During our working trip to Battalion 3, Regiment 1, Division 324, we were surprised by the green shaded scene. In the middle of the campus of Companies 9, 10, 11, 12, rows of Thai jackfruit trees over 3m high had spread their green canopies, each jackfruit was plump and golden in the early morning sun. Under the red soil, the soldiers' sweat soaked into each tree, now returning with the sweet fragrance of ripe fruit. The barracks space thus became close and warm, like a peaceful countryside garden right in the heart of the unit.

Major Trinh Van Nam, Battalion Commander of Battalion 3, excitedly said: “Responding to the greening movement launched by the Division Party Committee, the Battalion has planted more than 350 Thai jackfruit trees. After nearly 5 years, the trees have produced quality fruit, reaching more than 1,750 fruits per year, both supplementing the food source and contributing to creating a green, clean, and beautiful landscape for the barracks.”

The joy of officers and soldiers of Battalion 3, Regiment 1, Division 324 at the greening results of the barracks.

What impressed us was not only the heavy fruit clusters but also the care the soldiers paid to each tree. From the day the seeds were planted, the soldiers were assigned to take turns watering, fertilizing, weeding, and mounding the roots. These seemingly small tasks were associated with diligence, discipline, and team spirit.

Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Viet Trung, Political Commissar of Company 12, shared: “Jackfruit trees provide shade, sweet fruit, and help make the space greener. Under the trees, soldiers can sit and rest after stressful training hours. The cool air not only dispels fatigue but also helps officers and soldiers bond more, considering the unit as a common home.”

In fact, the fruit tree planting movement in the agencies and units of Division 324 has created a positive effect. Not only improving the material life, Thai jackfruit also contributes to enriching the spiritual life of soldiers. Each harvest, soldiers have more food sources and feel proud of the fruits of their labor.

Walking along the companies, it is easy to come across "soldier garden corners" full of vitality. Company 9 has straight rows of jackfruit trees along the path, green like a natural wall. Company 10 cleverly combines intercropping flowers and ornamental plants, turning the unit yard into a colorful campus. Companies 11 and 12 also built small gardens, with both fruit trees and grass carpets, creating a harmonious, vibrant natural picture. Those rows of trees not only provide shade but also arouse pride in each soldier, because it is their own hands that have made the barracks more regular, green, clean, and beautiful.

Sharing the "real-life experiences" of Regiment 1 with Colonel Nguyen Huy Long, Party Secretary and Political Commissar of Division 324, we understand more clearly the effectiveness of the movement. "Thanks to proactive selection of varieties and careful care, after nearly 5 years, Thai jackfruit has produced a stable harvest. Ripe fruit is a favorite dish of soldiers, green fruit is pickled with pickled mustard greens - a rustic dish, contributing to improving daily meals. This is a creative and practical way of doing things in stressful training conditions with limited time. The fruit tree planting movement, including Thai jackfruit, has become a cultural beauty, both increasing production and building a friendly living environment," Colonel Nguyen Huy Long shared.

Not only does the movement contribute to raising awareness of environmental protection, it also inspires a love of work in each soldier. By taking care of trees, officers and soldiers form a habit of attachment, considering the barracks as a second home.

After days of intense and urgent training, practice, and rehearsal, officers and soldiers of Division 324 still took advantage of every break to take care of trees, prune branches, and cultivate roots. Their hands, calloused by guns and the training ground, are now soft when they caress each young shoot. That image depicts the image of a soldier in peacetime, who is both steady in his gun, good at production labor, and knows how to create and preserve a clean living environment.

Walking in the barracks of the agencies and units of Division 324 today, we easily feel the new vitality that is overflowing. The rows of jackfruit trees, full of fruit, bunches of ripe yellow bananas... are not only a source of food but also a symbol of the spirit of overcoming difficulties, perseverance and creativity of the soldiers. Saying goodbye to the officers and soldiers of Division 324 in the golden sunlight, we heard the rustling sound of leaves as if telling a beautiful story about solidarity, diligence and faith. I thought to myself, from these green jackfruit trees, the barracks are not only a place for training and coaching but also become a green roof - a place to cultivate hope and close-knit solidarity of the soldiers of Division 324.

Article and photos: HONG KHANH CHI

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/nhung-mua-qua-ngot-tu-phong-trao-xanh-hoa-doanh-trai-847476