In particular, the unit has presented Tet gifts to policy beneficiaries and poor families, as well as supported the local authorities in building new-style rural and civilized urban areas. With utmost efforts and determination, coast guard troops have brought a cozy Tet to every people.
Meaningful Tet gifts
After nearly two hours, the ship carrying a delegation of the Coast Guard Region 4 Command arrived at Hai Tac Island in Tien Hai commune, Ha Tien city, Kien Giang province. As Tet was approaching, cold spells hit the island making the delegation’s voyage be more difficult. However, bright smiles still remained on their faces.
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Coast guards and local people make tet cakes (cylindrical sticky rice cakes). |
From the early morning, more than 50 officials, troops of the local armed forces, and residents stood at the wharf to welcome the delegation. According to Chairman of Tien Hai commune People’s Committee Phan Hong Phuc, in addition to activities in the Tet holiday, coast guard troops regularly support troops and islanders. Ahead of the lunar New Year, coast guards often provide necessities for and present gifts to islanders. On weekdays, they conduct patrols and assist people in fishing activities. Thanks to their wholehearted support, Tien Hai island commune is brought closer to the mainland.
During the visit, the delegation handed over 50 Tet gifts to needy families and granted 30 scholarships to disadvantaged students with excellent academic results.
Reportedly, people in Tien Hai island commune earn their living through aquaculture and fishing activities. Therefore, under the “Spring in border areas - Tet on islands” program, along with offering Tet gifts, the Coast Guard Region 4 Command promoted law dissemination and education, gave national flags and medical cabinets to fishermen.
Busy spring festival
During the “Spring in border areas - Tet on islands” program, despite the rainy and cold weather conditions, officers and soldiers of Coast Guard Region 4, border troops and youths enthusiastically joined a competition to make nearly 200 “Banh Tet” (cylindrical glutinous rice cakes) for local people. Meanwhile, artistic exchange programs and a costume contest entitled “Cleaning up the marine environment” also took place.
Senior Colonel Le Van Tu, Deputy Political Commissar of Coast Guard Region 4, affirmed that the “Spring in border areas - Tet on islands” program was an annual activity to uphold traditional cultural features on the lunar New Year associated with social welfare activities to consolidate the solidarity between the military and people. The program was held to raise troops and public’s awareness of the national sovereignty over sea and islands, as well as give them a better understanding of national sea and islands, legal documents on sea and islands. Colonel Tu hoped that these gifts would help ease the difficulties of local people, secure them a warmer Tet, heighten their responsibilities for the cause of national construction and defense, contributing to building a strong all-people's defense posture, ensuring security, order and safety on islands and in the waters of the Southwestern region of the nation.
A new spring came to the small island once again. The visit of the Coast Guard Region 4 Command brought an early Tet to the residents.
Translated by Quynh Oanh