Dear Truong Sa. Last post: Missing Truong Sa so much

Leave behind kindness

“Are you seasick? Are you tired?...”, the officers and soldiers of Co Lin island extended their warm hands to welcome us to visit the island, along with warm greetings. The firm handshakes made me forget the hardships and difficulties of the journey across the ocean to the island. Although the time on the island was short, the officers and soldiers always made us feel like we were home, freely chatting, recording, filming, taking photos... In the place where there were many difficulties, those navy soldiers always smiled, never complaining about the shortages, hardships, and difficulties.

At Song Tu Tay, all the children smile and greet adults loudly. Not only with new visitors, the children remember and greet the officers and soldiers on the island like that every time they meet. Cheerful, without distance - the children surprised us with a cultural routine that is like a natural reflex. Little girl An Nguyen said that when meeting adults, her uncles, aunts and teachers told her to greet them politely, to say a complete subject and predicate...

Traveling around the island, meeting any cadre, soldier, or citizen, we were greeted loudly, clearly, and cheerfully like that. On the island, adults greet children first, teachers greet students first, cadres greet soldiers first... When there is something delicious, adults give it to children; the host gives it to guests. Lieutenant Colonel, Political Commissar Nguyen Van Hung is proud that this tradition has been nurtured and maintained for many years in Song Tu Tay. Just like that, everyone naturally gets to know each other and gets closer.

Nearly 20 days visiting Truong Sa, meeting hundreds of officers, soldiers, and people in Sinh Ton, Song Tu Dong, Co Lin, Len Dao... were days we were always happy and joyful because the greetings and smiles erased all distances.

Warmth of people on a remote island

Households on the islands in Truong Sa always open their gates and doors, happily welcoming visitors at any time. During the days we visited the island, since there were few visitors, many women showed off their cooking skills, making jelly, sponge cake... to invite the whole neighborhood and guests to eat together. Ms. Tran Thi Chau Uc in Song Tu Tay cooked a large tray of jelly, decorated it attractively to treat guests. She said this was her favorite dish to treat guests or give to soldiers whenever she saw them training hard. Food and cakes were displayed on the communal table and chairs of the whole neighborhood; children and adults all gathered to eat together...

The officers, soldiers and people in Truong Sa archipelago are like one family. When people are sick, they are taken care of by military doctors. Soldiers who are training hard have drinking water and fruits donated by the people... Mr. Cao Van Giap, Vice Chairman of Song Tu Tay Commune People's Committee, said that all collective activities, art programs and sports competitions here have the participation of both the army and the people. Children are also "assigned" to art and physical education teams to practice, creating a playground for them to confidently interact and improve their health.

Every week, the islands organize “fierce” volleyball and soccer competitions between athletes who are officers, soldiers and people. Lieutenant Nguyen Van Khang, Squad Leader of Squad 1 of Song Tu Tay Island, is a “hardcore” soccer player and said that sports competitions and cultural exchanges are valuable spiritual food for soldiers far from home. He and his teammates always feel warm and happy because they live in the loving affection of the islanders.

The day the cadres, people and soldiers on Sinh Ton Island organized a joyful festival of wrapping Chung cakes to welcome the spring. Many people had never wrapped Chung cakes before, but after being instructed by the soldiers, they were happy because they were able to wrap a square cake. Some washed the leaves, soaked the rice, others cleaned the beans, marinated the meat... Soldier Phan Xuan Tuan, who had a little experience wrapping Chung cakes when he was at home, quickly showed everyone how to do it. This was Xuan Tuan's first time on the island to carry out his mission. "This is my first year away from home, but I don't feel sad because I get to experience new things with everyone. We have relatives, comrades and the care of the mainland, so we are assured of a full Tet holiday," Tuan happily said.

The night of gathering around the fire with the pot of banh chung burning is an unforgettable night in the hearts of those who visit Truong Sa for the first time. Holding the guitar, the soldiers sang enthusiastically. The sea breeze mixed with the singing, as if lulling everyone into a new spring atmosphere.

The newly cooked banh chung was taken out and given to the children first. The New Year’s Eve meal – also our farewell meal with the soldiers and people of Truong Sa – was a happy one because there was enough green banh chung, fatty meat, pickled onions, etc. Especially, there was warm human affection and Tet felt as if we were right in our hometown.