Meeting Nghe An compatriots in Truong Sa Town

(Baonghean.vn) - On May 5, 2012, we accompanied Minister of Transport Dinh La Thang to inspect maritime safety work in the Truong Sa area, and visited officers, soldiers, people and forces on duty on the Truong Sa archipelago.

The plane landed on the runway on Truong Sa island, looking through the window, I saw a large crowd of people in neat formation waving to the working group. The atmosphere was solemn and emotional. It was the first time I had been to Truong Sa, I was filled with indescribable emotions. Suddenly a voice rang out, with a very clear Nghe accent:I, Dinh Van Hai, Lieutenant Colonel, Island Chief, Chairman of the People's Committee of Truong Sa town, respectfully greet the Minister. The army and people of Truong Sa have gathered in full formation. I request the Minister's instructions!Joy flashed through me because I was sure I had met a fellow countryman in this sacred land.

Soldiers welcome Minister Dinh La Thang





Island Chief - Chairman of Truong Sa Town People's Committee - Dinh Van Hai talked with the Minister and the working delegation.

It rained in Truong Sa after many days of scorching heat. The working group had to temporarily “take shelter” in the island’s Commander’s House for a while. Minister Thang jokingly said, “I am related to the Island Chief!” and turned to me, “I am a fellow Do Luong native of the journalist!”. I was pleasantly surprised once again and immediately jumped in to chat.

We shook hands and smiled, and learned that the Island Chief and Chairman of Truong Sa Town was from Nhan Son Commune, Do Luong, and his wife was from Dien Chau. Both of them were in the army. Mr. Hai had been on duty in Truong Sa from Phan Rang, and it was now his second year. He had been on leave once, but everything on shore was running smoothly thanks to the guaranteed information, and his wife and children were happy and at ease. Mr. Hai was still busy with his work with the delegation, so he asked to "postpone" talking to me and introduce me to another fellow countryman, so that I could know more about everything on the island.

That was Mr. Bien Van Quang, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Truong Sa Town. During that lunch, Mr. Quang mainly picked up food and introduced the types of fish in Truong Sa, then askedI would like to invite my fellow countrymen in the delegation a cup of country wine, and other relatives would like to give flowers.(The three invited compatriots are me, Dinh Thang (Tien Phong Newspaper) and Editor Quang Minh (News Department, Vietnam Television)Male). I took the opportunity to "dig" for information and learned that Quang was from Hoang Tru village, Kim Lien, Nam Dan. Quang did not forget to tell me about his mischievous childhood days in his hometown, then followed his family to Khanh Hoa, became a civil servant at the People's Committee of the commune and volunteered to work in Truong Sa from 2008 until now. "In general, I have been here for a long time, witnessed many stories and situations, if you write for newspapers or literature, I will tell you, write as much as you want!" - Quang said. Oh, and I just met a fellow countryman the other day, I also invited him to eat and talk all night. Do you know Mr. Ky, who used to be the Secretary of the Party Committee?MaleIs it your hometown? I laughed out loud. “Mr. Nguyen The Ky, Deputy of the Central Propaganda Department, just led a group of journalists on a business trip to Truong Sa, right?”

Bien Van Quang confided, “Wherever we go, we overcome difficulties and hardships, brother. The more difficult and arduous the situation, the better we complete our tasks. We come here to do our people's work well, and we are not inferior to anyone in military work. I just passed the military test, fired two shots, hit the target, that's a good score…”

About to say goodbye, reluctantly. Mr. Hai still followed every word and step of Minister Thang. I hugged Quang tightly. “If there is anything interesting, please call. You do everything well, including taking care of the activities of the Uncle Ho Memorial House that the Nghe An Party Committee and people built for Truong Sa. The homeland sends all its love and trust there…”

At this moment, far away from beloved Truong Sa, I still clearly remember everyone's sincere and simple words, remember the waving hands, remember the familiar and trustworthy voices of my fellow countrymen in the distant yet close sea and sky...

Bui Sy Hoa