A requiem to pray for Vietnamese soldiers, who died during a battle to defend Gac Ma island in Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago 29 years ago, was held in Phung Nguyen pagoda in Seoul, the Republic of Korea (RoK) on April 9^th.

The ceremony was organised by the Buddhist association of Phap Mon Vietnam pagoda in the RoK in cooperation with the Vietnamese Students Association, the Vietnam cultural centre in the country and the fund for Vietnam’s sea and island sovereignty.

At the requiem. (Source: VNA)

Speaking at the event, nun Thich Nu Gioi Tanh expressed gratitude towards soldiers who fought to protect national sea and island sovereignty, stressing that Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa archipelagoes are integral parts of the country.

Participants recalled the battle and sacrifices of the soldiers killed in action at Gac Ma (Johnson South) Reef in Vietnam’s Truong Sa archipelago on March 14^th, 1988. They offered incense to pray for the heroes.

In the framework of the event, an exhibition was arranged, introducing ancient documents affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes, and photos related to China’s illegal actions.

Delegates and participants visit Vietnam’s Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagoes exhibition. (Source: VNA)

The requiem and photo exhibition promoted solidarity among Vietnamese communities in the RoK and helped RoK friends understand more about historical evidence affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over the archipelagoes.

From early March, commemorations for Vietnamese martyrs have been held by Overseas Vietnamese in several countries as a way to help their next generations to learn more about the homeland’s history, seas and island sovereignty and national protection.

The construction of a memorial site dedicated to 64 navy soldiers who laid down their lives while protecting Gac Ma Island is scheduled for inauguration on July 27^th (War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day)./.

VNF/VNA