On the last days of lunar year 2024, the islanders and soldiers engaged in traditional Tet preparations, including cleaning homes and communal areas, as well as slaughtering pigs and preparing chickens.
Yong soldiers decorate beautiful ‘phong ba’ (heliotropium foertherianum) — a distinctive tree species on Truong Sa — with cloth-made peach and apricot flowers sent from the mainland. The branches are adorned with twinkling lights to enhance the festive spirit.
After a music gala held on New Year's Eve, the islands’ commanders visited soldiers to wish them a happy new year and then paid respects to President Ho Chi Minh at his memorial sites.
Dishes served for Tet celebration on the islands include ‘banh chung’ (square glutinous rice cake), ‘banh tet’ (cylinder glutinous rice cake, pork, and spring rolls, creating a sense of camaraderie among those far from home.
Setting aside feelings of homesickness, the young soldiers remained committed to their duties while celebrating Tet with their comrades.
During Tet, various entertainment activities are organised for the soldiers, including tug-of-war, volleyball, and traditional games.
These activities not only promote physical fitness but also strengthen the bonds between soldiers and local residents.
Island commanders maintained strict combat readiness protocols, ensuring patrols and security measures were in place to safeguard national sovereignty.
The shared experiences and support among soldiers foster a strong sense of community, providing a new family for those stationed far from home during this significant time of year.
