A ceremony was held on March 13 in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa to launch construction on a memorial park dedicated to 64 naval soldiers killed during a battle to defend Gac Ma Island in Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago 27 years ago.

The memorial park dedicated to 64 naval soldiers killed during a battle to defend Gac Ma Island in Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago 27 years ago

The battle, which took place on March 14, 1988, is an unforgettable historical event where soldiers laid down their lives to protect the national flag and safeguard the country’s sovereignty of Gac Ma Island, said Dang Ngoc Tung, President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL).

Tung also called for the continuous engagement of officials and labourers nationwide in the programme entitled “A Brick for Gac Ma” that helps build the park.

Covering 2.5 hectares in Cam Hai Dong commune, Cam Lam district, the park includes statues, a museum and trees.

Funding for the park was sourced through donations from labourers across the country through the “Love for Hoang Sa-Truong Sa” programme launched by the VGCL in March last year.

After its scheduled completion next year, the park is expected to become a cultural and tourist site contributing to fostering patriotism among the youth and affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.

Source: VNA