Over 500 veterans who joined the battle to defend Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago met in a gathering in Tuy Hoa city, the central province of Phu Yen, on March 14 on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the Gac Ma naval fight. 

Veterans offer incense in the gathering

It was the 12th consecutive year that the Liaison Board of Truong Sa soldiers held the meeting, with veterans from Hai Phong, Quang Nam, Da Nang, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Binh Dinh and Ninh Thuan taking part. 

They recalled their past memories and sang songs about seas, Truong Sa and the glorious history of the nation. 

The board took the occasion to present over 20 gifts to poor families of Truong Sa soldiers. 

The Navy High Command also presented the badge “Truong Sa soldier” to 22 veterans who defended the archipelago. 

Huynh Van Thong, head of the board, said organisers will strive to maintain the annual gathering, thus educating later generations about sacrifices by predecessors.-VNA