A delegation from the Vietnam Journalists Association has completed a profound and emotional visit to Truong Sa (Spratly Islands) and the DK1 rigs to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day.

The trip left a strong impression of solidarity, responsibility, and affection toward the homeland’s sea and islands.

On May 29, Delegation No. 25, consisting of 100 leaders and journalists from media outlets and journalist associations across the country, concluded their meaningful journey to the Spratly archipelago and DK1 platforms.

This special trip took place as Vietnam’s journalism industry prepares to celebrate a century of companionship with the nation, its people, and the cause of protecting national sovereignty.

Leading the delegation was Mr. Le Quoc Minh, a member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda and Education Commission, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper, and Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association.

Accompanying him were journalist Nguyen Duc Loi, Standing Vice Chairman of the association, and numerous representatives from central and local media agencies nationwide.

Reflecting on the significance of this journey, Mr. Le Quoc Minh emphasized: “This special mission is not only a visit to encourage officers, soldiers, and civilians stationed at the frontlines of our seas and islands, but also a demonstration of solidarity, responsibility, deep gratitude, and the heartfelt ties that journalism shares with those safeguarding our sacred sovereignty.”

He also launched an internal movement titled: “Solidarity, compassion, dedication, and victory.”

Meaningful connections at the edge of the waves

At every stop, the delegation held emotional activities including musical performances, sports competitions, tree planting, flag-raising ceremonies, memorial services for fallen heroes, and visits to spiritual sites, including the Ho Chi Minh Memorial and martyr monuments on Truong Sa Island.

One of the most moving moments was the memorial ceremony for those who sacrificed their lives for maritime sovereignty. Amid the vast ocean, the pens that usually fill the nation’s headlines turned into silent hearts, bowing before the sea.

The delegation also made tangible contributions. The Vietnam Journalists Association, Nhan Dan Newspaper, and organizations including Vietnam News Agency, Voice of Vietnam, Vietnam Television Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Thanh Nien Newspaper, VnExpress, Vietnamnet, Agriculture and Environment Newspaper, Capital Women’s Newspaper, Nong Thon Ngay Nay, Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank, Vietnam Tobacco Corporation, and other press agencies, local journalist associations, and businesses collectively contributed 1.7 billion VND (approximately 66,700 USD) to the Navy Command to build a CQ-01 patrol boat. They also donated nearly 1 billion VND (about 39,200 USD) in practical gifts to officers, soldiers, and islanders.

This was not just material support but a powerful affirmation that journalism in Vietnam stands shoulder to shoulder with the country’s challenges. Journalists are not mere conveyors of news, but active participants deeply connected to every inch of the nation's sea and islands.

Y Nhuy