Feeling the 'homeland in the heart' from the Truong Sa Archipelago

Author Vuong Hong Tri, a Vietnamese expatriate in Germany, during a visit to Truong Sa in April 2026. (Photo: VH)

There are names that seem familiar for a long time, but only when touched by one's own hands and feet can their full meaning be truly appreciated. For me, Truong Sa is such a place. This is undoubtedly a journey I will never forget, even though it was a 7-day sea trip without a single swim.

Born and raised in Vietnam, Hoang Sa and Truong Sa came to me through books, news reports, and everyday stories. When I moved to Germany for study and work, I continued to participate in activities of the Vietnamese community and events about maritime sovereignty. But it wasn't until I set foot on Truong Sa that the images in my imagination became vivid and real before my eyes.

Amidst the vast waters of the East Sea, the sovereignty markers on the islands of the Truong Sa Archipelago are a convergence of willpower and resilience. On the ship and on the islands, life seems monotonous yet conceals a persistent strength. Endless green gardens, vibrant flower clusters, and classrooms echoing with lessons—all unfold under harsh sun and wind conditions, affirming a determination to overcome challenges to protect the sacred maritime sovereignty.

Every moment of the journey left a profound impression on me. Like when bidding farewell on the islands, the image of officers, soldiers, and residents standing solemnly under the scorching sun, waving goodbye and singing songs about the homeland, was both simple and powerful, symbolizing unity and determination to protect and develop the country. It was also when standing on the DK1 platform, surrounded by the sea. The red flag with a golden star fluttered as the KN-490 ship performed a water cannon display in the distance.

For us, it was a majestic and proud scene; for the soldiers, it is where they face daily challenges, always ready to fulfill their mission to protect the nation's sovereignty.

Perhaps the most poignant moment for me was the Memorial Ceremony for the Gac Ma soldiers. Amidst the vast sea, only the sound of waves, flowers, and paper cranes were released as a tribute to the 64 officers and soldiers who heroically sacrificed. Tears were shed, and at that moment, we felt a strong bond among those of Vietnamese descent, whether at home or abroad, united by love for the homeland.

Members of the expatriate delegation during a visit to Truong Sa in April 2026. (Photo: VH)

I heard from the island residents that after living here for a while, they miss the island every time they return to the mainland. It sounds strange, but once you have been to Truong Sa, it becomes very natural. This is not just a place to work or live, but gradually becomes an integral part of their lives.

Back in Germany, I believe that contributions from myself and the expatriate community need not be grand, but start with sharing genuine experiences to help international friends better understand Vietnam and our maritime territories. In our work, we continue to strive with activities connecting science, technology, diplomacy, and economics, thereby contributing to the country's overall development and strengthening the capacity to protect maritime sovereignty.

Additionally, we will continue to preserve the Vietnamese language and culture for the younger generation of Vietnamese born and raised abroad, as this is the most natural way to maintain ties with family and roots.

Throughout the journey, we particularly felt the thoroughness and dedication of the Organizing Committee, the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), the Navy, and each officer and soldier on the KN-490 ship. We hope that in the future, there will be more opportunities for expatriates to directly visit Truong Sa, allowing them to better appreciate this sacred part of the homeland.

The voyage ended, parting with the soldiers and friends on the ship, Truong Sa for expatriates is no longer a distant name on the map of the country, as each of us is now a "Truong Sa soldier".

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