1. Poem: History Lives On
HISTORY LIVES ON...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
I silently count the tears at the corner of my eyes
The wounds of the heart make my soul ache
Thirty years have passed, yet tears continue to flow
The soldiers of GAC MA Island, their blood staining the sea
Colorless tears, but so bitter and salty
Heroes who lie silently beneath the deep sea
Seventy-three men on a single voyage
When they fell, they did so with unwavering passion
The storm rages on a farewell afternoon
Yet the oath to live or die still echoes
Where they heroically gave their lives
Their undying spirits remain there
The soul of the nation, four thousand years of history
Will forever endure, standing strong against foreign invaders
All of this is thanks to those sons
Ready to die for the sovereignty of the nation!
P/S: On 14th March, commemorating 30 years of GAC MA's heroic stand
History will never forget the sacrifice of these heroes.
On March 12, 1988, the Vietnamese Navy was ordered to go to GAC MA Island to plant the Flag and mark the sovereignty. Three ships 604, 605, and 505 were ambushed and attacked by Chinese forces equipped with more advanced weapons. We lost 64 soldiers, 9 were wounded, and some were captured. Today, living witnesses like Sergeant Lanh, who insisted on keeping the flag planted, despite serious injuries, still recall this day. Sergeant Thao, who commanded Ship 605, later retired. Today, there are still mothers who hold bottles of seawater in memory of their fallen sons...

2. Poem: The Need for Belief
THE NEED FOR BELIEF...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
When war strikes, the sea of people becomes a curse
Do not rely on numbers to threaten Vietnam
Our forces possess both courage and wisdom
A hundred enemies are no match for thousands of our warriors
Let us now remember the past
When O Ma Ni faced the Mongol Yuan army
Their bodies lay piled in the fields
Even Prince Thoat Hoan had no way back
If you awaken from your ignorance, it will be better
Do not boast or show false bravado
In war, it is skill and strategy that matter
Vietnam’s spirit has not faded even after seventy years
The blood of the LAC people is filled with determination
Our nation's warrior spirit will endure
China, beware of your fate
Otherwise, you will bear the shame for a thousand years...!
P/S: In every struggle for national liberation, belief and willpower are the keys to victory. By simply consulting the people at the Bình Than Conference in 1282 (later changed to Diên Hồng Conference), our ancestors defeated over 700,000 Yuan Mong soldiers. This was one Vietnamese soldier against more than ten enemies. With just over a thousand men under Trần Quốc Toản’s command, we made 200,000 soldiers of O Ma Ni retreat. Modern warfare requires this same strength. But can any country boast soldiers in their seventies still marching through Trường Sơn with rifles like ours? Today, over two million veterans are ready to defend the nation with their experience and blood when danger arises. The Navy's special forces can perform close combat and swim 75 kilometers, a capability few nations possess. We only need the trust of the people to prevail...!

3. Poem: The Immortal Circle
THE IMMORTAL CIRCLE...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
We quietly retreat to the shadows
Listening to the storm of emotions that roar inside
The soldiers at Gạc Ma shed their blood for the land
The Immortal Circle will forever be remembered.
There still remains the letter you left behind
To your wife and children, forever sealed in a box
If sacrificing your life to protect the nation
Do not mourn... for your soul is immortal.
Your words are true
In the face of enemy fire, you swore to fight until death
With unwavering faith, ready for sacrifice
You lit the Flame that will illuminate history.
The spirit of the nation, immortal for over four thousand years
Rises once again in the face of ruthless invaders
The blood stains of Bạch Đằng River still linger
Invaders fall by the thousands, their bodies piled high.
The Immortal Circle lives on
Forever present in the veins of the people
O children of the Lạc Hồng Dynasty
Your spirits live on with the land of the nation!
P/S: On March 14, 1988, the brave sons of the Navy and the 83rd Construction Brigade formed an immortal circle to protect the flag under a storm of bombs and artillery. No one surrendered, not even the nine wounded comrades drifting at sea. Their actions proved the unyielding pride of the nation. Few know that these heroes died with letters they never received or sent. We bow before their heroic sacrifice.

