Without the loud noises of city streets or dazzling fireworks, spring in Truong Sa arrives in a solemn and quiet way. It is a spring of faith and resolve, of responsibility and deep bonds between the military and the people; a vivid testament to the care of the Party, the State and authorities at all levels for those who day and night hold fast to the islands and safeguard the seas.
A military-civilian Tet on the frontline
In the days leading up to Tet, across the islands of the Truong Sa Archipelago, preparations for the new spring proceed briskly yet in good order. From barracks to residential areas, every task is carried out with care, ensuring both material and spiritual well-being of soldiers and residents, while strictly maintaining combat readiness.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Khuong, Political Commissar of Song Tu Tay Island, during the 2026 Lunar New Year, the island’s Party Committee and command proactively devised plans to ensure that officers, soldiers, residents and stationed forces could enjoy a joyful, warm, safe and economical Tet holiday without relaxing their duties.
Alongside logistics, cultural, artistic and sporting activities were organised in line with local conditions, creating a buoyant atmosphere that further strengthened military-civilian solidarity and helped build a firm people-centred defence posture at the frontline.
“Tet on the island has its own unique features. Though we serve in these distant seas and islands, we always feel the close attention of the Party, the State and people across the country,” Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Khuong shared.
That care is reflected not only in Tet gifts and ships braving the waves to bring spring to the islands, but also in solemn and practical political and spiritual activities. It is living proof of the Party’s and the State’s consistent policy of caring for the lives of soldiers and civilians in remote seas and islands, regarded as an inseparable part of the motherland.
Amid the sea and sky of Truong Sa, Tet here bears its own distinctive hallmarks. The most sacred moment is not fireworks or bustling greetings, but the flag-raising ceremony on the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year. At that moment, soldiers and civilians together fix their gaze on the national flag fluttering in the sea breeze, making their steadfast pledge to protect national sovereignty.
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Khuong noted that after the flag salute ceremony, recreational and cultural activities begin, while guarding and protecting the islands remains strictly in place.
“The morale of our officers and soldiers is high and they feel secure in their duties. For local residents and children living on the islands, Tet here is materially and spiritually just as complete as on the mainland, truly happy and warm,” he said.
Spring of green hues
For young soldiers, spring on these distant islands brings particularly strong emotions. Corporal Duong Minh Nhat, serving on Sinh Ton Island, celebrated his first Tet away from home and was deeply moved to receive gifts from the mainland. He said the presents carried special meaning, easing homesickness and giving him and his brothers in arms greater peace of mind.
“Here, we receive great care, with both material and spiritual needs ensured so that we can welcome spring and Tet in full measure. That helps me stay focused on my duties,” Nhat shared.
Also celebrating his first Tet in the Truong Sa Archipelago, young soldier Nguyen Dang Huy could not hide his pride at standing among naval soldiers at the nation’s frontline.
Back home, Huy had never known how to wrap banh chung. But since arriving on the island, guided by senior comrades and teammates, the 20-year-old has learned to split bamboo ties, trim dong leaves and wrap his first-ever banh chung. From the green leaves and gifts sent from the mainland, he feels the warmth of home very close by.
“Tet on the islands is also intimate and heart-warming. The Tet atmosphere here is no different from that on the mainland. It strengthens my confidence and resolve to protect the motherland’s sacred maritime sovereignty,” Huy said.
Tet in Truong Sa is not only a celebration for the military but also a shared joy for island households. In the final days of the year, residents and soldiers decorate homes together, wrap banh chung and take part in spring festivities, creating a warm atmosphere.
Nguyen Thi Thanh Phuong, a resident in Truong Sa, said: “Every Tet gift and every dong leaf sent to the island is deeply cherished. Though we live far from the mainland, the care of leaders at all levels ensures that soldiers and residents here enjoy a prosperous, complete Tet just like on the mainland. As a result, spirits are always high, and we clearly feel the warmth and sharing.”
Trust sent to the mainland
As the New Year dawns, from the islands of the Truong Sa Archipelago, simple yet heartfelt spring wishes are sent to the mainland, carrying the affection of soldiers and residents at the nation’s frontline.
On behalf of officers, soldiers and residents working and living in Truong Sa, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Khuong, Political Commissar of Song Tu Tay Island, extended New Year wishes to compatriots nationwide for good health, happiness, peace and success; and wished the country continued development, resilience in the face of challenges, and the maintenance of a peaceful environment to build and defend the motherland.
For island households, spring is also a time to express deep gratitude for the care of the Party, State, the military and authorities. Representing households on Truong Sa Island, Le Thi Minh Dieu conveyed thanks to leaders, officers, soldiers and forces on duty here for their constant support and care for residents’ material and spiritual lives so that every family on these distant islands can enjoy a warm Tet just like on the mainland.
From the wave-swept frontier, the soldiers and people of Truong Sa send their trust to the mainland; and from the mainland, affection, responsibility and solidarity continue to reach out to the seas and islands, joining Truong Sa in stepping into the New Year with firm resolve and unwavering confidence.
