Overseas Vietnamese make emotional journey to reconnect with Spratly Islands

THE HANOI TIMES — “I saw the flag flying in the wind, and I couldn’t hold back my tears.”

That was the moment Nguyen Trung Kien, Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, stepped foot onto the Spratly Islands for the first time.

Surrounded by turquoise waters and the quiet resolve of young soldiers standing guard under the sun, he felt something shift inside. “Only by being here can you truly feel the weight of our homeland’s sacredness,” he said, voice thick with emotion.

He wasn’t alone. More than 60 overseas Vietnamese from 24 countries and territories joined this year’s “Great Solidarity Journey” to the Spratly Islands and DK1 Platform, a program that ran from April 18 to 26. 

Organized jointly by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnam People’s Navy since 2012, the annual journey offers a rare and deeply emotional bridge between far-flung Vietnamese communities and the nation’s frontlines. This year’s trip carried even greater significance. It marked major national milestones: the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, the 80th anniversary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and the 70th anniversary of the Vietnam People's Navy.

But more than historical markers, it was the quiet moments, the flag-raising ceremonies at dawn, the children playing on coral-covered playgrounds, the shared meals with soldiers that gave the journey its beating heart. For Hoang Xuan Binh, a Vietnamese expatriate living in Poland, witnessing those scenes was unforgettable. “The Spratly Islands are not distant,” he reflected. “They live in the heart of every Vietnamese. Seeing how our people live and protect the islands 24/7 made me immensely proud.”

The delegation visited schools, pagodas, medical centers, and newly built infrastructure. They walked through Rainbow Park on Da Tay A Island, paid silent tribute at Gac Ma Island, and joined in a memorial service honoring fallen heroes. They also took part in a solidarity walk, an emotional "Walk for Beloved Spratly", on the very soil they’ve longed to see in person.

Truong Thi Hong, an overseas Vietnamese from Israel, was touched by the visible improvements on Sinh Ton Island since her last visit a decade ago: "I can see that the infrastructure is more stable, the landscape is greener. It shows the strong commitment of the State to take care of the naval officers and soldiers, which reassures overseas Vietnamese like us."

Not only did they express their pride and emotions, but they also put their love into action.

During this trip, the community donated more than US$80,000 in cash, supplies, and gifts for projects such as "Greening Truong Sa," building multi-functional cultural centers, and providing necessities, medical supplies, and educational materials to support those stationed on the islands and on the DK1 Platform.

This has been an ongoing effort since 2012. To date, they have contributed nearly $1.2 million to support Truong Sa and DK1 with patrol boats, public facility development, and donations of supplies and necessities.

Several other activities have also been jointly conducted, such as the establishment of Truong Sa-Hoang Sa (Spratly-Paracel) Clubs in various countries to spread their love for the motherland through poetry, literature, and fine arts, and to conduct research and make inventions to improve the lives of soldiers stationed on the islands.

Moved with love and pride for her country, Cao Ha Linh shared upon her return from Singapore: "I feel incredibly happy and proud to know that there are brave souls standing guard over our seas every day and night. I will take this story back to the Vietnamese community in Singapore, especially the younger generation, so that they too can feel this pride."

More than just a voyage, the trip to Truong Sa Islands is also a powerful reminder to every Vietnamese of their sacred responsibility to safeguard the nation's maritime sovereignty and to stand as unwavering support for the brave officers and civilians who dedicate their lives to protecting the homeland.

The journey has shown us that patriotism knows no borders or distances. Every Vietnamese, no matter how far they are from home, carries a deep devotion anchored in responsibility, action, and an enduring commitment to Vietnam's future.

This unshakeable spirit is the bond that unites all Vietnamese in a great national solidarity that transcends time and history.