4. Poem: Forever a Heart of Red
FOREVER A HEART OF RED...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
In the quiet of the night, I listen to the sea's breath
The moonlight reflects the longing for distant skies
The image of a loved one remains, never fading
The village girl waits endlessly for her beloved's return.
The family legacy is proud and resounding
He departs to carry on the steps of his forefathers
While she tills the land, her love grows deeper
With unwavering loyalty to family values, never complaining.
On the battlefield, amidst the bombs and flames
The fight for survival is always near
But the heroes of Gạc Ma still live on
Vowing to protect the island, as it is their home.
In the face of death, you never flinched
Your grip on the rifle firm, sworn to repay the homeland
If you cannot return, tell your beloved not to weep
For those restless nights of longing will not last forever.
If given the chance to choose again
You would still march forward, with a red heart and a steady hand
Fulfilling your oath to drive away the wolves
And preserving the spirit of the nation for all to hear!
P/S: A tribute to the comrades of the E 221 Anti-Aircraft Division and all the heroes who fell for independence.

5. Poem: I Have Chosen
I HAVE CHOSEN...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
In the still of the night, I hear my heart beat
The flow of time brings memories rushing back
My youth was spent far away in the mountains
Now my hair is gray, but my heart remains unchanged.
The melodies of life stir emotions like a song
A soldier’s life, filled with the rhythm of duty
With one heart, I loved the green uniform
Following the call, my steps fulfilled a promise.
The green of the uniform, the firm step I take
The oath I made still echoes far and wide
The border guards consider the frontier their home
Discipline forged in steel shapes my mind.
The trials teach me perseverance
The rules of the army sharpen my resolve
Unafraid of storms or raging winds
I steady my hand on the rifle, ready for the years to come...

6. Poem: The Soldier's Love Story
LOVE ALWAYS HAS A MAGICAL TOUCH
GOLDEN FORESTS...SILVER SEAS, A HOME IN ONE!
THE SOLDIER'S LOVE STORY...
Poetry by: Phan Trung
Let me tell you of a love so real
Between two souls whose hearts endured
A love so deep that the distance was nothing
Even though they had yet to meet, across two lands.
He is a soldier on a distant island
Sworn to protect the shores of Truong Sa
For years, he’s been far from home
He only knows the girl through written words.
She is a teacher in a remote village
Her heart is full of love for her homeland
Outside her lectures, she writes to him
Sending her love to the island.
In the middle of a stormy day
A letter arrived, as if fate spoke
Several times a month, she’d wait in anticipation
Her love growing, with every heartfelt word.
Through storm and sea, their pure hearts beat
They hadn’t met yet, but love had already blossomed
With the help of technology, a bridge was built
Connecting two souls, bound by deep affection!

7. Poem: A Heart Full of Loyalty
ONE HEART... FILIAL LOYALTY...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
With firm steps, hands gripping a steady gun
His appearance strong and commanding, a true hero
He holds the sea close, ever loyal
A soldier on the island, swearing to never leave his homeland
His spirit shines with integrity and honor
He is a man of unyielding courage and heart
Giving himself completely to his nation
Through the ages, he pledges to live and die for his land
No storm will shake his determination
Even in the fiercest of gales, he stands firm
Though the sun may scorch, his resolve is unbroken
Even through the cold mist, he marches forward
Never wavering, steadfast and unyielding
What matters not is the strength of the person, but their unwavering loyalty
The image of this soldier, firm and unyielding, lives on
He faces a thousand storms without fear or hesitation...

8. Poem
NEVER FORGET THE ONE WHO LED US...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
Uncle Ho, the true hero of the South Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh, undeniably remarkable
The people across the nation, from every corner
Will forever remember and honor his deep gratitude
For the land and its people, he rose with unwavering will
Compassion for the people who were held captive
He crossed seas alone, facing immense waves
His life was dedicated to the future of the nation
He led the people past the chains of oppression
With the wisdom of a general, he strategized brilliantly
His golden path guided soldiers to defeat the enemy
With swift action, he drove out the foreign invaders
His achievements shone brightly, uniting the nation
Uncle Ho’s love for his people, forever in our hearts
His lifetime was dedicated to leading and opening the way for victory...

