Thu Thuy is on a duet with a soldier in Truong Sa Lon (Big Spratly) Island

(VOVworld) – In May, songs in praise of the nation and its soldiers will resound throughout the Truong Sa or Spratly Archipelago.  The Hanoi Theater Art Troupe have come to Truong Sa, bringing songs filled with the affection of Hanoi’s citizens to raise the morale of soldiers stationed here. Our reporter Vinh Phong is on hand to cover the event.

When singer Thu Thuy raised her voice, the whole stage of Truong Sa Lon or Big Spratly Island fell silent. The sun-burnt faces of young soldiers shone with tears of emotion. The singer’s voice fell like rain sent from the heavens to refresh and sustain life in the middle of the ocean. At times, it was like a mother’s advice or a lover’s promises ahead of their departure for the island. Thuy said that when she found out she was going to perform there, she logged onto the Internet to learn about Truong Sa Island, its soldiers, and their thoughts and feelings. She says ‘I’m moved and proud to visit the Spratly Islands and received such a warm welcome from the local soldiers and civilians. Although life remains materially difficult here, the soldiers’ spirit is very rich. It feels so strange to have sung here, I understand that this is part of our homeland, our nation’.

Singing admist soldiers stationed in Big Spratly Island without much support of instrumental equipment

This is Thanh Minh’s first visit to Truong Sa Island. He says that although he had heard a lot about the island, what he has witnessed first hand has made him appreciate the hardship the local soldiers experience. The Hanoi-born singer said whatever song he sang the soldiers all knew by heart and sang with him. He elaborates ‘I’m very happy to join this exchange with the soldiers of Truong Sa Island. This is my first visit. I sang with all my heart despite the great distance I had to travel to come here’.

One of the highlights of the visit was singer Phuong Hoa, who has visited the island 5 times since her first trip 20 years ago. She recalls ‘I first performed on the island when I was very young. At that time, life here was extremely difficult, but what never changes is that the soldiers are always full of emotion. When we sang, the soldiers lovingly presented us with souvenirs of coral. Tears came to our eyes thinking about the soldiers meeting their mainland countrymen after so many years. We were loath to part with each other’.

Sometimes there is only alone guitar and singer to perform in Truong Sa. But any song praising the homeland, and its faithful people is harmonized by the soldiers who are performing their duty here.

Vinh Phong