Many years of celebrating Tet on the frontline island
On the last day of the year, Hoa Dong port faintly showed the green color of military uniforms of officers and staff of Bach Long Vi Island Defense Battalion (PTKV1 - Gia Vien Command, Hai Phong City Military Command), interspersed with the pink color of blooming peach branches sent from the mainland. The bustling footsteps, everyone quickly checked their luggage, ready for the year-end sea voyage. In a lingering farewell moment, officers and staff of the battalion smiled and waved to their loved ones with wishes for their families a happy Tet, updating the Tet atmosphere with soldiers on remote islands.
On the last train of the year, Major Pham Xuan Nha - Secretary of the Party Committee, Political Commissar of Bach Long Vi Island Defense Battalion - visited and encouraged each officer and staff member. According to Mr. Nha, on the last train of the year, some people celebrate Tet away from their families for the first time, some people celebrate New Year's Eve on the island for many years, hoping for a complete spring reunion with their families. But above all is the sense of responsibility and pride of a soldier to stand in the ranks of protecting the sacred sea and island sovereignty of the Fatherland. For them, Tet duty is not only a regular task but also a continuation of the tradition of generations of officers and soldiers who have guarded the waves day and night.
In the flow of emotions on the year-end ship to the island for Tet duty, Lieutenant Colonel CN Vu Dinh Hoa - cryptography staff of the island defense battalion - confided that after many years of working on the island, he has become accustomed to celebrating Tet away from his family. Every time he sets off at the end of the year, he still feels a little wistful when thinking about his loved ones on the mainland, but above all is the pride and sense of responsibility of a soldier.
Lieutenant Colonel Le Ngoc Trong - Head of the Military-Civilian Medical Station of the Battalion - shared: "Working on the outpost island, especially during Tet, always poses many high requirements for military medical work. Being away from family is inevitable, but we clearly define the responsibility of military doctors. Taking care of the health of soldiers and people on the island during the spring days is an honor, a motivation for us to overcome difficulties and complete our tasks well.
Taking care of Tet thoughtfully for officers and soldiers
Speaking on the year-end ship trip to the island for Tet duty, Major Pham Xuan Nha emphasized that each ship trip to the island at the end of the year not only carries officers and staff performing tasks, but also carries the trust of the rear for soldiers on the front lines. Celebrating Tet on the island is a personal disadvantage, but it is a great honor for soldiers, contributing their efforts to maintain peace for the sea and islands in the spring days.
Also according to Major Pham Xuan Nha, the Party Committee - Battalion Command has done a good job of political and ideological education to help officers and staff clearly define tasks, feel secure in their work, and be ready to receive and complete combat readiness duties well. Activities to encourage, visit, and grasp the thoughts of soldiers are carried out promptly, creating a high sense of solidarity and unity throughout the unit.
Logistics - life assurance work is also organized thoughtfully, in accordance with standards and regulations. From year-end meals, green banh chung, five-fruit trays for Tet to necessities serving daily life, all are fully prepared, showing the deep concern of the Party Committee and commanders for officers and soldiers. Thereby, helping island soldiers celebrate Tet warmly and intimately in the vast sea and sky, and feel secure in completing the task of keeping a peaceful spring for the Fatherland.
