Truong Sa soldiers eager for a joyful Tet View more pictures Military officials and soldiers visit a pagoda and monks on Truong Sa Lon Island on Feb 9, 2013. Photo: Tuoi Tre Inhabitants of Truong Sa Lon Island on Truong Sa (Spratly) island district in Khanh Hoa central coastal province are eagerly preparing to usher in the Year of the Snake. On the early morning of February 9 (29th day of the last lunar month), well-dressed local people and soldiers on the island paid tribute to heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect national sovereignty. Currently raising 80 pigs on the island, the soldiers and residents have just received Tet gifts from the mainland such as ingredients used to make banh tet (cylindric glutinous rice cake), fruits, and apricot trees among other Tet specialties. Tet celebrations on the island will also include sports events, music shows, and folk games. Though the soldiers much look forward to a sweet Tet, they always stay prepared for combat in any situation. Below are some photos by Venerable Thich Ngo Thanh of Truong Sa Lon pagoda on Truong Sa Lon Island:  1. Authorities on Truong Sa Lon Island says Chuc Mung Nam Moi (Happy Near Year) to local residents on Feb 9, 2013. Photo by Tuoi Tre 2. Military officials and soldiers visit a pagoda and monks on Truong Sa Lon Island on Feb 9, 2013. Photo by Tuoi Tre 3. A war memorial temple on Truong Sa Lon Island on Feb 9, 2013. Photo by Tuoi Tre 4. Soldiers offer flowers to pay tribute to heroic martyrs on Feb 9, 2013. Photo by Tuoi Tre 5. Fishermen on Truong Sa Lon Island make banh tet (cylindric glutinous rice cake) on Feb 9, 2013. Photo by Tuoi Tre 6. A music show celebrating the Year of the Snake on Feb 9, 2013. Photo by Tuoi Tre 7. An ancestral altar during Tet on Truong Sa Lon Island. Photo by Tuoi Tre TuoitreNews