According to reporters of Lao Dong Newspaper, on New Year's Eve (December 29th of the lunar calendar), when the city is filled with bright lights and families gather, a year-end meal is also organized at Muong Leo Border Guard Station (Son La).
While the on-duty room is lit, working groups still take turns patrolling the border and landmarks.
Before the moment of New Year's Eve, officers and soldiers gathered in a warm common living room. Five-fruit trays were solemnly displayed, wild peach branches showing off their pink color in the high mountains.
The simple but full year-end meal, plus a plate of newly picked banh chung still fragrant with new sticky rice, makes the spring atmosphere in the border region even warmer.
Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Van Giap - Political Commissar of Muong Leo Border Guard Station (who has been on duty for nearly 20 years, celebrating Tet at the border guard station) shared: "Many Tet holidays away from home, not being able to reunite with family, but in return is the pride of seeing a peaceful border.
Every New Year's Eve on duty at the unit, listening to the sound of the mountain wind, watching the brothers go on patrol, I deeply understand the responsibility of a soldier," Mr. Giap confided.
Soldier Cam Huu Cuong, Muong Leo Border Guard Station, received the task of being on duty and ready to fight on New Year's Eve. Taking advantage of a few minutes before duty, he called home to wish his family a happy Tet and quickly returned to his duty position.
I miss home so much, especially at the moment of the New Year transition. But keeping peace in the border area is the most sacred thing. When I complete my task well, I feel my Tet is also more complete," Cuong shared.
At Chieng Son Border Guard Station, the atmosphere of welcoming spring is also warm. In addition to strictly assigning Tet duty, the unit also prepares peach blossoms, kumquats, and decorates the common living room with brilliant spring colors. The five-fruit tray is arranged harmoniously, sending wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
Corporal Lo Van Bac confided: "I miss home so much, especially when calling to wish my family a happy Tet. But the task is above all else. Being able to wrap banh chung with my comrades and welcome New Year's Eve at the unit, I feel warm as if I am in my second family.
When the clock strikes the moment of the New Year transition, a working group quietly sets off to patrol. The flashlight light sweeps through the milestone amidst the cold mist. Behind them is the bustling Tet greetings in the fort yard, in front is the border line that needs to be preserved in every sacred inch of land.
According to Colonel Pham Tung Lam - Secretary of the Party Committee, Political Commissar of the Border Guard of Son La province, the entire force has developed a plan to be on duty and protect the border before, during and after Tet; strictly maintain combat readiness.
“We both take care of officials and soldiers to celebrate Tet fully, having enough at home at the border guard station; and thoroughly grasp the spirit of vigilance, not to be passive or surprised. Peace for the people is the greatest joy of border guards,” the Colonel emphasized.
100% of Border Guard Stations organize year-end meals, cultural and artistic activities. Thereby, helping soldiers feel warmer and bond with their comrades; but the units still maintain 24/24 hour duty, strengthen patrols and inspections, and ensure border safety so that people can feel secure and enjoy spring.
New Year's Eve in the highlands of Son La is therefore quietly and warmly. Amidst the sound of the mountain wind and the red fire, the soldiers in green uniforms still persistently "guard the sky", to make the spring in the village more complete and peaceful.
