(VOVWORLD) - In the vast waters of the Spratly Archipelago, on Da Thi Reef, naval soldiers work day and night guarding the sovereignty of Vietnam’s sea and islands, surrounded by crashing waves and fierce winds. Life here has strengthened the will, determination, faith, and spirit of these island soldiers.
 Navy soldiers are guarding the sacred sea and sky of Vietnam. (Photo: daibieunhandan.vn) |
Lieutenant Mai Vu Thanh Nguyen, the Commander of Da Thi Reef, proudly introduced the island.
"Vietnam established its sovereignty on Da Thi on March 15, 1988. In the past years, the island has received many awards, including the title of “Determined to Victory” in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and Advanced Unit in 2022 and 2024. Our main mission is to stay combat-ready, conduct training, and defend national sovereignty. We serve as an outpost that defends and affirms the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland," said Lieutenant Mai Vu Thanh Nguyen.
Major Nguyen Manh Tuan of Hung Yen province, Political Commissar of Da Thi Reef, has been stationed on the island for several years. Gazing at the distant sea, his eyes shining with pride, he shares the deep emotional bond that every officer and soldier feels for this sacred land, a feeling that grows stronger whenever a delegation from the mainland visits.
"The officers and soldiers on Da Thi Reef are honored and delighted to welcome all the delegations. There’s a close bond between the soldiers and the people and those who carry the warmth of the mainlanders to the soldiers on Spratly Archipelago and Da Thi Reef. We’re determined to stay combat-ready, watch over the sea and sky day and night, and staunchly defend the sacred sovereignty of our nation’s sea and continental shelf," said Major Nguyen Manh Tuan.
 A soldier stands guard at the cultural house on Da Thi Reef (Photo: kinhtedothi.vn) |
On Da Thi Reef, combat readiness, training, and guard duties are carried out with strict discipline. The young soldiers here shoulder a great responsibility of protecting every inch of sea and coral reef.
Mr. Vo Van Bo from Can Tho, visiting the island for the first time, said: "When I set foot on Da Thi Reef, I saw nothing but sky and water all around. I was deeply moved by the resilience and bravery of the naval officers and soldiers who station on the front line of the Fatherland. Despite living in the middle of a vast ocean, they have strong determination and pride in their mission to defend our nation’s frontier."
 Soldiers on Da Thi Reef are watering the vegetable garden. (Photo: baokhanhhoa.vn) |
The officers and soldiers on Da Thi Reef are skilled in production and self-sufficiency, supplementing their daily meals with home-grown food.
Major Nguyen Manh Tuan told us: "From our very first day on the island, our commanders decided local food production would be our main source of food. Our island has three vegetable gardens. We assign soldiers to take care of them daily to ensure that we have fresh vegetables at every meal."
The soldiers also raise pigs, chickens, and ducks to improve their meals and nutrition. Their small gardens, bean sprout racks, and rainwater tanks are testaments to the ingenuity, determination, and hard work of the soldiers stationed here.
Although their living conditions are difficult, their spiritual life is rich in faith, laughter, and comradeship. In the afternoons, they play table tennis, run, or do working out while evenings are a time to relax, read, or sing together.
Every year, delegations from the mainland visit Da Thi Reef. These delegations always bring gifts and, more importantly, love from the mainlanders. Handshakes and tight embraces embody the unbroken connection between island and mainland.
Ms Cao Minh Truc, Chairwoman of BD & Partners Law Firm, said: "Setting foot on this island has long been my dream. I believe anyone who comes here will be inspired to help keep Truong Sa strong and steadfast. It has always been my wish to visit Truong Sa and to do something to make it stronger."
 Gifts are presented to officers and soldiers (Photo: Lan Phuong/VOV) |
Young soldier Le Van Truong Huy, 20 years old, from Dong Nai province, says he will go home at the end of the year to visit his parents. He hopes everyone on the mainland will continue to turn their hearts to the distant islands. His words touched many. Behind the smile of every island soldier is homesickness, despite their sense of duty.
 The Ho Chi Minh City working delegation presents gifts to the officers and soldiers on Da Thi Reef in 2025. (Photo: sggp.org.vn) |
Truong Sa is far away in miles but has never been distant in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. People on the mainland frequently turn their heart toward Da Thi Reef and other islands in the Truong Sa Archipelago with faith, pride, and endless love.