Sai Gon Giai Phong correspondents visited islands off the south-central coast in the week before Tet to greet naval troops stationed there for the Lunar New Year.
Naval troops prepare to celebrate Tet on Binh Ba islands in south-central Khanh Hoa Province. (Photo:SGGP)
In Phu Quy, soldiers at the radar station welcomed them warmly.
Sub-Lieutenant Nguyen Van Tung, the station’s deputy head, who is from the north-central province of Nghe An, said it is the sixth straight year he is away from home for Tet.
But it is a great pleasure to write to his family and call them during the festival, he said.
Two homesick privates first class, Hoang Hong Thanh of Ho Chi Minh City and Pham Van Manh of Nha Trang, said it is their first Tet away from their families. Nevertheless, they were determined to do their jobs, with Thanh saying it is an honor to serve the country and its people.
The media people came away with the impression that the troops’ eyes and smiles indicated they would always protect the country and people.