9. Poem: A Confession to the Sea
A CONFESSION TO THE SEA...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
He stood still, amidst the winds of the Spratly Islands
Watching the sunset as the sea waves gently came to shore
The golden hues of dusk were as beautiful as a rural painting
You are as beautiful as if no storm has ever touched you.
With a heart full of love for the island
He pledges his heart to honor the sacred land
The soldier endures hardship, stacking one challenge upon another
He carries on the legacy of his ancestors, guarding the land for millennia.
He recalls the memory of thousands of years of history
The blood of Lạc Hồng always defeats the wolves and invaders
Our people, with their red blood and yellow skin
Are unyielding, standing tall, never trembling.
The Fatherland calls him to the frontlines, to hold his gun
To defend sovereignty, standing guard night after night
Forever loving you, even through storms... in peace
He yearns to be by your side with each dawn.
Though a soldier's love remains unspoken
But Sea, I love you dearly, this love never fades
Simple yet sincere, not adorned with flowery words
Stay with me, as we move forward into the future...

10. Poem: Just Like a Girl
ONE PLUS ONE... CLEARLY MAKES TWO
YOU SHOUT OUT... SAYING I'M WRONG...!
JUST LIKE A GIRL...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
Everyone says, don't trust a girl's words
She speaks one thing, but it's never quite that
What she says and what she thinks are two different paths
Often, she wallows in her own sadness, in a mix of emotions.
You said to me, 'Don't come over'
Because today the sky's crying with rain
Worried that I'd be cold and soaked through
You don't want me to feel like there's no place to lean.
But when I didn't come, you thought differently
The sad tune cuts into my heart like a blade
The night is dark, and I want to hold back my tears
Then I silently blame myself for listening to you.
Oh... how strange... Am I really that clueless?
Haven't I learned how to understand a girl's words?
It’s late, but sleep refuses to come
My mind keeps wandering, thinking... what mistakes have I made?
The greatest mistake is not understanding your moods
When you're angry with me... it's like you're angry at the whole sky
And it’s all because of the rain, that sleep eludes me
In the end...
...It’s all because of me...
...So foolish...

11. Poem: The Illusion of Naive Love
ILLUSIONS OF NAIVE LOVE...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
I pledge my heart to you forever
This love I carry weighs heavy, shaped by your image
Our dreams shattered, destined to break apart
The farewell brings tears, soaking my thin blanket
Our love's journey filled with endless sorrow and pain
The red thread of fate stretches far, reaching for you
The boat of my heart drifts, fading from the old pier
Even though distance keeps us apart, you must know, I long for you
Our meeting place, forever in my heart, awaiting our promise
I dream of walking beside you, forever united
Foolishly, I am caught in the dust of this world
Naively, I remain lost in the illusion of our love
I watch from afar, but my heart remains heavy with longing
Looking back, I pour my soul into these verses
The love we shared parted, yet I still wait for your return...

12. Poem: I Love You
I LOVE YOU...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
There’s someone I call a stranger
Yet I find myself missing them deeply, in a way that’s hard to explain
When we’re apart, my heart is heavy with sadness
And at night, my body aches from this longing
There’s someone I wish to stay close to
To share with them a thousand heartfelt words of love
No distance can keep me away, for my love knows no bounds
Is this what it means to love someone, my dear?
There’s someone I want to call every night
In the silence, I long to kiss your warm lips
Oh my love, I adore you deeply
And with each night, my desire grows stronger
There’s someone I have so much to say to
My heart yearns for you, it burns with passion
I just want you to be the one who understands me
I love you...
...my love, do you feel the same?

13. Poem: I Love You
I LOVE YOU...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
You gave me a trace of your lipstick
Imprinted on my shirt
And now I can't stop thinking of you
The love I built is complete
I invite you to come close
So we can share this passion
Your beauty is like a graceful figure
It makes my heart flutter
My lips ache for your kiss
My soul feels light, my thoughts scattered with longing
I remember the scent of your skin
Your soft cheeks against mine
And my heart melts away
You, my love, are so beautiful
I vow to love you forever
Never fading, never shallow

14. Poem: Eternal Beauty
ETERNAL BEAUTY...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
Indeed, you are incredibly beautiful
And your image lingers in my heart as I call your name
Through the seasons, I dress you in my love
Spring embraces your soft, silky hair
Your cheeks glow like the warmth of the summer sun
Autumn's gaze makes you look like a gentle doe, mesmerized by the setting sun
The cold winds that sweep across the sky
Make your skin as radiant as fresh snow in the rosy light
Oh Spring... Summer... Autumn... Winter
Oh, how you remain beautiful, untouched by time's flow!

