A cargo ship brings Tet gifts and supplies from mainland to Truong Sa archipelago.(Photo: VNA)
Khanh Hoa (VNA) – Three cargo ships, the Truong Sa 571, Truong Sa 561and KN 491, docked at Cam Ranh port in the central province of Khanh Hoa onJanuary 22, completing their voyage to deliver gifts to soldiers and islanderson Truong Sa archipelago ahead of the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet).
The ships have brought early traditional Tet atmosphere to soldiers andislanders with thousands of tonnes of Tet gifts and supplies from all parts ofthe country to 21 islands of the archipelagos.
Besides rice, Dong leaves to wrap the traditional cake of Tet – Banh Chung (squareglutinous rice cake), pigs and chickens along with ornamental trees were alsotransported to the islands.
It has become a tradition for people across the country to send their gifts to thearchipelago, some 300 nautical miles off Khanh Hoa province’s coast, justbefore Tet holiday. The gifts bring not only the Tet atmosphere from mainlandbut also encouragement to those who defend their nation’s territories days andnights regardless of hardship.
This year, 117 journalists and writers joined the 20-day voyage on the threevessels to Truong Sa, with the mission of reporting back home the daily life ofsoldiers and people on the islands. They also imparted to soldiers and islandersunderstanding about historical and legal proof affirming Vietnam’s sovereigntyover Truong Sa and Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagos.
According to Vice Chairman of Khanh Hoa provincialPeople’s Committee Nguyen Dac Tai, the ships carried spring and traditional Tetto Truong Sa, helping tighten solidarity between mainland people and soldiersand locals on the islands.
The commander of Sinh Ton Dong Island Captain Dinh Ngoc Sang said he and hissoldiers are deeply moved by the support from the mainland, saying thatofficers and soldiers on the island will try their utmost to fulfil the missionsentrusted to them by the nation.
On Nam Yet island, 20 nautical miles from Sinh Ton Dong, Tet was really aroundthe corner with Banh Chung, flower decoration, and art performances. Commanderof the island Lieutenant Colonel Dao Van Kha said: “This is the thirdconsecutive year I have welcomed the New Year on the island. I feel at home herebecause we have all the same food and traditional things for Tet as in themainland”.-VNA
VNA
