Special flag salute ceremony on Spratly island district
A national flag salute ceremony was recently held on the Truong Sa (Spratly) island district in the presence of 44 Vietnamese expatriates from 22 countries and territories, during their trip to the fatherland from April 18 to 23.
Truong Sa is one of Vietnam’s groups of islands in the East Sea. It was liberated on April 29, 1975.
This is the 10th time the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Navy Command have organized the Truong Sa trip for Vietnamese expatriates from across the globe.
More than 500 Vietnamese expatriates have visited Truong Sa island and DK1 platform to inquire into the living conditions of soldiers and islanders there since 2012, according to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu.
The organization of such trips is to affirm Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Truong Sa archipelago.
The trips present an opportunity for the expatriates from across the globe to learn about the living conditions of soldiers and islanders, contributing to strengthening national unity and harmony, as well as to defending national sovereignty over seas and islands, says Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu.
Despite living far from home, Vietnamese expatriates abroad turn their hearts to the fatherland.
They have launched campaigns in support of the fight to protect national sovereignty over seas and islands at home.
They always show gratitude to officers and soldiers who had laid down their lives to defend national sovereignty over seas and islands.
They deeply appreciate the great merits of the People’s Army and the Vietnam People’s Navy in liberating, protecting and developing the island systems for the sake of the fatherland’s sovereignty.
During the trips to Truong Sa, Vietnamese expatriates make practical contributions, helping islanders partly surmount difficulties and challenges.
This year, they have raised nearly VND1.3 billion in support of soldiers and people living on the islands.