(VOVworld) – Located hundreds of nautical miles from the mainland, Truong Sa (Spratly) district of Khanh Hoa province is enjoying a joyful Tet festival. Despite difficulties, soldiers and people on the islands are hopeful about the New Year.

Soldiers on Truong Sa make Chung cake.

An art exchange to see off the old year and welcome the new year takes place in the cultural house, comforting soldiers who are stationed far away from home. Private Hoang Van Hai who is on duty on Namyit island said he enjoys Tet with his friends and local people: “I feel so happy to join today’s event. It’s so meaningful. The program includes making Chung cake, playing chess, and tug-of-war. Everyone seems like in a family”.

On Truong Sa island, a national flag saluting ceremony usually takes place on the first day of the new year. It has become the tradition of the soldiers and local islanders.

All the military men and people sing the national anthem in front of the flag pole. The singing seems to confirm great determination of the soldiers and people on Truong Sa archipelago to defend Vietnam’s sea and islands sovereignty. Political instructor lieutenant-colonel Tran Van Hung from Namyit island, said: “Red flag with yellow star in the middle is the symbol of Vietnam. It gives us strength to defend our Socialist Vietnam”.

On Sin Cowe island, it’s for local people go to the pagoda on the first day of the Lunar New Year to pray for a happy, prosperous year, and smooth offshore fishing. Ms. Nguyen Thi Tiem is a local: “The islanders are united as a big family. On New Year’s Eve, households prepare food and celebrate Tet together”.

The children are the most excited about Tet, they join entertainment activities with the soldiers. 10-year-old Vo Trung Tin, said: “I have celebrated Tet on the island for many times. We play many games such as tug-of-war, sailing bamboo rafts or catching ducks. We have fish and Chung cake for Tet. I like Tet because it’s fun”.

The living conditions of the islanders have been much better, and Tet becomes more joyful. On the remote islands, the soldiers and people are united and determined to defend national sovereignty.