The exhibition was organised to mark the 81st anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2).
According to the organisers, more than 50 works were meticulously selected from thousands of photographs taken by 17 members of the Soldier Photography Club during numerous field trips to coastal and island areas and armed forces units.
The photographs vividly capture training, patrol, guard, and combat-readiness activities of officers and soldiers of the Navy, Coast Guard, Border Guard, and other forces operating at sea. They also portray the daily lives and livelihoods of local residents, as well as the close bonds between soldiers and civilians in Truong Sa (Spratly), at DK1 platforms, and across other maritime and island areas.
The photographs also highlight the sweeping beauty of Viet Nam’s seas, skies, and remote islands, ranging from majestic landscapes to scenes of everyday life, including classrooms for children on the Truong Sa (Spartly) Special Zone. Through the photographers’ lenses, life at sea and on the islands emerges as both harsh and vibrant.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Senior Lieutenant General Pham Hong Huong, Vice President of the Viet Nam Veterans’ Association, described the exhibition as a vivid and visually engaging form of communication through the language of photography, enabling the public to gain a profound appreciation for the sacrifices and hardships endured by soldiers, their admirable qualities, and their love for the homeland.
Colonel Do Phu Tho, Editor-in-Chief of Viet Nam Veterans Newspaper, together with representatives of the Soldier Photography Club, affirmed that the exhibition carries not only immense artistic value but also profound political, historical, and educational significance, particularly for younger generations.
Among the works on display is “Rong lua vut len” (Fire Dragon Soaring Skyward) by Vu Hai Ha, Head of the Digital Department and Editorial Secretary of Viet Nam Veterans Newspaper, who previously worked for the Air Defence–Air Force Newspaper.
Sharing the story behind his photograph, journalist Hai Ha recounted that capturing the moment an upgraded S-125-2TM missile left its launcher proved to be a formidable challenge. The missile travels at extremely high speed, and in previous attempts he had often managed to capture only the fiery exhaust plume or part of the missile itself.
Many of the photographers participating in the exhibition are former servicemen or veterans. For those who have spent part of their lives in the military, photographing soldiers and life at sea and on the islands is also a way of keeping alive their memories, comradeship, and love for the homeland.
Veteran Duong Quang Ha, who has visited 21 military outposts across Viet Nam’s seas and islands, including the Truong Sa (Paracel) archipelago, noted that the works on display had been meticulously produced and thoughtfully presented, reflecting the photographers’ dedication to bringing the beauty and expressive power of photography closer to the public.
The exhibition runs until August 28.
