Honoring the sea and islands of the fatherland

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Vietnam People's Navy's first victory (August 5, 1964 - August 5, 2024), on the morning of August 2, the Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association organized the photo exhibition "Love Truong Sa" at Nguyen Van Binh Book Street. This exhibition brings together 99 works by 10 authors, capturing beautiful images of Truong Sa, DK1 Platform, along with genuine moments of life and work of the army and people here.

More than 30 members of the Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association had the opportunity to visit Truong Sa soldiers from April 2024 to June 2024, with the consent of the Navy. This exhibition is the result of the June trip, with 10 typical authors: Nguyen Truong Sinh, Truong Quoc Trung, Pho Thi Thanh Hang, Thach Minh Le, Nguyen Tan Nghia, Nguyen Tien Quang, Than Van Hai, Dang Mi Ro, Dang Thi Kim Phuong, Huynh Pham Anh Dung. The works not only praise the resilient image of the army and people protecting the sea and islands of the Fatherland, but also reflect the warm feelings of the people of the whole country, especially the people of Ho Chi Minh City, for the soldiers at the forefront.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association, Mr. Doan Hoai Trung, emphasized the importance of this event in commemorating the first victory of the Vietnam People's Navy. Mr. Trung recalled the glorious history of the Vietnam People's Navy, from the heroic battle on August 2 and 5, 1964, defeating the American destroyer USS Maddox, to the fight to protect the homeland's waters.

On behalf of the Ho Chi Minh City Photography Association, Mr. Doan Hoai Trung expressed his deep gratitude to the Head of the Command, the Political Department, Region 2 and the representative agency of the Navy, along with the city agencies for supporting and creating conditions for the photographers to carry out this working trip. He also congratulated and thanked the authors for participating in the exhibition, contributing to creating a meaningful event, honoring the love of the nation's sea and islands.

NSNA Than Van Hai, at 75 years old, the oldest member of the group, shared his deep feelings about the trip to Truong Sa. He said that this journey was not only a trip to visit distant lands of the Fatherland but also a meaningful pilgrimage of spirit and patriotism.

"Truong Sa, to me, is a sacred land, where the hearts of every Vietnamese person always turn. The soldiers here are like living milestones protecting our sovereignty over the sea and islands. Meeting and talking with them, I feel the indomitable spirit, sacrifice and resilience of the marine soldiers." - NSNA Than Van Hai said.

At the photo exhibition "Love Truong Sa so much", Lieutenant Colonel Le Hong Quang, Deputy Political Commissar of Brigade 125, Naval Region 2, expressed his deep gratitude to the photographers and those who contributed to the exhibition. "The photos at the exhibition are not only works of art but also vivid pieces about the lives, work and silent sacrifices of soldiers and people on Truong Sa archipelago. Each photo is a story, a song about patriotism and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people."

Lieutenant Colonel Quang emphasized the importance of promoting and raising people's awareness of the sovereignty of the Fatherland's sea and islands. "Through the photos at this exhibition, we can see more clearly the difficulties and challenges that soldiers and people of Truong Sa are facing every day. However, in these difficulties, they have demonstrated their solidarity, courage and determination to protect the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland."

He also did not forget to send words of encouragement to the soldiers who are on duty at the forefront. "You are silent heroes, the pride of the nation. The images at this exhibition will be a great source of encouragement for you, helping you to be more confident, steadfast and continue to complete your assigned tasks well."

The photo exhibition "I love Truong Sa" is not only an opportunity to look back at the glorious past, but also a reminder of our responsibility and love for our homeland's sea and islands.

The exhibition will last from August 2 to August 5 at Nguyen Van Binh Book Street, then will be displayed at Thu Duc Book Street from August 9. This is an opportunity for the public to admire the emotional photographic works, and at the same time learn more about the sacrifices and dedication of the Truong Sa soldiers.

Some exhibition works: