VietNamNet Bridge – Pictures of new soldiers in Truong Sa Archipelago (Spratly Islands) by a female journalist wins the second prize (no first prize) for photo reportage category at the National Press Award 2011.

Awards give recognition to journalists 

“Truong Sa Vitality” photo reportage was taken by Vietnam News Agency’s Phuong Hoa, 28, in January 2010. Hoa was the only woman in the working group to Truong Sa at that time.

Truong Sa Vitality:

Yellow apricot branches follow new soldiers to Truong Sa.

Recruits wave their hands to their families and friends before leaving the mainland to Truong Sa.

A working group moves from the big ship to a canoe to go to an island in Truong Sa archipelago.

Naval soldiers on Nam Yet Island with goods and gifts from the mainland.

Soldiers on Son Ca Island make banh chung (square glutinous rice cake) to

welcome the lunar New Year Festival.

Soldiers burn incense for martyrs before leaving the island.

The early morning on Da Lon Island.

Soldiers on Da Lon Island take care of their vegetables.

Soldiers while drilling.

Lieutenant-colonel Ngo Duy Do, Chairman of Song Tu Tay island commune,

and Ho Song Tat Minh, the first baby was born on Song Tu Tay Island.

PV