15. Poem: When You Are in Love
WHEN IN LOVE...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
Love is when... you feel as if you're young again
With strong desires, yearning for the most ordinary things
Wishing to share dreams with your beloved
How many times I've dreamt through long nights, overwhelmed with joy.
Then you want to change the course of life... longing to meet soon
True love is not uncertain or vague
Happiness is not written in the stars
Thus, we wish to be together forever.
And gently press your lips to mine
Slowly, as we shed our outer layers
A gentle touch warming us from within
To feel the passion soar to its peak...!

16. Poem: Missing My Friend
MISSING... MY FRIEND...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
At thirteen... you and I, sharing the same dream
We both left home early to join the Young Soldiers
While others were still playing, unaware of the world beyond.
There are still scars, reminders of the harsh training
Wounds from the battlefield that didn’t heal quickly
Bruises and scratches from rolling in the dirt
So much blood, sweat, and tears spilled along the way.
Looking back, I’m proud of how we persevered
The cold winter, biting through to our bones
Diving into the pond for a mock night raid
Holding our breath, fighting the biting cold.
The discipline we endured made us courageous
Facing the enemy, never hesitating or doubting
With guns firmly in hand, unafraid of death
Now, we are separated by fate, life and death.
I still remember the day I received the news
My heart ached, and tears flowed uncontrollably
The pain when I saw you, gone too soon
Your duty unfulfilled, your family left behind.
You sacrificed your life in a foreign land
But your commitment to your duty never wavered
"Let my ashes return to my homeland's seas
Even as a spirit, I will continue to serve."
Now, I stand quietly alone by the sea
Remembering you, sending a prayer with a wreath
Let us protect our homeland’s waters together
You will always live on in me and in our nation...!
P.S.: Missing my friend - Captain XUÂN TÙNG
Photo: has been recreated

17. Poem: Sleepless Night
THE SLEEPLESS NIGHT...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
The night is restless, I can't sleep, my mind wanders
Time rushes by like a flood returning home
Just the other day, I stood at the cliff, ready to leave
I took a step away from my homeland, my roots.
With the enthusiasm of a young soldier enlisting
At thirteen, I tasted the hardships of life
Reminding myself to be strong, resilient
Never to falter through the storms of training.
The order came to march, far and through hardship
Carrying the heavy burden of my military gear
My rifle steady in hand, my line intact
My feet bleeding, but I never uttered a word.
Finally, the day came when I stood on the front lines
The whole battalion moved to Hà Giang
The Vị Xuyên region, where the northern invaders wreaked havoc
We gave it all to protect the sacred land.
Before the enemy, we, the soldiers of the army
Swore an oath, willing to shed our blood
To never abandon a single inch of our ancestors' land
And to carry victory for the proud people of Vietnam.
Many brave soldiers gave their lives
They used their blood and bones to write our nation's history
Now, I lie here, burdened with a deep sorrow
Missing my comrades, with tears that burn and sting...!

18. Poem: Love for the Homeland
LOVE FOR THE HOMELAND...!
Poetry by: Phan Trung
Raised in a family with a proud tradition of patriotism
With courage in his heart, he steps forward, leaving
Endless longing, unable to embrace, holding tight
His rifle in hand, love for his country left behind.
Life as a soldier is tough, but without hesitation
Fighting invaders who threaten his homeland
His heart as strong as iron, his will unwavering
Even as chaos sweeps through distant lands.
Determined to win, he rushes into the fray
Breaking the enemy forces who dare defy
His warrior spirit shines through his soul
He is a soldier, a son who shines brightly.
On the day of victory, the flag soars high
Waving in triumph as the cheers fill the air
With accomplishments to celebrate, he returns home
The medal gleams, a constant symbol of honor…!

