(VOVworld) – The command of naval zone 4 sent 3 ships carrying Lunar New Year gifts to Truong Sa (Spratly) islanders at a ceremony on Saturday in Cam Ranh military port. The 80-ton cargo include dried food, vegetables, fruits, 120 pigs and Dong leaves, which are ingredients for the traditional food  of Chung cake. The gifts also include sports equipment and music disks. Nguyen Viet Thuan is Chairman of Truong Sa district People’s Committee in Khanh Hoa province: “New Year gifts arrive on time in Truong Sa islands. Soldiers and people of Truong Sa feel more happy and connected to the mainland. On behalf of the islanders, I extend my sincere thank to the mainlanders from central to local levels. We promise to do our best to defend our homeland’s territorial waters”.

A see-off ceremony for soldiers who will be stationed in Truong Sa islands for the first time was held at Cam Ranh port on Saturday. Ho Van Hieu, who was destined for Sinh Ton island, said it is his joy and happiness to be entrusted with safeguarding Truong Sa archipelagoes: “Today I feel happy and nervous upon my departure to the islands to undertake my duty of protecting our islands. I promise to overcome all hardships to fulfill my duty”.

Naval officers and soldiers stationed in Truong Sa archipelagos  (Photo: Hoang Minh VOV newspaper)