Island family

(Baonghean)I'll use that term for families whose members have served or are currently serving in the Spratly and Paracel Islands, just as people in my neighborhood refer to families whose husbands, fathers, or sons are frequently away from their homes to participate in guarding the nation's islands amidst the turbulent waves. It seems that whenever there are meetings, conferences, or in daily life, whenever the term "island families" is mentioned, from the elderly to the children in my neighborhood, everyone looks at them with affection, recognition, and respect!

Leaders of Hoang Mai town present gifts to the families of officers and soldiers currently serving in Truong Sa. Photo: TN

These days, especially since the beginning of May 2014, when news broke that China had deployed the Haiyang 981 oil rig and brought various types of ships into Vietnamese waters, images and activities of officers and soldiers in Truong Sa and Hoang Sa, of the coast guard, fisheries inspectors, and Vietnamese fishermen have become more prominent and frequent than ever in the media. This has deepened people's affection for these "sea and island families." At this time, people have had the opportunity to see more clearly and understand better the circumstances, tasks, and work of those directly responsible for guarding and protecting the sea and islands. And from then on, naturally, each person has shown more affection, sharing, and empathy for these sea and island families. It was during this time that everyone understood more clearly that families in coastal and island areas not only had to live in isolation, lacking affection, warmth, and everyday closeness, but more importantly, the husbands, fathers, or sons of these families silently endured hardships and faced all kinds of dangers and uncertainties. In the face of the enemy's aggression and provocation, they not only had to be resourceful, courageous, and ready to sacrifice, but also had to know how to endure, be patient, and restrain themselves...

Never before has the image of the lives and struggles of our officers, soldiers, and people present in the islands to fight against the intentions and actions of aggression been so vividly portrayed, with so many beautiful features, noble qualities, and the convergence and crystallization of many good qualities of the entire nation, as it is now. If in the 20th century, when the country was at war, with the slogans "Forty centuries going to war," and "The whole country competing to kill the American invaders," the sacrifices, hardships, and losses were shared equally among every family, every person, and the entire nation. But now, in the context of both resolutely fighting and maintaining a peaceful environment; While fulfilling the task of protecting every inch of land, sea, and island, and ensuring that all aspects of life proceed normally, well, stably, and prosperously... it is inevitable that there will be a parallel of tensions, hardships, and challenges, sometimes reaching a high and intense level, in the islands, alongside peaceful, warm, and relaxed lives in homes and families... from cities to rural villages. Therefore, differences between ordinary families and island families are unavoidable. However, this is not a paradox or a contradiction; it is a overcoming of adversity, acceptance, and endurance for the sake of noble and great things. Therefore, island families deserve attention, support, and recognition. Families that are reunited and live close together, directly caring for each other, fulfilling their family obligations while enjoying family benefits, will surely understand, empathize with, and appreciate the hardships and deprivations that families on the islands are experiencing.

There have been many touching images of activities demonstrating care and gratitude towards island families from all levels, organizations, and individuals. This activity certainly needs to become a more regular, stable, and effective practice. Compensating for and bridging the gap and differences in circumstances between ordinary families and island families is always necessary and morally right. Promoting and amplifying care and sharing with island families is an important and necessary content to awaken a sense of unity and solidarity for the homeland and the country through concrete and practical actions. With a strong rear base, the officers, soldiers, and fishermen on the islands will feel secure, steadfast, resourceful, and courageous in their struggle and victory in this difficult and challenging battle, which cannot be easily resolved overnight.

On the other hand, everyone understands that on the mainland, all aspects of life must continue: learning, working, and creating; production, business, and consumption. In fact, these aspects must be improved to ensure stable and sustainable growth and development, especially to break free from all economic and cultural dependence on the outside. Market laws and social development laws must be maintained and ensured to create motivation, potential, and strength, forming the basis and conditions for better fulfilling the task of protecting the Fatherland... This is something that members of society need to be clearly aware of and implement effectively. They also have a responsibility to disseminate this information so that families in the islands can feel completely secure and understand, encouraging their family members to strive to be worthy of everyone's recognition and respect!

Ngo Kien