In the atmosphere of the whole country celebrating important events such as the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South, National Reunification, the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Navy, from April 18-26, a special program - Sea journey to bring overseas Vietnamese to visit the soldiers and people of Truong Sa island district and DK-I platform took place.

This is an annual activity organized by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Navy since 2012. This year's program has the participation of more than 60 overseas Vietnamese delegates from 24 countries and territories.

Overseas Vietnamese take souvenir photos on ship KN390. (Photo: Viet Hoang)

A journey of faith, connection and love

With the theme “The Great Solidarity Ship”, this year’s cruise conveys the aspiration for a prosperous, sustainable, and united Vietnam – where overseas Vietnamese and compatriots at home are united and work together for the future of the country. During the cruise, the delegates visited the islands of Da Thi, Sinh Ton, Co Lin, Len Dao, Da Tay A, Truong Sa Lon and the DK-I/8 Que Duong Platform.

The delegates participated in meaningful activities such as visiting, giving gifts, and performing arts with the military and civilians on the islands; visiting schools, houses, pagodas, and medical stations on the floating islands; attending the inauguration ceremony of Rainbow Park on Da Tay A Island; attending the memorial ceremony for martyrs in Gac Ma Island; offering incense at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial House, the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs, attending the Flag Salute and Review Ceremony, and participating in the program "Walking for Beloved Truong Sa" on Truong Sa Lon Island.

The first time he set foot on Truong Sa, Mr. Nguyen Trung Kien - Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese, Head of the working delegation, shared emotionally: " Only when I set foot on Truong Sa, witnessing with my own eyes the efforts and silent sacrifices of the soldiers and people on the remote island, did I truly feel the sacred meaning of the Fatherland. This is a journey affirming patriotism, connecting the Vietnamese community around the world with the motherland of Vietnam ."

Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Nguyen Trung Kien visits officers and soldiers on Truong Sa Lon Island. (Photo: Viet Hoang)

The voyage is a vivid demonstration of the Party and State’s consistent policy of considering the overseas Vietnamese community as an inseparable part of the nation, affirming the Party and State’s deep concern for overseas Vietnamese. At the same time, this is also an opportunity for overseas Vietnamese to express their feelings for the Fatherland, directly feel the breath of Truong Sa and accompany the country in the cause of protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands.

Mr. Hoang Xuan Binh, an overseas Vietnamese in Poland, shared: “I feel extremely moved and proud to attend the program. Through the trip, I clearly felt the hardships, difficulties, as well as the strong will of the officers and soldiers who are protecting the sea and islands day and night. The trip helped me realize that Truong Sa is not far away – Truong Sa is always in the heart of every Vietnamese person .”

Returning to Sinh Ton Island after 10 years, Ms. Truong Thi Hong, an overseas Vietnamese in Israel, shared: “ I feel moved when the lives of officers and soldiers on the island have improved a lot, the constructions on the island are more solid and sturdy, especially the green color of trees is present in many places.

This shows that Vietnam is increasingly developing and becoming more prosperous, as well as the determination of the Party and State in taking care of the lives of naval officers and soldiers. This helps us overseas Vietnamese feel more secure .”

The delegation took a souvenir photo at the House of Great Unity of Vietnamese Ethnic Groups. (Photo: Viet Hoang)

Ms. Cao Ha Linh, an overseas Vietnamese in Singapore, said: “ I feel very honored to set foot on the islands under Vietnam’s sovereignty. I feel truly lucky, touched and proud that my country has people who are working day and night to protect the sovereignty of the Fatherland .” Ms. Cao Ha Linh said she will widely spread information about Truong Sa and this sea route to the Vietnamese community in Singapore, especially the younger generation.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hung, a Cambodian expatriate, shared: “ The voyage helped me feel the solidarity and connection of overseas Vietnamese all over the world. The overseas Vietnamese delegates all share a strong belief and love for the Fatherland in general and the sea and islands in particular.”

Specific actions, deep affection

Not stopping at emotions, overseas Vietnamese express their love for the Fatherland through practical actions. During this voyage, overseas Vietnamese donated more than 2 billion VND in cash, gifts and in-kind contributions to programs such as greening Truong Sa, building multi-purpose cultural houses, buying necessities, medical equipment, and school supplies to send to officers, soldiers and people on the islands and DK-I Platform.

Overseas Vietnamese give gifts to officers and soldiers at island locations. (Photo: Viet Hoang)

From 2012 to present, the total amount of money overseas Vietnamese donated to Truong Sa and Nha Gian DK-I has reached nearly 30 billion VND - used to build sovereignty boats, build civil works, contribute to buy gifts and necessities to send to the islands.

In addition, the people actively express their feelings through writing poems, essays, and short stories about their homeland. Overseas Vietnamese have also established Hoang Sa and Truong Sa Clubs in France, Singapore, South Korea, Poland, etc., and have increased research on new measures and inventions to improve the lives of officers and soldiers on the islands. They regularly organize seminars and exhibitions to affirm their love for the country, contributing to strongly promoting Vietnam's sovereignty over its seas and islands to the overseas Vietnamese community and the international community.

Cam Lai - Vtcnews.vn

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/60-kieu-bao-tren-chuyen-tau-dai-doan-ket-tham-bien-dao-que-huong-ar940219.html