Special voyage emotions

Our delegation No. 5 gathered officers, lecturers, and students from many academies and schools in the Army, along with officers from the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and the Navy. ... Accompanying the delegation is the modern and sturdy ship KN-390, a symbol of the spirit of close coordination between the forces that are day and night protecting the sacred sovereignty of the sea and islands.

I understand that the main goal of the delegation on this trip to Truong Sa and DK1 Platform is to study and learn about the practical work of protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands; to learn about the life, living conditions, training and combat readiness of officers and soldiers on remote islands. Thereby, contributing to fostering revolutionary ideals, strengthening confidence, enhancing political capacity and love for the homeland's sea and islands for the delegation members, especially for young students.

Leaders of Naval Region 3 and delegates on a working trip with the commander of Thuyen Chai Island. Photo: NAVY

From Sinh Ton, Nam Yet, Phan Vinh islands to Toc Tan, Thuyen Chai..., each island, each outpost brought us profound feelings and invaluable practical lessons. The majesty of the Fatherland at the forefront of the wind and waves, the magical blue of the ocean blending with the steadfast blue of the island soldiers are deeply imprinted in our minds. More than films or books, the difficulties and silent but great sacrifices of the officers and soldiers of Truong Sa and DK1 platform have deeply touched the souls of the delegates in the working group throughout the voyage.

On the islands, the working group organized friendly meetings, warm cultural exchange programs, and presented small but meaningful gifts containing great affection from the mainland. The firm handshakes, the loving glances and smiles, the bouquets of fresh flowers were given... All of these seemed to add great motivation for the officers and soldiers on the Truong Sa archipelago and the DK1 platform to continue to hold their guns firmly, standing firm at the forefront of the waves and the wind. In the middle of the vast ocean, in the murmuring sound of the waves and the salty breeze of the sea, we respectfully bowed and dropped wreaths in memory of the nation's outstanding sons who had fallen for the beloved Fatherland. At that moment, everyone was filled with emotion and infinite gratitude.

Not only the activities on the island, the journey on the KN-390 ship was also full of memories. I was especially impressed with the contest "Learning about the sea and islands of the Fatherland and the heroic Vietnam People's Navy". The profound questions and intelligent answers of the young students showed the understanding and patriotism of the future generation. Then there were the cultural and sports activities such as chess competitions, or the creative "Demonstration of costumes from recycled waste" program, demonstrating the awareness of protecting the marine environment. I read poems written hastily on the deck as the sunset fell, listened to songs about marine soldiers sung simply but heartily... Those works, although not polished, fully contained the belief, patriotism and aspiration to contribute of the delegates on this special working trip.

Teacher-student relationship between Truong Sa sea and sky

On this special voyage, I met Dao Xuan Nam again, a student of the 69th class, Army Officer School 1. I still remember the energetic student with sharp reasoning and wondered how he had changed after so many years of training at sea. Stepping off the ship, among the tough island soldiers, I recognized Nam immediately. His skin was tanned by the sun and wind of Truong Sa, his face shone with determination and his smile was still as warm as before. "Teacher! Hello teacher!". Lieutenant Colonel Dao Xuan Nam, Commander of Thuyen Chai Island, quickly walked over, raised his hand to salute according to the command, his voice filled with emotion. "Is that Nam? Teacher, I recognize you! So mature, so steady!". I held my student's hand tightly, expressing my pride for the intelligent, quick-witted student of the past.

In the simple but tidy command room on Thuyen Chai Island, my teacher and I sat together. Nam made me some tea, then informed me of the main situation of the unit. I listened, my eyes shining with joy when I saw that my former student had now become a capable commander, overseeing the tasks on this outpost island.

Nam shared: "The lectures on Marxism-Leninism, on the Party's military line, on building political courage for revolutionary soldiers that you taught, we always remember and apply them to our practical work here, sir. Amidst countless difficulties and challenges, that theoretical foundation is the compass, the spiritual strength for us to be steadfast, steady with our guns, and firmly maintain the sacred sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland."

I nodded, feeling warm and understanding that theoretical knowledge was no longer dry concepts in the classroom, but had truly become the beliefs, the wills and concrete actions of the soldiers at the forefront. This meeting, what I saw and heard on this voyage helped me to perceive more deeply the great and sacred value of the Fatherland's sea and islands, and to admire and respect the brave marine soldiers of the heroic Vietnam People's Army.

I told Dao Xuan Nam: "Seeing you guys steadfastly sticking around and building the island stronger and stronger, I and the working group are very proud. This trip helps me gain more valuable practical materials. When I return, I will continue to teach and educate generations of students about Truong Sa, about soldiers like you, so that the young generation - the future generation - can better understand and love their homeland and country and be more aware of the responsibilities of future officers"...

As the sunset gradually fell, it was time for the ship to leave Thuyen Chai port. The image of Lieutenant Colonel Dao Xuan Nam and his comrades solemnly waving goodbye from the island remained in my mind. The trip ended, but the spirit of Truong Sa, the image of DK1 platform, the image of the navy soldiers standing tall in the middle of the ocean still lingered. This was not only a business trip but also a trip of the heart, fostering love for the Fatherland. Truong Sa, DK1 platform will forever be a sacred symbol, a place where each of us soldiers always turn to with all our pride and responsibility.

Colonel LE NGOC KHUYEN, Lecturer at Army Officer School 1

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/phong-su/den-truong-sa-them-men-yeu-to-quoc-835354