Lao Dong Newspaper - a close friend on a remote island
The working trip to Truong Sa is not only a journey to the sacred sea and sky but also an opportunity for me to witness the power of journalism in connecting the mainland with the islands. When I stepped onto An Bang Island, my emotions exploded when I saw Lao Dong newspaper placed right in the soldiers' library. On that small bookcase, the words "Lao Dong Newspaper" are solemnly posted, as an affirmation of the newspaper's meaningful presence.
In places where there is no 3G or 4G signal, where social networks cannot reach, print newspapers become a special bridge. After a tense training session, the soldiers went to the reading room as if looking for a small, peaceful corner. Here, they turn every page of the newspaper, read stories in their hometown, about the lives of workers and laborers - the loved ones they are missing.
In Truong Sa, I encountered simple but heart-stopping images. A young soldier, welcoming a working group from the mainland for the first time, trembled when holding a new newspaper or the image of soldiers gathering in the bookcase, discussing widely about domestic news. There are smiles, sparkling eyes of joy, but there are also quiet moments when they read about the difficulties and hardships that their loved ones on the mainland are going through.
In his first days working on An Bang Island, when his homesickness was still uncompromising, soldier Nguyen Tan Thanh went to the bookcase and formed the habit of reading books and newspapers at bad times. Nguyen Tan Thanh often reads the news in Lao Dong newspaper, especially the news about workers and laborers. Because Thanh's parents are all workers in Ho Chi Minh City.
Soldier Nguyen Tan Thanh confided: Thanks to reading Lao Dong newspaper, I not only get news from the mainland but also feel the concern of the Trade Union organization for workers. This helps me feel more confident in my work and proud of my mission.
Lao Dong newspaper has long been a companion, helping young soldiers to ease their homesickness and become more attached to their homeland.
Working as a journalist in Truong Sa - an emotional journey
As a reporter for Lao Dong Newspaper, the working trip to Truong Sa was an unforgettable experience for me. When the KN390 ship anchored at the island locations, I was given priority by the working group to go to the first island to work. Every time I set foot on the island, I clearly feel the great pride and responsibility of journalists.
Time on the island is always urgent, requiring high concentration. I had to quickly record precious moments, from the smiles of the soldiers to the image of the waves patting the embankment or serious training sessions. Even though I am bored, I still do not allow myself to miss any details. Here, each story, each image carries special value.
Accompanying me on this trip was Ms. Hong Tham - reporter for the New Energy Magazine. Although she has been to Truong Sa many times, she still carries the same excitement as the first time. She shared: "Every trip brings new emotions. Truong Sa is like a part of my blood, and every time I hear it, my heart bursts with nostalgia.
Truong Sa is not only a source of inspiration, but also a motivation for me to work. Here, I realized that journalism is not only a means of reporting, but also a bond that connects people, spreading love and sharing from the mainland to the islands.
The journey to Truong Sa has helped me understand more deeply the mission of a journalist. Amidst the monsters of storms, the press not only brings information but also carries warmth, love and faith. For island soldiers, each newspaper is a precious gift, a message from their homeland.
Lao Dong Newspaper, with its closeness and humanity, has become a trusted companion of the Navy soldiers. At the beginning of the wave, each article is a word of encouragement, each story is a source of inspiration. And above all, the press has contributed to spreading the love of the sea and islands, so that every islander can understand and appreciate the silent sacrifices of the island soldiers.
Under the hot and sunny sun and salty sea winds of Truong Sa, I have absorbed more deeply the meaning of journalism in today's era. The press is not simply a recording and reflecting event, but also a mission to connect people, conveying emotional stories, aspirations and beliefs. In remote lands, especially frontland islands like Truong Sa, journalism becomes more important and necessary than ever.
I clearly see that each article and page brought to the soldiers' hands is not simply dry news, but is invaluable spiritual encouragement, a bridge connecting the mainland with the sea and islands. From the daily stories of workers and laborers to the support policies and protection of their rights are conveyed in a realistic and vivid way. This is what makes the soldiers here feel the care and sharing from their homeland and the country.
The working trip to Truong Sa has made me more respectful and proud of my journalism career, while also fueling my firm confidence in the press generation today and tomorrow. I believe that, with the strong development of science and technology, Vietnamese press will increasingly integrate and innovate, continuing to maintain an important role in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland, especially in connecting love, spreading human values to all regions of the country, from the mainland to the far-off seas and islands.
