Over 10,000 kilometers away from the homeland, in harsh living conditions, Tet holds important significance for Vietnam’s blue beret peacekeepers in Abyei.
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International friends join Vietnam’s blue beret peacekeepers in Abyei to celebrate and prepare for Tet. |
To ensure a cozy Tet far from home, Vietnamese troops had to prepare and bring supplies from Vietnam when first deployed to the area.
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Decorating the barracks before Tet |
With the creativity and skills of the Vietnamese peacekeepers in U.N. peacekeeping missions, including Vietnam’s Engineering Company Rotation 3 and military and public security peacekeepers in Abyei, a traditional Tet has come to life. Activities like making banh chung (square sticky rice cakes), decorating President Ho Chi Minh’s altar, and sharing Tet meals bring a taste of home, contributing to easing homesickness and fostering unity among forces.
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Senior Captain Le Trinh Thanh Tuan shares his feeling as it’s the first time he celebrates Tet far from home. |
Lieutenant Colonel Pham Van Hao, Head of the Engineering Company Rotation 3 noted that almost all troops are celebrating Tet far from home for the first time. Therefore, the unit has tried to overcome difficulties to ensure a joyful and memorable Tet celebration for them.
Non-commissioned Second Lieutenant Dinh Thi Phuong, a chef in the company’s Logistics and Support Team, shared, “This Tet is truly special as it is the first time I celebrates it far from home, yet it feels so warm. We have prepared traditional Vietnamese dishes like candied fruits, banh chung, spring rolls, noodles, and pickled onions to share with our international friends, who have been delighted by the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.”
Also spending his first Tet away from home, Senior Captain Le Trinh Thanh Tuan, a staff officer said, “For each soldier, being away for Tet is easy, but celebrating Tet more than 10,000 kilometers away from the homeland brings complex feelings. The support and care from leaders, commanding officers, and comrades have eased homesickness, making this Tet both joyful and deeply meaningful in my military service.”
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Instructing international friends on how to make chung cake |
Tet away from the homeland is an occasion to not only strengthen bonds among them but also for Vietnam’s blue beret soldiers to share the culture of the traditional Tet with international friends.
Sports and cultural exchanges, traditional games, among others have attracted many international colleagues, fostering friendship among the forces.
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Tet atmosphere at Highway Base |
Major Lei, an operations officer from the People’s Liberation Army of China, who participated in making banh chung and learning about Vietnam’s traditional Tet, shared, “I had a wonderful experience at Highway Base, trying to make Vietnamese banh chung and join other Tet activities. Both Vietnam and China celebrate the lunar New Year, and we also make banh chung. Thank you, Vietnamese friends, for inviting me to join your traditional Tet celebration!”
For his part, Major Patience Nanmak, an administrative officer from Nigeria, held, “In my country, we also celebrate the New Year, but your peach and apricot blossoms are more vibrant and captivating. The lively atmosphere here brings everyone together with joy and friendliness. I hope to visit Vietnam someday. Your country and people are truly wonderful!”
Translated by Minh Anh