Warmth of Mat Island on the first day of spring

• January 21, 2010 10:05

(Baonghean) -After nearly two hours of sailing through the waves, we caught sight of the green of Heroic Eye Island, amidst the vast ocean waves. The ship docked, the soldiers lined up in neat formation, their eyes shining as they welcomed us.

Mat Island with the deep green of grass and trees, steadfast in the middle of the sea. Photo: Nam Xuan

Every ship leaving was welcomed by the soldiers on the island like that, with warm handshakes and hugs.

With an altitude of 218 m above sea level and an area of nearly 3 km2, Mat Island stands steadfast in the middle of the ocean like the strength of the island soldiers guarding the sea and sky of their homeland.

Burning incense to commemorate the souls of martyrs on Mat Island. Photo: NX

Mat Island, where on August 17, 1965, soldier Ho Sy Chau, despite being wounded, used his body as a gun mount and together with his team shot down an enemy AD6 aircraft; on March 31, 1965, comrade Ho Kim Giao sacrificed himself while still in a combat-ready position after shooting down an F.105 aircraft with his teammates...

During the fierce years of the war against America, lacking fresh water, the soldiers on Mat Island shaved their heads to save water.

With the initiative of stone steps, soldiers now have 100% of their daily vegetables and help fishermen go fishing. Photo: NX

Round rocks are folded to collect rainwater for daily use.
and watering vegetables. Photo: NX

Today, the houses have been built solidly and majestically on the island, the steep, multi-step road leading to the top and around the island has been concreted. The soldiers of the Eye Island Combined Battalion (Nghe An Province Military Command) are day and night firmly holding their guns to guard the sea and sky.

Nam Xuan