Memorial services for 64 Vietnamese soldiers who fought to protect Gac Ma Island (Johnson South Reef), part of the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago, on March 14, 1988 were held in many localities across the country.

In the central city of Da Nang, war veterans who used to work on the Truong Sa Archipelago, officials, soldiers whose comrades were sacrificed in the battle to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and local people gathered at the Region II Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (Da Nang MRCC)’s quay on March 14 to burn incense and pay homage to the fallen soldiers.

Mother of soldier Tran Van Thuong who laid down his life in the Gac Ma battle offering incense in commemoration of the fallen soldiers at a ceremony in Quang Binh province

“These days remind us of the soldiers, the comrades who sacrificed and devoted their youth to protect our nation’s sea and islands”, former Party secretary and Second in Command of Regiment 83 (now Brigade 83 of the Vietnam People’s Navy), Hoang Van Hoan, said.

A large wreath of fresh flowers bearing the words “Forever remember martyrs who sacrificed their life at Gac Ma Island – Truong Sa on March 14, 1988” and lanterns were also released on the blue sea to commemorate the soldiers.

In the central province of Phu Yen, nearly 400 war veterans who used to be stationed in Truong Sa met at a gathering to remember their fallen comrades.

Source: VNA