NightNew Year EveWhile the city streets are brightly lit and people gather around the New Year's Eve dinner table, in Yen Son commune, Son La province, the footsteps of patrolmen remain silently imprinted on the dew-covered ground.

Officers and soldiers of Chiềng On Border Guard Post enter the new year in a state of readiness for combat.

At 10:30 PM, fog blanketed the trails along the border. The walkie-talkie crackled, and flashlight beams swept across the dark mountain slopes.

Officers and soldiers of Chiềng On Border Guard Post prepare for New Year's Eve patrol. Photo: Mai Cảnh.

Here, New Year's Eve isn't counted by shouts of joy, but by the footsteps of patrols, by the meticulous examination of every trace.

Lieutenant Mua A Phu - the commander of the armed team - pulled up his collar, his eyes fixed on the binoculars: "New Year's Eve is usually more sensitive than other days. Just one moment of carelessness, and all efforts to maintain peace could be affected."

According to Lieutenant Colonel Mai Thế Cảnh, Deputy Political Officer of the Chiềng On Border Guard Station, Sơn La Provincial Border Guard Command manages a 274 km stretch of border, adjacent to the provinces of Hủa Phăn and Luông Pha Bang (Laos). The rugged terrain and numerous trails and openings mean that during the Tet holiday, there is always a potential risk of law violations.

Activities celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year) and enjoying the spring festivities at the unit. Photo: Mai Canh

“The Provincial Border Guard Command has directed units to develop specific Tet holiday duty plans. Checkpoints and task forces take turns patrolling and maintaining a firm grasp of the area, ensuring security and order before, during, and after Tet. The number of personnel on duty is strictly maintained, ready to handle any situation,” Lieutenant Colonel Canh stated.

Among the officers on New Year's Eve duty was Corporal Quang Quang Thai, a young man of the Thai ethnic group from Chieng An ward. This was his first year celebrating Tet away from his family since enlisting in the army.

At midnight, as the faint sound of fireworks echoed from afar, Thai fell silent for a few seconds.

"At home right now, Mom is probably setting up the altar for the New Year's Eve ceremony. Every year, I get to stand next to Dad and light the incense," the young recruit said.

Thai New Year celebrations are typically associated with a blazing fire and a steaming pot of sticky rice cakes. This year, the fire is still warm, only missing the son who is on duty.

Even though I was far from home, New Year's Eve was still warm and cozy. Photo: Mai Canh

"When I received the New Year's Eve duty roster, I felt a pang of sadness. But thinking that I'm standing here so that the people in the village can celebrate Tet peacefully, I feel much more proud," Thai shared.

As the new year approached, he took the opportunity to call home. The signal was intermittent in the high mountains, but his mother's voice was still clear: "Just focus on your mission."

In addition to maintaining full troop strength, the unit also takes care of the spiritual well-being of its officers and soldiers.

In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the barracks grounds are bustling with activity as people wrap banh chung (traditional rice cakes), prepare the five-fruit offering, and decorate their living quarters.

"During Tet at the outpost, we also organize activities for the soldiers to make banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes), prepare a tray of five fruits, and participate in cultural and sports activities. We try to replicate what it's like at home so that the soldiers feel warm and cozy," Lieutenant Colonel Canh shared.

In addition, officers and soldiers coordinated with local authorities to help villagers clean village roads and cultural centers, and organized cultural and sports exchanges, fostering a strong bond between the military and civilians amidst the thick fog covering the mountains.

"Defending the border is not just about weapons, but also about close ties with the people. When the people trust and support us, that is the strongest foundation of popular support," Lieutenant Colonel Canh emphasized.

On the morning of the first day of the month, as the sun rose over the distant mountains, the patrol team resumed their journey.

The "Spring Border Guard - Warming the Hearts of the Local People" activities were organized to strengthen the bond between the military and the people. Photo: Mai Canh

The mist gradually dissipated, revealing the border in the early morning sun. Footsteps from the night before stretched long across the damp ground, a testament to a New Year's Eve without fireworks, yet one filled with meaning.

Corporal Quang Quang Thai adjusted his uniform and flashed a radiant smile: "This is my first year away from home, and I miss it a lot. But I believe this will be the most memorable Tet holiday of my military career."

In the northwestern border region, New Year's Eve passed quietly amidst the mountain winds and the rhythm of patrols...