Hanoi (VNA) ไ- Amid the windswept expanse of Truong Sa, the Vietnamese national flag continues to fly proudly, a symbol of the steadfast presence of those who guard the country’s maritime sovereignty.

For decades, generations of soldiers have quietly dedicated their youth to defending every inch of the nation’s seas and islands. Today, their mission is shared by Vietnamese communities around the globe, who are translating their patriotism into tangible contributions.

Remembering Gac Ma soldiers, honouring sacrifice

During a recent trip to Truong Sa as part of the “Great Solidarity Ship” journey, Venerable Thich Phap Quang, abbot of Truc Lam Zen Monastery – the first Buddhist temple of Vietnam in Sri Lanka, paid respects at Sinh Ton Pagoda. Deeply moved by the peaceful energy at the pagoda, he lit incense in memory of the 64 Vietnamese naval personnel who lost their lives in the 1988 Gac Ma battle. Each day, the sound of temple bells mingles with the waves, carrying prayers and gratitude for those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the Fatherland. Venerable Phap Quang expressed his hope that the message of this sacred journey would be shared with the Vietnamese community and international friends in Sri Lanka, affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over Truong Sa Archipelago.

For him, Truong Sa is not just islands, waves, and winds, but part of the nation’s spiritual essence that awakens patriotism in the hearts of overseas Vietnamese (OVs). “Never before have the word ‘Fatherland’ felt so sacred,” he said. Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Van Cuong, Political Commissar of Sinh Ton Island, reaffirmed the commitment of soldiers stationed there. They remain politically steadfast, ready to defend the country’s maritime territory while maintaining rigorous training and combat readiness to fulfill every duty.

Across Truong Sa Archipelago, soldiers balance combat preparedness with political education and physical training. Their efforts take on special significance this year as the nation commemorates major anniversaries, including 50 years since the South liberation and National Reunification (April 30), the 50^th🍒 anniversary of the liberation of Truong Sa Islands (April 29), the 70th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Navy, and the 80th anniversary of the National Day.

Lieutenant Colonel Can Ngoc Son, Commander of Truong Sa Island, stressed that excellence in training and high combat readiness form the most practical way to mark these milestones. Exercises are tailored to the island’s unique conditions, aiming to build both technical proficiency, resilience, and mobility. Nguyen Ngoc Hien, a young soldier stationed on Da Thi Island, voiced the pride shared by many: “It is an honour to wear this uniform and contribute to safeguarding the Fatherland’s seas and sovereignty.”

The journey also served as a bridge connecting OVs with their homeland. For many participants, it was an emotional experience, especially for those returning multiple times. Among them was Le Nguyen Minh Phuong, a Vietnamese expatriate in the Republic of Korea and head of the Rainbow Fund, who visited Truong Sa for the third time. This trip marked the inauguration of a community-funded outdoor playground Rainbow Park on Da Tay A Island. The facility offers play equipment for children and fitness gear for residents and soldiers, reflecting the long-standing commitment to improving island life. Phuong recounted how the idea emerged during a previous visit, when she noticed the lack of proper play spaces for children. The new park, spanning over 500 square metres, aims to offer not only recreation but also a symbol of solidarity from Vietnamese abroad. She said that wherever they are, OVs remain connected to their homeland.

Similarly, Cao Hong Vinh, head of the Hoang Sa – Truong Sa Club in Poland, shared her deep emotional connection with the islands during her third visit. She sees each trip as a reminder to contribute more meaningfully upon returning home, strengthening the bond between overseas communities and Truong Sa. In Japan, educator Le Thuong, Principal of the Bamboo Vietnamese Language School, continues her mission to preserve the mother tounge among expatriate children. She shared that teaching Vietnamese means planting the seeds of love for the Fatherland. From Malaysia, Pham Thi Nhung turned her emotional experience into action. Upon returning home, she partnered with Vietnam’s Naval Region 3 to sponsor disadvantaged fishermen’s children for the 2025–2026 academic year, part of a broader programme to support families with ties to the sea. As the “Great Solidarity Ship” journey concluded, it left behind not only striking images and emotional memories but also a quiet message: love for Truong Sa should be expressed through practical deeds, no matter how small.

Each participant became a messenger, bringing Truong Sa closer to the mainland and inspiring others to look toward the nation’s maritime frontier with pride and responsibility. From prayers in pagodas to playgrounds on distant islands, from words of commitment to acts of support, the spirit of national solidarity continues to find expression across seas, across generations, and across borders./.