Con Dao before spring...

As spring approaches and the sky merges with the earth, the warmth of the season resonates in the hearts of many. This is also the time when trains loaded with delegations and Tet gifts depart, delivering love and the festive spirit of Tet from the mainland to the soldiers and residents on the outpost islands of our homeland. In the last days of December, a delegation from Binh Duong province visited Con Dao island in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province to wish a happy New Year to the officers and soldiers serving in various units there.

Cordial comradeship

As we followed the asphalt road along the coast, the sound of waves lapping against the shore created a gentle melody, accompanied by the wind that seemed to sing of the joy of a happy spring. After navigating a few bends, we arrived at the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the Con Dao District Military Command. There, we met two soldiers from Binh Duong who were serving their first year of military duty. We were captivated by the lively atmosphere as everyone prepared to welcome spring. The unit was adorned with vibrant spring decorations: blooming apricot trees, pots of yellow chrysanthemums, and red cockscombs all flourished under the warm golden sunlight, painting a warm and joyful picture of spring on this remote island.

This year's Tet holiday holds special significance for soldiers Nguyen Tu Tai and Ly Le Tuc, from Binh Duong, as well as for many new comrades who have enlisted in Infantry Battalion 2. Soldier Ly Le Tuc shared that his first day on the island in service was filled with confusion and challenges. However, he received warm support from everyone, including the local community, leaders, and his fellow soldiers. “Like many other soldiers, I feel a deep sense of pride serving at the island outpost of our Fatherland. This is my first Tet away from home, and I am truly touched and excited. Today, a delegation from Binh Duong province visited us from the mainland and brought Tet gifts. My teammates and I are very happy,” Ly Le Tuc expressed.

Senior Lieutenant Bui Minh Phat, Captain of BB2 Company, 2nd Infantry Battalion, said that this year the unit has many non-commissioned officers and soldiers assigned to the army in 2024, celebrating Tet away from home for the first time. Therefore, to ensure that officers and soldiers have a happy Tet holiday, are highly combat ready and ensure absolute safety, the unit has developed a plan to implement all preparations such as general cleaning of the entire unit, arranging flower beds and ornamental plants for Tet... At the same time, the unit will also organize many activities during Tet such as military-civilian Tet, rice cake wrapping contest, Tet altar decorating contest... to create a happy and cozy Tet atmosphere for officers and soldiers.

Each officer and soldier stationed in Con Dao, as well as those on the outpost islands of our homeland, is always united in love and shared responsibilities. They consider the island their home, the ocean their homeland, and their fellow comrades as brothers. They strive to complete their tasks with excellence. Soldier Nguyen Xuan Vuong, originally from Ha Tinh and enlisted in 2024, is currently on duty at the Con Dao Border Guard Station. He mentioned that although he misses his home a little, he understands the noble mission of protecting the sky, sea, and island. This work allows people to celebrate Tet peacefully, and he sees it as a sacred responsibility. “We vow to firmly hold our guns to protect the sacred sovereignty of our homeland’s sea and islands…”, Mr. Vuong shared.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Nang, the Party Secretary and Political Commissar of the Con Dao Border Guard Station, who has extensive experience celebrating Tet on the island, shared that the unit has organized various activities to ensure a meaningful Tet for the officers and soldiers who are working and on duty. In addition to the policies provided by the Ministry of National Defense and higher authorities, the unit has implemented additional support for new officers and soldiers. It also strives to create an environment where these individuals can celebrate Tet away from home for the first time, fostering a sense of solidarity, joy, warmth, and peace of mind at work.

Notably, the visits and gifts from delegations from the mainland, including one from Binh Duong province, have served as significant sources of encouragement for the officers and soldiers. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Nang stated, “On this remote island, we are committed to overcoming all challenges, uniting as a team, and successfully fulfilling our duties to uphold the sovereignty and security of our nation's borders.”

Bustling spring atmosphere

Captain Pham Van Than, Head of Radar Station 590 in the Navy, expressed his deep honor in being entrusted by the Party, State, and the people with the vital task of serving as the eyes and ears that protect the peace of the sea, sky, and islands of the Fatherland. He considers the unit to be like a second home. Reflecting on the station's achievements over the past year, Captain Pham Van Than noted that in 2024, the station received continuous support, leadership, and guidance from leaders at various levels, as well as local authorities and armed forces on the island.

He emphasized that the officers and soldiers remained united, caring for one another and overcoming challenges to successfully complete their assigned tasks. To achieve these results, the officers and soldiers are particularly thankful for the timely attention and support from the Party Committee, government, and people of Con Dao district. He highlighted the special appreciation for the Party Committee, government, and people of Binh Duong province, who recently visited to extend New Year wishes and encourage soldiers of Naval Station 590.

“On behalf of the officers and soldiers of Station 590, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the kindness shown by the delegation to our unit. At the same time, I wish the Party Committee, government, and people of Binh Duong province a prosperous and peaceful New Year in 2025,” stated Captain Pham Van Than.

Mr. Phan Thanh Bien, the Standing Deputy Secretary of the District Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Con Dao District, stated that the district is actively engaging in various activities to celebrate the spring season and welcome Tet. These activities include distributing gifts to policy beneficiaries and families facing difficulties, as well as decorating the streets to create a lively and festive atmosphere for both soldiers and residents on the island. Additionally, Mr. Bien expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the delegation from Binh Duong Province for their visit and for celebrating Tet in Con Dao District.

“This is a great encouragement for officers, soldiers and people of the island district to overcome all difficulties, successfully complete assigned tasks, firmly maintain the sacred sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland; build and develop Con Dao district sustainably, and join the country in entering a new era, an era of development and prosperity...”, said Mr. Phan Thanh Bien.

Reported by Do Trong - Translated by Ngoc Huynh