A warm and full Tet 2025 for soldiers and residents on Spratly islands

In the days leading up to the new year, supply ships from the mainland bring goods, food, and Tết gifts to the soldiers and people on the islands. Despite being hundreds of nautical miles away from home, Tet in Truong Sa still retains the essence of Vietnamese tradition, with bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake), bánh tét (cylindrical sticky rice cakes), and peach and apricot branches carefully decorated by the soldiers themselves.

Units of Brigade 146, Naval Region 4, from the mainland to the remote islands of the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago, organized various activities such as sports competitions and traditional folk games. These activities not only help maintain officers and soldiers’ physical fitness to safeguard the nation's maritime sovereignty but also foster solidarity and close bonds between officers, soldiers, and local residents on the islands.

The Tet atmosphere on the islands is just as lively as on the mainland. On the last day of the lunar year, islanders clean their homes and surroundings, and prepare traditional festive foods such as pork and chicken dishes. After the New Year's Eve cultural performance, island commanders visit and extend Tet greetings to sentry posts, followed by offering incense at the sovereignty landmark and the altar of President Ho Chi Minh.

During the Tet holiday, various recreational activities, including tug-of-war, volleyball, and folk games, are organized for officers and soldiers.

Tet on Truong Sa islands is not only a time for reunion among officers, soldiers and residents but also a reaffirmation of the resilience and unwavering spirit of the islands’ defenders. Even as they celebrate the new year far from home, they remain steadfast to guard every inch of the sea and the nation's sacred islands.

With each passing spring, these dedicated guardians continue their silent sacrifices, to ensure that families on the mainland can enjoy a safe and prosperous new year.

Following are some photos featuring officers and soldiers' activities during the Tet 2025 holiday.