Solemn flag-raising ceremony at the beginning of the year on Truong Sa archipelago

It has become a tradition that on the first day of Tet, all islands and island points in Truong Sa archipelago (Khanh Hoa province) hold flag-raising ceremonies to mark the beginning of the new year. This is a tradition and a cultural beauty of officers, soldiers and people on remote islands. In the photo: Officers and soldiers on Sinh Ton island perform the flag-raising ceremony at the central yard of the island commune. Photo: Quang An

Attending the special flag-raising ceremony, in addition to officers and soldiers, were militia and self-defense forces and people living on the island. Photo: Tien Dong

After the flag-raising ceremony and singing of the National Anthem, a Navy soldier stepped forward under the National Flag and solemnly recited the 10 oaths of soldiers in the Vietnam People's Army: "Sacrifice everything for the Fatherland of Vietnam; under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, strive to realize a peaceful, independent and socialist Vietnam, actively contribute to the struggle of the world's people for peace, national independence, democracy and socialism. I swear"!... Photo: Quang An

Under the bright red national flag on a remote island, every officer, soldier and citizen on Truong Sa island is filled with emotion and pride, together with confidence and determination to compete to excellently complete all tasks of protecting the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland. Photo: Quang An

Lieutenant Colonel Tran Danh Hoang - Commander of Sinh Ton Island reads the mainland's New Year greetings to officers, soldiers and people working and living on Sinh Ton Island. Photo: Tien Dong