At each destination, delegation members were deeply moved by their encounters with those guarding the nation’s sea day and night.
On Song Tu Tay Island (Southwest Cay), the delegation took advantage of the brief visit to converse with young soldiers under the shade of green trees. Caring inquiries about their health, homesickness, personal lives, and future plans helped soldiers overcome their initial shyness, allowing them to openly and sincerely share their stories.
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Female service members of the Naval Academy talk with soldiers on Song Tu Tay Island. |
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A soldier on Song Tu Tay Island guides the visiting delegation. |
Non-commissioned Lieutenant Commander Tran Thi Lan, a medical staff of the Naval Academy, noted that despite the brief exchange, the delegation deeply understood the hardships faced by troops. Encouraged by the care, the soldiers confidently expressed their dreams and shared their family backgrounds.
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Officers and cadets of the Naval Academy talk with soldiers on Song Tu Tay Island. |
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Sergeant Do Minh Tuan, a soldier on Son Ca Island, shares his life on the island and his dreams. |
Speaking of his future plans, Sergeant Pham Quang Long, a soldier on Song Tu Tay Island, expressed his determination to study for the Political Officer Candidate School entrance exam, hoping to return to the navy to continue serving in the Truong Sa archipelago. Meanwhile, a soldier from Ninh Hoa (Khanh Hoa commune) stated that due to his family’s hardships and shortage of labor, he planned to join a vocational education institution after his military service to care for his parents. Similarly, another soldier from Nghe An province intended to pursue vocational training to assist his relatives locally. Deeply moved and full of admiration, Non-commissioned Lieutenant Commander Tran Thi Lan earnestly encouraged the young soldiers to persevere in making their dreams a reality.
Leaving Song Tu Tay, the delegation continued its journey to Son Ca Island. From afar, the sight of officers and soldiers waiting to welcome the delegation with bright smiles on their sunburnt faces brought a sense of warmth and familiarity. Stepping onto the island, all delegates were impressed by the unit’s spacious, well-organized landscape.
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A hug bridging the mainland and a Truong Sa soldier |
There, the delegation spoke with Sergeant Do Minh Tuan, who shared that he had graduated from the Ho Chi Minh City College of Industry and Trade prior to joining the military. His deployment on the island has provided him with profound memories of comradeship. Even before his discharge, he already feels a sense of nostalgia for the island and plans to resume his previous profession to support his family and contribute to developing his hometown.
At the time of departure, the earnest advice, tight handshakes, and affectionate gazes from the islanders instilled a strong belief among the Naval Academy delegation that these young soldiers’ dreams will come true. Behind the pier, officers and soldiers of Truong Sa remain steadfast at sea, firmly protecting the Fatherland’s maritime sovereignty day and night.
Translated by Minh Anh