    |
 |
|
President of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs Nguyen Trung Kien inquires after officers and soldiers on Truong Sa Island. |
This annual activity was jointly organized by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnam People’s Navy, with the participation of more than 60 overseas Vietnamese from 24 countries and territories.
Voyage of faith, connection, and love
Themed “The Voyage of Great Unity,” the program conveys the aspiration for a prosperous, sustainable, and united Vietnam, where overseas Vietnamese and compatriots at home join hands for the nation's future. During the trip, delegates visited Da Thi (Petley Reef), Sinh Ton (Sin Cowe), Co Lin (Collins Reef), Len Dao (Lansdowne Reef), Da Tay A (West London Reef A), Truong Sa (Spratly Island), and the DK-1/8 platform.
During the program, delegates participated in various activities such as visiting, presenting gifts to, and having music exchanges with soldiers and civilians on islands; visiting schools, households, temples, and clinics on islands; attending the inauguration ceremony of the Rainbow Park on Da Tay A; paying tribute to fallen soldiers; offering incense at the Commemorative House for President Ho Chi Minh; attending the flag raising ceremony and parade; and taking part in the "Walking for Beloved Truong Sa" program on Truong Sa Island.
|
|
 |
|
Overseas Vietnamese present gifts to officers and soldiers on DK-1/8 platform. |
President of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs and head of the delegation Nguyen Trung Kien said that only when setting foot on Truong Sa, witnessing firsthand the silent sacrifices and tireless efforts of soldiers and civilians on islands, can one truly feel the sacred meaning of the Fatherland. “This journey affirms the patriotism and connection of Vietnamese communities worldwide with their Fatherland," said Kien.
The voyage is clear proof of the consistent policy of the Party and State in considering overseas Vietnamese an inseparable part of the nation, reflecting the deep concern of the Party and State for the overseas Vietnamese. It also provides an opportunity for them to express their love for the Fatherland, experience Truong Sa firsthand, and accompany the country in safeguarding national sovereignty over sea and islands.
Hoang Xuan Binh, an overseas Vietnamese from Poland, said that he was deeply moved and proud to participate in this program. Through the trip, he felt the hardships and indomitable spirit of the officers and soldiers who are tirelessly defending the national sea and islands. He added that the voyage made him realize that Truong Sa is not far away, but it is always in the heart of every Vietnamese.
|
|
 |
|
At the inauguration ceremony of Rainbow Park |
Returning to Sinh Ton after 10 years, Truong Thi Hong, an overseas Vietnamese from Israel, said that she was happy seeing the improved living conditions of the officers and soldiers on islands, more solid infrastructure, and the abundant presence of greenery. “This proves that Vietnam is developing prosperously and that the Party and State are determined to care for the lives of naval officers and soldiers,” said Hong.
Cao Ha Linh, an overseas Vietnamese from Singapore, also expressed her pride and gratitude to those who are firmly safeguarding that national sovereignty over sea and the islands. She pledged to widely share information about Truong Sa and the journey with the Vietnamese community in Singapore, especially among the younger generation.
|
|
 |
|
Overseas Vietnamese having artistic exchange with officers and soldiers |
"The journey helped me feel the unity and bond among overseas Vietnamese from all over the world. All delegates share a strong faith and love for the Fatherland and the sea and islands," said Nguyen Ngoc Hung, an overseas Vietnamese from Cambodia.
Practical actions, deep affection
Beyond emotions, overseas Vietnamese’s love for the nation was demonstrated through practical deeds. On this voyage, they contributed over VND 2 billion in cash, gifts, and supplies for programs such as greening Truong Sa, building multi-functional cultural centers, and purchasing necessities, medical equipment, and school supplies for officers, soldiers, and civilians on the islands and DK1 platforms.
|
|
 |
|
Members of the delegation join the “Walking for Beloved Truong Sa” program |
Since 2012, overseas Vietnamese have donated nearly VND 30 billion to support Truong Sa and DK1 platforms, funding the building of sovereignty boats, civil works, and providing gifts and necessities for islanders and soldiers.
Additionally, those living abroad express their love for the Fatherland through poetry, literature, and short stories about the national sea and islands. Clubs dedicated to Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa have been established in France, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Poland. Overseas Vietnamese have also studied and had new measures and innovations to improve the lives of soldiers on the islands. Many seminars and exhibitions have been organized, contributing to raising awareness among overseas Vietnamese communities and internationally of Vietnam’s sovereignty over its sea and islands.
|
|
 |
|
Overseas Vietnamese taking photo on Truong Sa |
The success of voyage once again affirms the consistent policy of the Party and State of Vietnam in viewing overseas Vietnamese as an inseparable part of the nation, contributing to strengthening the great national unity and highlighting the Party and State's affection and responsibility toward overseas Vietnamese.
This journey also affirms the sentiments, responsibilities, and contributions of overseas Vietnamese to the Fatherland construction and defense and the protection of the sovereignty over the national sea and islands.
Translated by Tran Hoai