Khanh Hoa (VNA) - Nearly 250 nautical miles away from themainland, Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago consists of more than 100islands, shoals, coral dunes, and underwater islets.

The Truong Sa archipelago is an inseparable part of Vietnam. Soldiers stationedon the archipelago have devoted themselves to safeguarding nationalsovereignty.

Anyone who visits Truong Sa will remember sunburnt faces and happy eyes ofsoldiers as they welcome mainlanders to the islands and the emotional momentswhen they have to say goodbye.

Most soldiers are young but they all have love for the country’s sea andislands. During their spare time, the soldiers like to sit together to playguitar, sing songs praising the homeland’s sea and islands as a way to fighttheir homesickness.

Vi Thanh Trung Dong, a soldier stationed in CoLin Island said he will devote his youth and enthusiasm tosafeguarding the nation.

For soldiers safeguarding the Truong Sa archipelago, discipline isimportant. Solidarity has also helped them with harsh weather. With theirefforts, the islands have been renovated, covered by the green bang vuong (Square-fruit Malabar Almond), phong ba (Old-aged Heliotropiumfoertherianum) and numerous vegetables. A number of works such as lighthousestations and wind-solar energy system have also been created.

In Song Tu Tay Island, there is a 36m lighthouse navigating vessels whenthey travel through the area of reefs and shoals.

The south central meteorological observation station on the island providesdata on the weather for the mainland to ensure accurate weather forecast.

The island is also a shelter for fishing vessels and fishermen in case ofheavy storm.

Fruits and vegetables are rare and precious on Truong Sa. Due to harshnatural conditions, soldiers have to take soil from the mainland forcultivation. Trees commonly planted on the island include Square-fruit MalabarAlmond trees, coconuts and bananas.

Given fresh water shortages, the soldiers try to protect the trees from seawinds and save each drop for watering. With their spirit and lovingly care,gardens of vegetables are green, helping provide soldiers with healthy meals.

Despite difficulties, Truong Sa soldiers are prepared to defend thesovereign integrity of the homeland’s sea and islands. For them, it is anhonourable mission always burning in their hearts. All of them, from the veryyoung privates to veteran officers, are determined to safeguard nationalsovereignty over the sea and islands.

Truong Sa soldiersalso accompany fishermen all day and night.

In Vietnamese’s mind, Truong Sa is associated with not only raging wavesand whirlwinds, but also the image of soldiers who have devoted their youth toprotecting the country’s territory.-VNA