This was also the feeling of hundreds of thousands of students participating in the event. Not just a contest, “I love national sea and islands” was a special educational program. Equipping young generations with knowledge about sea and islands also means forming in them the belief and love for national sea and islands.

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Senior Colonel Le Van Tu, Political Commissar of Coast Guard Region 3, presents the first prize to student Phan Nguyen Nhu Quynh from 9A1 of Phuoc Loc Secondary School in Nha Be district (Ho Chi Minh City). (Photo: baodongnai.vn)

In the era of globalization and international integration, helping students understand the significance of sea and islands will contribute to protecting national sovereignty and raising their awareness of economic resources from the sea. Through the activities in the contest, students understood that sea and islands are not only a sacred symbol of national sovereignty over Vietnam’s seas and borders but also a valuable resource, home to many fishermen, and an attractive tourist destination.

The contest showed the responsibility of national sovereignty protection and contributed to inspiring younger generations. With the combination of dissemination, education, and interactive activities, apart from acquiring knowledge, contestants had a deeper understanding of the responsibility of the coast guard force. Stories told by troops who are working around the clock to safeguard the sea and sky of the Fatherland have become a great source of encouragement to help students realize that protecting national sovereignty over sea and islands is the responsibility of both Uncle Ho's soldiers and every Vietnamese citizen.

Notably, the contest offered students an opportunity to get access to knowledge related to sovereignty and security while still in school. Youngsters are the future of the country, the force that will contribute to the cause of national protection and development in the future. Therefore, raising awareness, building and nurturing their love for national sea and islands from an early age is a long-term strategy for protecting national sovereignty and developing the country in the new era.

In order to further promote the efficiency of the contest, on September 3, 2024, the Minister of National Defense signed a decision approving the project to organize the "I love national sea and islands" contest nationwide for the 2024-2030 period and the following years. Through the contest, contestants will become responsible citizens full of pride and ready to contribute to the cause of national protection and development.

Translated by Quynh Oanh