The soldiers who defended Truong Sa in 1988. Photo: Vietnamnet

(VOVworld)- A requiem for Vietnamese soldiers who died during a battle to defend Gac Ma Island in Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago on March 14, 1988, was organized in the Truc Lam Zen Monastery on the outskirts of Paris on Sunday. Monk Thich Phuoc Duong recalled the sacrifices of the 64 Vietnamese naval solders who laid down their lives to protect national maritime sovereignty. He said that the requiem is held annually to honor the sacrifices and to pray for peace and happiness for the nation and people.  This year’s event was attended by all monks and nuns of the Zen monastery and more than 200 people including Vietnamese, French, Vietnamese French and Lao French in Paris and nearby areas.