Gifts from mainland for Spratly islands armymen
HANOI - It is a tradition that when Tet (Viet Nam's lunar New Year
celebration) draws nearer, Vietnamese turn their thoughts to soldiers who are on
stand-by at the Spratly (Truong Sa) archipelago to defend the national territorial
water.
They are making active preparations to help those armymen on duty at Truong Sa
enjoy a merry Tet on the islands. So far, three naval ships have been assigned to
carry gifts and supplies from the mainland to the islands.
A large number of central and local government officials, military officers as well as
media men will also be on board the ships to Truong Sa. This is the fourth time
newsmen are sent to visit and deliver gifts to the servicemen on off-shore islands.
Gifts for this year's Tet include more than 60 tonnes of supplies ranging from colour
TV and radio sets, music systems, musical instruments, chess boards, football and
volleyball balls to candles, newspapers, books, pens, writing paper, postage stamps
and envelops, as well as garments.
Also included are foods, candies and wines which are inevitable for Tet celebration.
The captain of ship HQ 996, Major Nguyen Ngoc Thanh, said "Every time when Tet
comes closer, I always hope our ships reach Truong Sa as scheduled so that gifts
and supplies are delivered to each soldier for Tet celebration". "This", he added," is
also a wish of army men and people on the mainland".
Le Ngoc Son, a young crewman of ship HQ996, told reporters: "I always feel happy
when we carry Tet gifts to Truong Sa on time".
Sharing joyful feelings with his captain and crewmen, vice captain Nguyen Quang
Hung said "I have four or five times visited Truong Sa where, I know, soldiers are short
of many essential things. Yet, the most important thing they always wait for is letters
from their families and friends on the mainland".
"Gifts for Truong Sa are being sent from all parts of the country. They are an
expression of the entire nation's affection for those who are on duty to safeguard the
country's sovereignty and stability", he further said.
Vietnam news Agency - December 29, 2000.
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