In early 2022, the Military Command of Son Tra District presented sentimental gifts, especially national flags, to fishermen in the district’s Nai Hien Dong Ward, aiming to encourage and support them during their operations at sea.

The Military Command of Son Tra District presenting national flags to fishermen in the district’s Nai Hien Dong Ward.

Over the past five decades, offshore fishing trips made by fisherman Ha Hung from Nai Hien Dong Ward and his boatmates have never been without the national flags.

He always flies the flag at the highest and most solemn position on his ship. For him, the national flag gives strength and faith to him and other fishermen during their long journey at sea.

He remarked the national flag symbolised his belief and the motivation for him to overcome all difficulties whilst fishing at sea.

Similarly, in addition to preparing for essential fishing gear for the first offshore fishing journey of the year to the Hoang Sa waters, fishermen Dang Van Cung and Dang Van Duc, both also residing in Nai Hien Dong Ward, did not forget to replace the old national flag with a new one.

According to these fishermen, the national flag is not only considered to be the soul of the fishing boats, but also has a great meaning to contribute to protecting the country’s sovereignty over its sea and islands.

Fisherman Dang Van Cung affirmed that, during their offshore fishing trips, he and his crew members were always willing to give a helping hand to fishermen in distress at sea.

Senior Colonel Pham Van Tam, Politician of the district’s Military Command, said the presenting of the flags aimed to raise fishermen' awareness of the national sovereignty over seas and islands and promote their pioneering role in the field.

A representative of the fishermen said that national flag is an indispensable item that fishermen take along with them during their trips offshore. “The gift is meaningful to us as it encourages us to continue offshore trips, contributing to affirming the national sovereignty” added he.

In addition to gifting national flags to fishermen, every year, the district’s Military Command coordinates with the Navy Region 3 and the Coast Guard Region 2 to organise training courses for fishmen and marine militia on basic knowledge about the Law of the Sea of ​​Viet Nam, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the national policies and methods of struggle to protect sovereignty over sea and islands.

Special attention is paid to training on how to synergistically handle hypothetical situations at sea, and respond to situations which foreign ships threaten and harass to limit damages.

Reporting by CAT TUONG – Translating by M.DUNG