VOV.VN - Soldiers and residents on Song Tu Tay island of Truong Sa island district, Khanh Hoa province, have enjoyed an early lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, the largest of its kind in Vietnam, with gifts sent from the mainland.
A naval ship from High Command of Naval Zone 4 and reporters have visited Song Tu Tay island, bringing with them plenty of Tet gifts from the mainland.
Soldiers make Chung cake (square glutinous rice cake) which is an indispensable traditional food during the Tet holiday.
Gifts from the mainland which consist of food and essential utensils are expected to help the islanders celebrate a warm, joyful Tet.
Unlike their compatriots on the mainland, soldiers garrisoned on the island celebrate the Tet holiday early, because their sacred task is to firmly defend the country’s sea and islands in any circumstances.
Preparing Chung cake with ingredients brought from the mainland such as Dong leaves, green beans, and pork helps soldiers and islanders relieve homesickness every Tet.
The living conditions of soldiers and residents on Song Tu Tay island have improved a lot as they have access to big tanks of fresh water and wind power which is available all day long.
In Vietnam Tet is the time for family reunion. Without returning to the homeland, Colonel Nguyen Van Khuong usually writes letters to his wife and children every Tet.
For soldiers who are on duty on the island, they rarely have the chance to ring in the Lunar New Year with their families.
Art performances put on by soldiers bring a festive Tet atmosphere to the island.
