MND’s working mission pays tribute to naval martyrs

Members of the first working mission at the event

More than 34 years ago on March 14, 1988, 64 soldiers laid down their lives while defending Gac Ma (Johnson South), Colin (Johnson North), and Len Dao (Lansdowne) Reefs to protect the national sovereignty and integrity.

The memorial site  covers an area of 4.5 ha. The facilities in the first phase have been completed and open to public since July 2017. One of the highlights of the site is the statue of soldiers holding each other’s hands to form a circle confirming the national sovereignty over the island.

Lt. Gen. Phung Si Tan offering incense in commemoration of the fallen

The memorial site is considered a “red address” to educate present generation about the revolutionary tradition and willpower of the Vietnamese naval troops who are willing to sacrifice themselves to firmly protect the sacred sovereignty over sea and islands.

At the event, the visiting mission laid wreath, offered incense, and observed a minute's silence in remembrance of 64 soldiers who laid down their lives in Truong Sa (Spratly) waters.

Visiting mission paying tribute to fallen soldiers at the memorial site

After the respect paying ceremony, the mission offered incense at the symbolic tombs of the fallen soldiers who devoted their youth to the national defense cause.

Translated by Tran Hoai