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A sacred minute of silence on the deck of Coast Guard ship CSB 8004 |
The burning incense, floral wreaths, and a sacred minute of silence expressed deep gratitude of officers, soldiers, and people to those who devoted their lives to the national sea and islands.
The memorial service was co-organized by the Coast Guard Region 1 Command and a working delegation from various localities aboard Coast Guard ship CSB 8004 (anchored near Point 11 in the Gulf of Tonkin). This was an occasion to pay tribute to heroic martyrs who bravely fought and sacrificed their lives, as well as fishermen who unfortunately died at sea.
In a sacred atmosphere, officers, soldiers, and delegates respectfully faced the memorial altar. A floral wreath bearing words of gratitude was carefully offered to the spirits of the deceased.
Major General Tran Van Hau, Political Commissar of the Coast Guard Region 1 Command, and Head of the working delegation, respectfully offered incense to commence the ceremony. Following him, numerous officers, soldiers, and delegates from provinces, cities, and accompanying agencies took turns offering incense in deep emotion.
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Offering incense in memory of the deceased |
The oration resonated as a tribute from the mainland to the resilient officers and soldiers who fell for the national sea and island sovereignty, and fishermen who clung to the sea year-round but unluckily encountered accidents. They permanently left their youth and unfinished dreams to the sea.
During the sacred minute of silence, military personnel on the deck strictly stood at attention in tribute. Many red eyes looked toward the distant sea.
Amidst the long blast of the memorial ship horn, the floral wreath and altar were released into the sea with the utmost reverence of the entire delegation. The flower petals drifting with waves served as a silent farewell to souls of martyrs and fishermen.
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A floral wreath of gratitude released into the sea |
The ceremony was not only a highly humane tribute, but also a reminder of the sacred value of the Fatherland’s sea and island sovereignty. Thereby, it continued to forge patriotism and responsibility of today’s generation in the cause of protecting sacred waters.
Translated by Song Anh