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| For homeland: A flag raising ceremony taking place on a stormy day in Truong Sa. |
Viet Nam News
Tet – Vietnamese New Year and the most celebrated holiday of the year has always been a time for family. No matter where they are Vietnamese head home to spend the last moment of the year and welcome a new year with their loved ones.
But in the Spartly Archipelago (Truong Sa) navy soldiers, charged with the task of safeguarding their homeland’s sovereignty, will not be with their families.
While it’s hard to not feel emotional during this time of the year the young soldiers’ hearts may find warmth in the fact that no effort was spared to make sure that they will have everything they need during the holidays. Two weeks before Tet, supply ships were dispatched to bring them traditional Tet food, gifts, sweet treats as well as the mainland’s heartfelt affection and gratitude for the soldiers’ dedication.
On the islands, cherry blossom branches, yellow apricot and kumquat trees that travelled hundreds of miles from the mainland signal that the end of the year is near and bring with them the joyous spirit of Spring and the holidays.
Viet Nam News would like to salute them. We wish them a year of excellent health and smooth sailing. Chuc Mung Nam Moi.
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| Fun and games: Island soldiers hold activities to celebrate New Year away from home including trivia contests, sing and dance performances. |
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| Yummy: Soldiers making square rice cakes for Tet on Truong Sa. |
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| Valiant: A young soldier standing guard at his post looking out to the vast ocean off Truong Sa. |
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| Having a ball: Sitting together by the fire cooking square rice cake during Tet is a dear memory that all Vietnamese treasure. |
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| Special shipment: Cargo ship 936 brings Tet necessities to soldiers guarding Vietnamese islands in Truong Sa. A kumquat tree - a typical Tet decoration - can be seen among other supplies. |
OVietnam