At the requiem, candles are arranged into the shape of Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

The event was attended by representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy in Poland Buddhist followers and overseas Vietnamese in the country. A representative of the organising board recalled the Gac Ma battle on March 14, 1988, and underlined the significance of the requiem in commemoration of soldiers and compatriots, especially the 64 combatants who laid down their lives to protect the country’s sovereignty in the East Sea. The participants observed rituals to pray for the souls of fallen soldiers and offered incense and flowers in tribute to the deceased.

The authorities of Khanh Hoa province and representatives from the local armed forces and other organizations offered incense at the monument dedicated to Gac Ma soldiers built in Cam Lam district, to show their gratitude to the heroes who bravely defended Vietnam’s sacred sea and island sovereignty.

On Tuesday, the Truong Sa Soldiers Liaison Board in Da Nang held a requiem, where  war veterans, martyrs’ family members, Buddhist followers, and local residents burned incense and prayed for the 64 Vietnamese combatants. As part of the requiem, an art performance was held, sharing stories honoring the fallen soldiers.