In the final days of the year, the sea looks little different from ordinary days — still deep blue, with winds even colder than usual — but in the hearts of the soldiers, emotions arise that are difficult to name.
Each of them has a family waiting on shore, a home that misses their presence, a year-end reunion meal with an empty seat. But they choose to remain at the ocean’s frontline, because the nation’s peace must always be guarded, even during the most sacred moments of the year.
Inside the common room, spring arrives in simple ways. A small branch of apricot blossom is carefully brought from shore; red couplets are pasted beside the duty room; a pot of Chung cake steams gently while soldiers take turns tending the fire after each patrol shift. Amid the endless sea, the atmosphere becomes unexpectedly warm, as if carrying the breath of home.
There are overnight patrol shifts in the cold wind, missions assisting fishing boats in distress, or simply maintaining a presence at sea so that fishermen feel more secure in continuing their livelihoods. These seemingly ordinary tasks are, in fact, the quiet but steadfast ways in which spring is protected.
Many young soldiers spending Tet away from home for the first time carry a family photograph, or sometimes just a child’s simple drawing. They seldom speak about their longing, but the way their eyes turn toward the mainland during rare moments of rest says everything. And in time, the sea itself offers them another form of reunion.
That is found in comrades sharing pieces of Chung cake and cups of hot tea in the cold wind; in laughter after long duty shifts; in firm handshakes that replace New Year greetings. There, comrades become family, and the ship becomes a common house.
Spring at sea is not dazzling in colour, but profound and calm. It is not noisy, but deeply filled with affection. Each quietly patrolling vessel becomes a “living marker” affirming sovereignty — a source of reassurance for fishermen at sea and a guarantee that the mainland may enjoy a complete season of reunion.
Perhaps that is why, for Coast Guard soldiers, the greatest “spring blessing” is not a red envelope or a family meal, but seeing the calm sea, safe fishing activities, and a steadfast nation at the ocean’s frontline. Spring continues to travel with these vessels out to sea — and there, the Coast Guard soldiers quietly ensure that the country enjoys a truly complete Tet.
