea of the whole country; a solid fortress to protect the sovereignty of the Fatherland".

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