Overseas Vietnamese in France Recall Visits to Truong Sa Archipelago in Gathering

According to VNA counterparts in France, within the framework of activities heading to Truong Sa (Spratly) in Paris, following the success of a scientific workshop on the East Sea and Vietnam’s sovereignty issues, the event was held by Overseas Vietnamese (OVs) who had visited Truong Sa and the DK1 platform.

At the music show (Photo: VNA)

The gathering is initiated by the Liaison Department for Vietnamese in Europe for the Sea and Islands of Vietnam. OVs from different European countries but having the same emotions when recalling their trip to Truong Sa and watching films about the beloved seas and islands of the Fatherland.

Also on this occasion, Vietnam's sea-island-loving clubs in many countries announced activities that have been done to support soldiers and people in Truong Sa island district.

Cao Hong Vinh, Head of the Liaison Department for Vietnamese in Europe for the Sea and Islands of Vietnam, said the activities toward Truong Sa during this period include workshops, exhibitions, and meetings among OVs who visited Truong Sa Archipelago. The purpose of those activities is to give the Vietnamese community in Europe and international friends a better understanding and a clearer view of the lives and courageous spirit of the soldiers working in Truong Sa Archipelago to protect every inch of Vietnam's sacred land.

At the exhibition (Photo: VNA)

La Duc Chung, an overseas Vietnamese in Poland, shared that although he had known Truong Sa for a long time, it was only in 2016 that he had a chance to come there. After returning he understood how sacred Truong Sa is and since then, he has participated in all activities towards Truong Sa.

Bui Thi Thu Minh, President of Truong Sa Club in Germany, said that she had founded this club right after her visit to Truong Sa in 2016. "I think everyone who comes back from Truong Sa has the same feelings as me, want to devote to contributing to helping reduce the hardships and sacrifices of the soldiers and people who have lived on the island,” said Minh.

Minh also affirmed that these trips had connected overseas Vietnamese from many countries, and urged them to join hands to support Truong Sa. The establishment of the European Sea and Island Liaison Department is also the result of the group's trip a year ago.

The scientific workshop named: "East Sea and Sovereignty of Vietnam" held on June 10 in Paris is also the enthusiasm of the Department. According to Minh, if the previous generation often follows the traditional form of support such as donating money to help the soldiers and people in Truong Sa, the youth have the idea to organize workshops.

"This is a great idea because it helps us fulfill the goal of connecting, spreading, and acting with Truong Sa," she shared and expressed her hope to organize this forum every year in different countries to spread the information to international friends.

These trips also inspired many overseas Vietnamese in France to write books, especially the book "Homeland Sea and Island" by Nguyen Thanh Tong, or paintings, poems, and songs about Truong Sa by writer Tran Thu Dung.

Mai Phan Dung, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, said the committee has organized about 10 trips to Truong Sa and the DK1 platform, with the participation of over 500 OVs from 40 countries.

OVs watch a film about Truong Sa (Photo: VNA)

He said the OVs have made great contributions to the construction of facilities on the islands over the past years, helping improve the lives of soldiers and residents at the forefront. These contributions have amounted to billions of VND, adding that more similar trips will be held to boost bonds between people at home and OVs and between OVs and their love for the homeland.

On this occasion, a collection of traditional Vietnamese dresses, designed by Ngoc Han, was also introduced at a music show. An exhibition of photos and artifacts about Truong Sa and Hoang Sa (Paracel) will be open until June 17 at the Vietnam Cultural Centre in France.

In particular, a painting of Truong Sa by artist Nguyen Tuan Dat was auctioned. He donated all 500 EUR (536 USD) to the organizing board to support Truong Sa.

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