BERLIN The liaison board of the “For Vietnam’s Seas and Islands” network in Europe on Sunday held an award ceremony in Berlin for the “For the Homeland’s Seas and Islands” writing and painting contest.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Vũ Quang Minh presents a certificate of merit and flowers to Bùi Thị Thu Minh, head of the Vietnamese Liaison Committee in Europe “For Việt Nam’s Seas and Islands”, President of the Trường Sa Club in Germany. VNA/VNS Photos |
Over five months, the contest received enthusiastic participation, especially from overseas Vietnamese who had visited Trường Sa on homeland sea border trips. Submissions included poems, essays, and paintings expressing love for the seas and islands and deep admiration for the dedication of naval officers protecting Vietnam’s maritime sovereignty.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Vũ Quang Minh (first left) and three first-prize winners of the “For the Homeland’s Seas and Islands” writing and painting contest. |
At the June 29 ceremony, three first prizes worth 500 euros (US$590) each were awarded to 17-year-old Đỗ Khánh Linh from Israel for her essay Grandpa’s Suitcase; Phạm Tuấn Anh from Poland for his poem Island Soldiers; and Nguyễn Duy Đạt from France for his painting Vietnam’s Seas and Islands. Đạt’s artwork was later auctioned, with proceeds donated to the Trường Sa Gratitude Fund to support the families of naval officers and soldiers.
Bùi Thị Thu Minh, head of the liaison board and president of the Trường Sa Club in Germany, shared that promotion of the contest involved both online and in-person activities, including community events, school engagements, and social media campaigns. While the number of submissions was modest, the quality and heartfelt messages of the entries far exceeded expectations.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Vũ Quang Minh congratulated the winners and praised the contest as a meaningful cultural initiative, especially during the 50th anniversary of Việt Nam-Germany diplomatic relations. He emphasised the contest’s role in fostering patriotism and a sense of responsibility among young overseas Vietnamese. VNA/VNS
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